"Try a real antenna"
What constitutes a "real" antenna. Is not an antenna that works constitute "real"? I am sure that the antenna is part of the equation however, if the antenna works for a HT, inside, low power, it should work for a larger radio.
It is possible the antenna is having an adverse affect, but using both a watt meter and antenna analyzer tell me it is working the way it was designed to work.
Thanks for the suggestion.