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CB Antenna tuning

  1. Guest former user
    #118 Jun 2013, 10:00 PM

    Does anyone have an SWR meter for tuning a CB antenna? I just purchased a 4' tunable tip firestick, and realized I don't have the equipment, or knowledge to tune it!

  2. huck271 Subscriber
    #218 Jun 2013, 10:09 PM

    Taje it to the 49er truck stop. They have a CB shop in the back. $10 and done by a pro.



    Huck

  3. BKGM Jeepers President Joined: June 2003
    #318 Jun 2013, 11:03 PM

    I thought that shop closed? How recently we're you there? If its recent, ill run back down there for a check up!

    Kathleen and Brad
  4. Specialsoundman Member Joined: January 2013
    #419 Jun 2013, 5:41 AM

    I have one that you can use

    David and Lori
  5. Guest former user
    #519 Jun 2013, 6:14 AM

    If you don't get hooked up with David, then see this thread as it talks about the 49r shop being closed and a shop you can use in Fair Oaks area. I've sent quite a few people from here there with good reports still.



    viewtopic.php?f=31&t=4638&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=30

  6. Specialsoundman Member Joined: January 2013
    #619 Jun 2013, 8:49 AM

    The CB shop I use is:

    Cb Headquarters

    3435 Mission Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608



    http://www.cbhq.co

    This is from their web site:



    How to tune your CB radio antenna

    The SWR meter is for measuring your antenna match. It doesn’t tune the antenna; you have to do that by hand at the antenna.

    Measuring your antenna match is pretty simple.

    • Install the SWR meter between the CB radio and the antenna. The jumper connects the the transmitter port of the SWR meter and the CB radio antenna port.

    • Connect the antenna to the antenna port on the SWR meter.

    • Go to Channel 1 on the CB radio. Select the “Cal” position on the SWR meter and transmit.

    Adjust the SWR meter needle so it is at the right end of the scale (at the “CAL” or “SET”) reading.

    • Now switch the SWR meter to the “SWR” position and read the SWR measurement.

    • Go to Channel 40 on the CB radio and perform the same measurement again.

    • Use the guide below to determine if the antenna should be longer or shorter.

    Guide

    If Channel 1 measures higher then Channel 40 then make your antenna longer

    If Channel 40 measures higher then Channel 1 then make your antenna shorter

    *If channel 1 thru 40 is pegged in the red; you have a problem with the antenna system. Some reasons are:

    • Shorted coaxial cable

    • Shorted antenna mount

    • No or poor Ground Plane

    • Broken antenna

    David and Lori
  7. Guest former user
    #719 Jun 2013, 11:11 AM

    I have a really old meter that has always worked fine. Not sure that helps much since it's in Grass Valley but it's pretty easy to do by yourself - I doubt you need a professional.

  8. Guest former user
    #819 Jun 2013, 11:58 AM

    That link refers to CB HQ that I mentioned. Bender also mentions his SWR too! hahahha

  9. JohnDF Subscriber
    #919 Jun 2013, 1:37 PM

    I miss Chicken Lips 🙁

    I used to wheel a lot. . .
  10. BKGM Jeepers President Joined: June 2003
    #1019 Jun 2013, 2:55 PM
    "JohnDF" wrote: I miss Chicken Lips 🙁





    Me too!

    Kathleen and Brad
  11. Josh Subscriber
    #1119 Jun 2013, 8:34 PM
    "Specialsoundman" wrote: The CB shop I use is:
    Cb Headquarters
    3435 Mission Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608

    http://www.cbhq.co



    This is a great little store. They offer products at a fair price and provide excellant customer service.

    Semper Fi
  12. Guest former user
    #1220 Jun 2013, 1:49 PM

    Just went to the shop. They found I had the antennae mounted wrong and I had a cut in the cable. The antennae was missing an isolator. The guy was very helpful. And didn't make fun of me. He helped me remount the antennae put an new end on the cable and tune the system. I'm very happy with their service and all that for a great price. I would recommend them.

  13. BKGM Jeepers President Joined: June 2003
    #1320 Jun 2013, 2:02 PM
    "lj4x4" wrote: Just went to the shop. They found I had the antennae mounted wrong and I had a cut in the cable. The antennae was missing an isolator. The guy was very helpful. And didn't make fun of me. He helped me remount the antennae put an new end on the cable and tune the system. I'm very happy with their service and all that for a great price. I would recommend them.



    I'm sold. I'll give them a shot!



    Can someone provide the appoximate location of the shop? Not address, but where the place is?

    Kathleen and Brad
  14. Guest former user
    #1420 Jun 2013, 3:41 PM
    "BKGM Jeepers" wrote: [quote="lj4x4"]Just went to the shop. They found I had the antennae mounted wrong and I had a cut in the cable. The antennae was missing an isolator. The guy was very helpful. And didn't make fun of me. He helped me remount the antennae put an new end on the cable and tune the system. I'm very happy with their service and all that for a great price. I would recommend them.



    I'm sold. I'll give them a shot!





    Can someone provide the appoximate location of the shop? Not address, but where the place is?



    North of Marconi and west of Walnut east of Watt and close to Mira Loma High School. It was 30 min from my house.

  15. Gregulator Member Joined: February 2012
    #1520 Jun 2013, 4:08 PM

    Is that normal to bring your rig in and they will help set it up?



    I have 3 cb's and I need to get one mounted on the buggy so I can hear everyone making fun of me.

    Um...what?
  16. Guest former user
    #1620 Jun 2013, 6:08 PM

    He has a flat rate for tuning. If you buy from him its typically waived. He's a great guy.

  17. Guest former user
    #178 Jul 2013, 11:43 AM
    "Specialsoundman" wrote: I have one that you can use



    Will you be at the meeting this week? If so can you bring it along? My intention was to go to the shop and get it done professionally, but I have yet to find the time.

  18. Specialsoundman Member Joined: January 2013
    #189 Jul 2013, 6:58 PM

    yes I will be there and I'll bring it and we can check and see what ya got for SWR's

    David and Lori
  19. Specialsoundman Member Joined: January 2013
    #1914 Jul 2013, 10:03 PM

    Figure anything out?

    David and Lori
  20. Guest former user
    #2022 Jul 2013, 4:44 PM
    "Specialsoundman" wrote: Figure anything out?



    Thanks for lending me the meter. The only thing I figured out was that I don't have a clue what I'm doing! I tested the meter on my motorhome, which I had recently had professionly tuned, and it looked good. I tried to then tuned the system on my jeep, and failed miserably to get an SWR within range for channels 1 and 40. I think I'll take it into the shop and let them do it right.

  21. Josh Subscriber
    #2123 Jul 2013, 6:13 PM

    New address for CB HEADQUARTERS:



    CB HEADQUARTERS

    3380 Industrial Blvd. Suite 105

    West Sacramento, CA 95691



    Phone: 916 485-4788

    WWW.CBHQ.CO

    Semper Fi
  22. Guest former user
    #2223 Jul 2013, 6:26 PM

    Nice Josh! Thanks.



    Bummer its farther away though.

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