5:00 am
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!
5:09 am
September 25, 2011
Offline
Taje it to the 49er truck stop. They have a CB shop in the back. $10 and done by a pro.
Huck
6:03 am
Club President
April 2, 2003
Offline I thought that shop closed? How recently we're you there? If its recent, ill run back down there for a check up!
12:41 pm
Club Member
June 4, 2012
Offline I have one that you can use
If I can't build it, then it's something that should be bought.
1:14 pm
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.
3:49 pm
Club Member
June 4, 2012
Offline 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
If I can't build it, then it's something that should be bought.
6:11 pm
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.
6:58 pm
That link refers to CB HQ that I mentioned. Bender also mentions his SWR too! hahahha
8:37 pm
Club Member
July 10, 2003
Offline I miss Chicken Lips 🙁
I used to wheel a lot. . .
9:55 pm
Club President
April 2, 2003
Offline "JohnDF" wrote: I miss Chicken Lips 🙁
Me too!
3:34 am
Club Member
January 19, 2011
Offline "Specialsoundman" wrote: The CB shop I use is:
Cb Headquarters
3435 Mission Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608
This is a great little store. They offer products at a fair price and provide excellant customer service.
Semper Fi
8:49 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.
9:02 pm
Club President
April 2, 2003
Offline "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?
10:41 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.
11:08 pm
Club Member
September 3, 2008
Offline 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?
1:08 am
He has a flat rate for tuning. If you buy from him its typically waived. He's a great guy.
6:43 pm
"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.
1:58 am
Club Member
June 4, 2012
Offline yes I will be there and I'll bring it and we can check and see what ya got for SWR's
If I can't build it, then it's something that should be bought.
5:03 am
Club Member
June 4, 2012
Offline Figure anything out?
If I can't build it, then it's something that should be bought.
11:44 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.
1:13 am
Club Member
January 19, 2011
Offline New address for CB HEADQUARTERS:
CB HEADQUARTERS
3380 Industrial Blvd. Suite 105
West Sacramento, CA 95691
Phone: 916 485-4788
http://WWW.CBHQ.CO
Semper Fi
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