Hello CRR360:

The problem maybe with the antenna and coax.

Check to see if the coax is wired correctly. Cenetr to center wire, and
outer to outer continuity with a meter. Also make sure the center does
not have continuity to the outer part of the coax connectors.

The antenna your using is also know for NOT being a good performer.

Let us know how the coax checkes out.

Jay in the Mojave

crr360 wrote:
(Newbie alert) I thought what I was doing was straight forward...

I have:
- Midland 4 W 1001Z
- 13.8 DC Power Adaptor
- 45' cable to a Saturn B-100 Antenna on my roof
- I haven't tuned it 'cause I don't know how

On the other node I have a MAXON HCB-10C Portable

AND MY RANGE IS 200-300 FEET!!!

Please, anyone, tell me I'm doing something wrong but simple to fix.

Any help would be appriciated.