(I'm asking this in the context of a Cobra 29LTD CB, but I think that it also applies to amateur radio in general.)

In SWR mode, the needle swings all the way to the right, hitting the limit. The (mag mount 35" K30) antenna is indoors, grounded to a filing cabinet. I believe it has not been tuned. I have continuity from the center coax to the antenna whip. I don't have continuity between the center and ground from one end, but I can't test the continuity of the entire length of ground because the cable goes straight into the base of the antenna.

It does transmit to an HT that can receive 10 meters, as well as to some cheap speakers across the room. :D

SWR should never be this high, even under bad conditions, right?