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Most new drivers and Escorts(Pilot Cars) do not know that just buying a CB and antenna from a truck stop is not a very good idea. There is a lot more to it then just buying and using. You have to have them set-up. The CB needs to be tweaked and tuned from a CB shop or someone that really knows about the CBs. You can not just let anyone into your new radio. It needs to be someone that you trust.
Why a CB Radio Has To Be Tuned.
Testing The SWR on Your Antenna.
The SWR check is a critical step that identifies any issues with your antenna or cable before you use the radio. A poorly performing antenna not only reduces transmission range, it creates reflected waves that can overheat and damage the CB radio.
The SWR, or standing wave ratio
How To Tune A CB Antenna With An External SWR Meter.
The standard method for tuning a CB antenna requires an installed radio and antenna, a coax cable, and the SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) meter. While it is possible to tune your CB radio without an SWR meter, using a meter is much easier than tuning it manually. Since SWR meters are affordable and easy to buy, it makes sense to have your own.
Start by choosing a location to do the tuning. For an accurate reading, choose an open area at least 20 feet away from obstructions like buildings, walls, or other vehicles. Be sure to close the windows, doors, and hood of your car; if you have a plastic cap on top of the antenna, make sure it is on each time you take a reading.
1. Connect The SWR Meter
Turn your CB radio off. Disconnect the antenna coax cable from the back of your radio. The SWR meter needs to go between2. Find the SWR Reading 3. Repeat Step Two for Channels 1 and 40
Tune your radio to channel 1, hold the Transmit button down, and repeat the rest of step two. Then do the same for channel 40.
4. Compare SWR Readings and Adjust if Needed
Ideally, you have recorded SWR readings that are close to each other and under 3, with the lowest reading on channel 20. This is your standard wave ratio. Ideally, you should work to reduce it to a 1.5:1 ratio or less for an excellent broadcast signal. Adjustments to your antenna will help to improve the ratio.
As you make small height adjustments, recheck the SWR until the readings are below 3; if possible, keep fine tuning until you reach the ideal readings of 1-1.5 for both all channels.
Can you tune a CB antenna without an SWR Meter?
While it is
Why a CB Radio Has To Be Tuned.
- Increase the signal strength of your communications
- Ensure that transmissions are crisp and understandable
- Reduce interference
- Protect your Radio from damage caused by high SWR readings
Testing The SWR on Your Antenna.
The SWR check is a critical step that identifies any issues with your antenna or cable before you use the radio. A poorly performing antenna not only reduces transmission range, it creates reflected waves that can overheat and damage the CB radio.
What is the SWR and how is it measured?
The SWR, or standing wave ratio
How does an SWR Meter work?
ends of the bandHow To Tune A CB Antenna With An External SWR Meter.
The standard method for tuning a CB antenna requires an installed radio and antenna, a coax cable, and the SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) meter. While it is possible to tune your CB radio without an SWR meter, using a meter is much easier than tuning it manually. Since SWR meters are affordable and easy to buy, it makes sense to have your own.
Start by choosing a location to do the tuning. For an accurate reading, choose an open area at least 20 feet away from obstructions like buildings, walls, or other vehicles. Be sure to close the windows, doors, and hood of your car; if you have a plastic cap on top of the antenna, make sure it is on each time you take a reading.
1. Connect The SWR Meter
Turn your CB radio off. Disconnect the antenna coax cable from the back of your radio. The SWR meter needs to go between2. Find the SWR Reading 3. Repeat Step Two for Channels 1 and 40
Tune your radio to channel 1, hold the Transmit button down, and repeat the rest of step two. Then do the same for channel 40.
4. Compare SWR Readings and Adjust if Needed
Ideally, you have recorded SWR readings that are close to each other and under 3, with the lowest reading on channel 20. This is your standard wave ratio. Ideally, you should work to reduce it to a 1.5:1 ratio or less for an excellent broadcast signal. Adjustments to your antenna will help to improve the ratio.
- If the SWR reading from channel 1 is higher than the one from channel 40, then the antenna is shorter than required.
- If the SWR on channel 40 is higher than on channel 1, your antenna is too long.
- Pulling: Some antennas can be pulled to adjust the length of the antenna.
- Turning: Complicated adjustment: Some antennas require a steel whip to connect with wires inside the antenna; these antennas are typically more complex and require more expertise to adjust.
As you make small height adjustments, recheck the SWR until the readings are below 3; if possible, keep fine tuning until you reach the ideal readings of 1-1.5 for both all channels.
Can you tune a CB antenna without an SWR Meter?
While it is
CB Antenna Tuning Quick Guide.
- Connect and read the SWR meter: Write down the SWR reading on channels 1 and 40. Your goal is to set the antenna to the lowest SWR readings possible; ideally, it should be less than a two on all 40 channels.
- Adjust your antenna: If your SWR reading is higher on channel 40 than on channel 1, lower your antenna. For dual antennas, the process is the same. Adjust both antennas the same amount. If channel 1 is higher than 40, raise your antenna.
- Recheck your SWR:Unplug the SWR meter and set up the CB radio: Once the antenna is tuned, unplug the SWR meter and plug the coaxial cable of the antenna back into the CB radio.
Choose A Quality CB Antenna.