I need help with tuning my CB antenna. Any good cb help forums on the web? (Unless you can help)?

Hello. I just painted my truck, and took my old 102" antenna off of the truck. I remounted it to the back of my bed with a 90 degree angle bracket. It is now in the center of the truck, rather than the right corner of the window.
My SWR was at exactly 1 when i set it up the first time, but now, it is standing straight up. I have a galaxy DX 959 radio, and a radioshack stainless steel whip. The antenna isn't tuneable, but the length hasn't changed since i've re-mounted it. I have tried grounding both the antenna ball mount and the actual radio, but the needle doesnt move. The only time it drops is when i unscrew the PL-259 cable, yet leave the male connector inside of the female. If I completely remove the cable, the SWR Warning light comes on. I don't know if this is enough information to possibly ID the problem, but i will try to take some pictures of the setup to be used as an aid. Thanks a lot.

-Brandon M.

It sounds like there might be a short or a break in the coax. Try unhooking the coax and using a mulitmeter to check continuity in the coax. To check that, touch the positive lead on the multimeter to center wire on one end and the negative lead to the center wire on the other end. It should show no resistance there. Next, do the same with the outer connector ends. If that shows no problem, connect the positive lead to the center wire and the negative lead to the outer connector. That should show some resistance. If it doesn't, you have a short in the coax and it needs replaced. Otherwise, might be in your grounding, connectivity to the antenna etc.

Just go by a truck stop and pay the CB tech $15-20 and he'll tune it for optimum performance for you.