Thanks, Doc.

I don't have an antenna analyzer, so I can't check the resonant
freq that way. I was relying on an SWR meter (my shack one).
Nothing at all changes when I adjust the antenna. SWR doesn't
move. I may try to borrow an analyzer from someone to check
that out.

The mount and cable are fine. Just got a new 2m/70cm dual
band antenna to use until I can get the UHV-4 working.
It has a nice SWR of around 1.3 on 2m.

On the UHV-4 antenna, I can't get below an SWR on 2m of
around 5 or 6, even though it's supposed to be ground
independant (1/2 wavelength). I can't adjust the 2m/70cm
at all anyway. It's fixed.

So as you said, there may be something else wrong with the
antenna itself. I may just ship it back to Comet to see what they
can find out. That high an SWR is just wrong on 2m.

But I may try the counterpoise initially, just to find out.

73,
Patrick N3EO

'Doc wrote in message ...
Patrick,
Sorry, tuning the antenna 'off of' the car won't work
(miracles do happen, but don't count on it). The most
likely problem is as you thought, a not so good 'ground',
but maybe not. Does anything you do change the
tuning of the antenna at all? Maybe not get it
to where you want it (freq.), but does change it's resonant
freq?
If not, then there's something else 'going on' besides the
inadequate grounding/counterpoise. Make sure you have
a good connection through the mount, no shorts/opens
except as they should be, etc. And you probably should
do something about the grounding/counterpoise, maybe
clip a wire to the base of the mount as a counterpoise to see
what difference it makes (just lay it on the surface of the
car for now).
The length of the counterpoise isn't that critical, but too long
is 'better' than too short. Changing the location of the
mount is also something you might try.
Good luck...
'Doc