Try ignoring the cal function on the meter for a minute and just flip
through all your channels 1-40. At some point in the middle, you should hit
a low. If it's lowest point is on channel 1, your antenna is tuned to a
channel lower than 1. You need to shorten it. Many people will argue how low
it has to be but 1.5:1 or lower should be fine. There is one thing to keep
in mind. You said the antenna is bumper mounted. This can create problems
because alot of the vehicle (the antenna's ground plane) is beside the
antenna instead of under it. This is not to say that you can't get decent
performance with a 4 ft. bumper mounted but it depends on the vehicle and
the antenna. You may want to try a 6 ft. whip later.

Chris



I installed a CB in my Jeep Rubicon for use when my buddies and I go trail
riding. I mounted a *ahem* 48" Radio Shack fiberglass whip on a right
angle
antenna mount directly to the rear bumper. I ran a 20' Radio Shack 50 ohm
cable from the antenna to the transmitter mounted under the seat (Cobra 75
WX ST).
Power is supplied by a 4 ga. wire directly from the battery. I scraped off
paint under one of the seat mounting brackets and bolted the wire to that
to
get a good ground.

The problem I'm having is calibrating the SWR meter. When key and hold
down
the mic, I turn the meter's calibration knob all the way to the right and
the needle is still short of the calibration mark.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Rob Kulp