Need to tune CB antenna

[hotshot]

I just installed a CB and need to tune the antenna (but don't want to spend $50 for the meter).

SO.... does anyone have a SWR Meter they'd let me use for a few minutes?

Or do CB's go out of tune often?  If so I'll just break down and buy a meter.

[Mo Printer]

 I don't have a tuner, but like you, would like to use one.  Maybe we could have a club event where we all could get a tune-up.  It seems like CB communication is always less-than-perfect on our trail runs.

[YJ_Aaron]

A few of us were discussing this the other day.  Seems some one could pony up some cash and help a lot of people out.  Most were willing to at least trade a 6 pack for a tune if a club member bought the meter!

[Mo Printer]

Corona?  I may just need to look into this!

[YJ_Aaron]

Doesn't matter to me.  I know I'm getting tired of having a cb that only works through line of site!

[FlameRed08]

Count me in on the tuning thing... I'm only good for line of site up to three vehicle lengths. 

[JEEPOLANTERN]

Right there with you on that one Aaron, I'd like to be able to understand what everyone is saying.

[YJ_Aaron]

So who's going to ante up and buy one and then LEARN TO USE IT, for the free beer from their fellow wheelers?

[FlameRed08]

If no one has one, I can probably ante up to buy one. Then I just have to figure out how to use it...

[hotshot]

I didn't realize there was that big of a need.  I'll pick one up today at radio shack and donate it to the club.  I think we should have one.

I'll get this one:  http://www.radioshack.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2430635

I saw it in the store yesterday.

[hotshot]

Ok, I bought the meter.  I'll bring it to the next meeting.  If someone wants to use it in the meantime let me know.  Maybe I'll know how it works by then. 

[Big A]

Good job Hotshot!

I have been playing with CB's for years, But have lost or sold all my gear.

Those meters are super easy to use! Did it come with a jumper wire? That is needed also. 3ft RG58 with 2- PL-259 connectors

[hotshot]

Reading the manual and it actually is pretty straightforward, but probably a two person job (one to adjust antenna and one to read meter).

Here are the steps;

• With the CB OFF
• Connect meter's "transmitter" plug to cb antenna plug using connector cable (I got a 2 foot cable for it)
• Connect antenna cable to back of meter's "antenna" plug
• Turn on CB
• Set meter "Function" to CAL
• Select channel most commonly used.  If you use a range of channels select one in the middle of the range
• Hold down transmit key on CB but do not speak into microphone
• Note: On CB do not use SSB mode (if applicable), use only AM for SWR measurements
• On meter rotate "Calibration" dial until the meter needle points to CAL
• Release transmit key on CB
• Set meter "Function" to SWR
• Press transmit key on CB
• Find the SWR by reading the scale on meter
• Adjust antenna until SWR needle is as close to 1 as possible.  Go slowly; a change of as little as 1/8 inch can make a measurable difference
• That's it

Here's how you interpret the readings:

SWR	Efficiency	Interpretation
1.0 to 1.5	Excellent	The antenna cable and the antenna length match the transmitter's output requirements almost perfectly.
1.5 to 2.0	Very good	The antenna, the cable, and the transmitter operate very efficiently.
2.0 to 3.0	Acceptable	The antenna, the cable, and the transmitter operate with some loss.  If possible, adjust your antenna or antenna mounting system to improve.
Above 3.0	Inefficient	Adjust your antenna or antenna mounting system to improve efficiency.

No sweat.

[YJ_Aaron]

Alright new tuneable antenna to order and a 6 pack of (insert favorite cold beverage here) to buy!

[TanYJ]

The most important thing to remember is that you need to own a decent antennae.  One of the little Wally-world magnet ones will never adjust correctly for an 11m radio.  Also, before cutting on your antennae, be sure both the antennae & the CB is hard grounded to the pile. I have a jumper with an alligator clip  going from my black lead on my power cord that i clip on a bare metal part of my dash.  My antennae is mounted to my pile with a s/s plate that is screwed to the tub, for good grounding.  Be sure to use 3' increments of cord (don't ask me why).  They usually come 9', 12', 15', etc. anyway.  Be sure to buy a spring coil for the bottom of any of the hard fiberglass antennas (like the Firestick) or you'll break it the first time you bump it on something.