cb radios

jeffmcgarr · **Posted:** Fri Jan 01, 2010 7:34 pm

hi there

i just bought a cobra 29 ltd bt cb radio, i tuned the antenna so it is on the "cal" mark, but my swr reading on channel 1 is about 2.25 and on channel 40 is almost three. my antenna is a fire stick cut to tune.

what do i do and should i switch to a fire stick II with the mechanical tune option.

cause when i am near someone with another cb radio i can only talk to them when i am about ten feet away, any farther i go i loose them, will this swr reading make that much of a difference??

thanks
jeff

Tyler · **Posted:** Sat Jan 02, 2010 3:47 pm

The antenna should be tuned with the SWR meter.

Quote:

To tune an antenna, use an SWR meter attached between the transmitter and antenna feed-line. Depending on the meter, you can either use a button on the meter to generate a signal on the various channels, or key the microphone on the CB transceiver to generate a signal while you look at the SWR reading. In general, if the SWR never goes above 1.5:1, you're in good shape. If the SWR does go above 1.5:1, then watch the meter on different frequencies to see the trend develop: The SWR will be greater either on the higher channels or the lower. If the SWR is greater on the lower channels, then try gradually lengthening the antenna by moving it in the base. If the SWR is greater on the higher channels, try shortening the antenna.

Source: http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/question490.htm

By the looks of it you probably need to trim your antenna still.

Sideshow · **Posted:** Wed Jan 06, 2010 4:15 pm

Other things can cause funny readings on the SWR too.
Make sure your antenna is grounded properly.
Make sure you're well away from any tall objects while you're testing.
Some 'theories' say that the length of your coax affects your SWR readings.

Rebel88 · **Joined:** Tue Sep 25, 2007 7:52 pm **Posts:** 16

Go out and see Tedd on Highway 97 just off the 401, back in behind the esso..... the guy is a genious when it comes to cbs..... He'll have you up and runnin in no time!

Foxmotorsport · **Posted:** Fri Jan 08, 2010 12:51 pm

Rebel88 wrote:

Go out and see Tedd on Highway 97 just off the 401, back in behind the esso..... the guy is a genious when it comes to cbs..... He'll have you up and runnin in no time!

X2 Tedd is da man!

tjhendy13 · **Posted:** Sat Jan 09, 2010 10:25 am

MONSTER ENERGY · **Posted:** Fri Jan 15, 2010 7:20 pm

Bareass · **Posted:** Sat Feb 20, 2010 10:27 pm

X what ever we're at now,
he did mine and will be doing mine again when i get my new whip!
great job

Baloo · **Posted:** Sat Mar 13, 2010 10:30 am

Hey Brian

Where are you buying the whip antenna, I can't find one anywhere.

Sideshow · **Posted:** Sat Mar 13, 2010 2:31 pm

Baloo wrote:

I can't find one anywhere.

Try Sid in Elmira.
I think his business is called Sid's AutoGlass.
If you do a search on the forum you'll find the info.
Otherwise if you take a drive to Elmira he's on 85 on your way into Elmira on the left hand side.
I've bought a couple of stainless whips from him.

peep · **Posted:** Sat Mar 13, 2010 10:12 pm

an option, 5th wheel truck stops (off 401) have a reasonable selection of cb's and antenna and accessories. check website for monthly specials. go with the previouse recommendations for tuning.

Baloo · **Posted:** Sat Mar 13, 2010 11:32 pm

I'm looking for one of those white ones that are around 10' like Dean's. The truck stops don't seem to have the long ones.

MONSTER ENERGY · **Posted:** Sun Mar 14, 2010 11:06 pm

Where do you guys put your steel whips are they magnetic basses. I have a 4' fiberglass one that I got from Ted and since I have a yj and the spare tire stop mounted it there

Baloo · **Posted:** Mon Mar 15, 2010 5:59 am

Mine is mounted to my tire carrier, Come out to a meeting a take a look at some of the other jeeps.

You can also put it on your bumper.

MONSTER ENERGY · **Posted:** Wed Mar 17, 2010 7:56 pm

yea i have a tube bumper and i used to have a 3'steel whip on the hitch but i couldnt open my door. so i just got a fiberglass one and put it on my spare tire stop and i like it there.

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