VFH connection

[hitthebricks]

My Radio tested good, and I replaced the 8ft. antenna, but the signal still is not strong.I have soldered the center wire at the tip of the connection, but do I need to solder the outer wire sheild

[Gissert]

The braided shield needs to have a good solid connection. I am guessing that you are using a PL-259 connector to connect the coax to the radio. It would not hurt at all to solder the braid once you have it clamped. Just be sure that that there is no shield to center conductor short prior to attaching your radio.

Perhaps you have a bad coax between the radio and the antenna. Look to make sure it is not kinked or pinched anywhere.

Have you had the anntenna SWR checked with the radio in place?

[hitthebricks]

What is the SWR

[Gissert]

SWR - Standing Wave Ratio.

It is a measure of how efficient your antenna/cable system is. You can get a meter to check it a Radio Shack, or some FM'er in your area may be able to help you out. Truck stops with CB repair may also be a good place to get it checked out.

If your coax has kinks or pinches in it, it is similar to pinching a garden hose. This will cause transmit power to be reflected back toward your radio, and it just kills efficiency. Get the reflected power high enough, and it can damage the transmitter section.

Are you having problems receiving, or transmitting?