Procedure for Setting CB Antennas
Once a CB antenna has been installed, the next step is to check and, if necessary, adjust the standing wave ratio (SWR). This procedure requires nothing more than your installed radio, antenna, and a SWR meter. The ultimate goal of this process is to end up with a SWR of less than 2:1 on all channels. We suggest setting the SWR on both channels 1 and 40.
Turn CB off and disconnect the antenna coax cable from the back of it.
Connect the end of you antenna coax to the SWR meter where it indicates "antenna"
Connect the short coax cable coming from the transmitter position on the SWR meter to the back of the CB.
Close the hood and doors on your vehicle.
Turn on the CB.
Set the CB to Channel 1.
Set the SWR meter to the FWD position.
Key microphone and turn knob until the SWR meter indicates the "set" position. Un-key microphone.
Flip SWR meter to the Reflect position.
Key microphone and look at the reading on the SWR meter. The lower the reading, the better. If the meter shows in red DO NOT operate CB. Re-check your connections.
Turn CB to channel 40. Follow instructions 7-10 again.
Adjusting your antenna (matching the 40 channel bandwidth).
If the reading on channel 1 is higher than the reading on channel 40, you need to lengthen your antenna. Alternately, if the reading on 40 is higher, your antenna is too long.
For example, if your reading is 1.3 on channel 1 and 2.1 on channel 40 you need to trim down the tip, turn adjusting ring, or pull out wire a small amount, cut it, and tuck it back against the coil.
If your reading is 2.7 on channel 1 and 1.5 on channel 40 your antenna is too short. the only solution is to add a spring, raise the antenna, or reposition it.
If any adjustments are needed, they should be made in small increments. Re-check after each adjustment. Be sure to have all components on the antenna when testing, including the tip if there is one.
Re-connect the antenna after adjustment.
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Procedure for Setting CB Antennas
Started by
The Architect
, Jan 18 2010 10:08 PM
12 replies to this topic
#1
The Architect
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- Junior Member
- 36800 posts
The Sysop
- LocationSuffolk
Posted January 18 2010 - 10:08 PM
- K Williams likes this
#2
Starman
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- Established Member
- 3076 posts
APPLESEED RIFLEMAN NRA LIFE-ENDOWMENT MEMBER
- Location: Huntington Station
Posted January 18 2010 - 10:18 PM
OMG That brings back memories. It was 35 years ago that I did that last.
- rcpilot likes this
#4
luke5688
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- Junior Member
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- 12 posts
Member
- LocationSuffolk
Posted March 31 2014 - 01:57 PM
Any body want to sell there swr meter or help me set up a few CB's later this week?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
#5
CommonSense
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- Club LIF Member
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- 3778 posts
Gun Guru
- LocationSouth Shore Nassau
Posted March 31 2014 - 01:59 PM
Darn..I might still have one, .if it wasn't eaten by Sandy. I will look in my garage laterAny body want to sell there swr meter or help me set up a few CB's later this week?
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#6
CommonSense
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- Club LIF Member
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- 3778 posts
Gun Guru
- LocationSouth Shore Nassau
Posted March 31 2014 - 02:00 PM
Yep.. I had a big stick up on my roof and it was toasted by lightening less than a month later.OMG That brings back memories. It was 35 years ago that I did that last.
#7
luke5688
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- Junior Member
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- 12 posts
Member
- LocationSuffolk
Posted March 31 2014 - 02:35 PM
Stopped in this place on sunrise and guys were great, I'm a novice and they were friendly and helpful! Highly recommend!
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- MasonEtAl likes this
#8
NiteOwl
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- Established Member
- 2426 posts
Jackbooted Thug
- LocationPlainview, NY
Posted April 01 2014 - 08:07 AM
I have no idea where my SWR meter is, it may be still stored in my Mom's garage somewhere...
#9
DILLIGAS
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- Donated Member
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- 629 posts
Gun Guru
- LocationSmithtown, NY
Posted April 17 2014 - 03:28 PM
I don't know if you have got it worked out yet but I can help you set the rig up. PM me if you still need help, I've already helped one member already.Any body want to sell there swr meter or help me set up a few CB's later this week?
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#10
mickeyblueyes
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- Established Member + Classifieds
- 3599 posts
Listen up,I don't dial 911.
- LocationMany miles from Uranis
Posted April 17 2014 - 03:50 PM
Stopped in this place on sunrise and guys were great, I'm a novice and they were friendly and helpful! Highly recommend!
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What town is this Sunrise runs 120 miles.
#11
Fastphil
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- Banned
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- 0 posts
Banned
Posted April 17 2014 - 05:21 PM
Or you can call the number on the door. Hint, it's in Suffolk
- heartlessmcfly and lichris like this
#12
PandM
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- Club LIF Member
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- 10857 posts
moved to greener pastures
Posted April 17 2014 - 05:59 PM
I have a SWR meter available for loan. Of course I have to wade through the amazing pile of crud in the cave, but it's there.
#13
Genghis Khan
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- Established Member
- 3841 posts
Unappreciated while still alive
Posted April 17 2014 - 06:40 PM
I don't know if you have got it worked out yet but I can help you set the rig up. PM me if you still need help, I've already helped one member already.
I would be the member he helped. DILLIGAS was extremely helpful.
So, I was asking for radio checks and getting nothing. A guy from my sword class noticed I had a CB and we tried connecting but he couldn't hear me. Turned out that I had my mic gain turned down all the way. Once i turned it up, we were able to talk.
I may need to try another radio check with the architect.
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