How do you tune a CB antenna with a built in SWR meter?

Turn the radio to channel 1. Key the microphone (depress the button and hold it). Turn the knob on the SWR meter labeled “SET” or “ADJUST” until the needle reaches the setting position at the end of its range. While still keying the microphone, flip the switch on the SWR meter to the “REF” or “SWR” position.

How do I lower the SWR on my antenna?

If your antenna is mounted down low on the vehicle, like on the bumper or behind a pickup truck's cab, the signal can bounce back to the antenna, causing a high SWR. To alleviate this, keep at least the top 12 inches of the antenna above the roof line, and position the antenna as high as possible on the vehicle.

Does CB antenna need to be tuned?

Tuning your antenna is mandatory if you want acceptable CB performance. Not tuning your antenna will result in poor transmission and reception performance, and can also result in permanent damage to your radio. You'll need an SWR meter (available for around $25) in order to tune your antenna.

Why is my antenna not picking up local channels?

The antenna may have difficulty picking up your favorite stations over the air for several reasons. The causes mostly come down to the basic idea that the signals reaching the device aren't strong enough. You may be too far from the broadcast location, or something physically blocks the signals.

How do I increase the signal strength on my CB radio?

How to tune a CB Antenna

Does SWR affect reception?

Simplified answer: There is no relationship between SWR and receive performance. There is one condition for this simplification to be true: the received RF noise floor must be above your receiver's noise floor.

What is Delta tune on a CB?

The delta tune is the CB name for a very similar function on amateur radios called RIT, or receive incremental tuner. The Delta Tune controls the frequency your radio's receiver is operating on.

Does coax length affect SWR?

Coaxial Cable Length Does Not Change Antenna SWR.

How do you get rid of static on a CB radio?

You could try wrapping your CB radio power wire in tin foil. You could try shielding your radio by using tin foil. You could also try moving your radio or redirecting your wiring. Try using a different radio to ensure that your radio isn't having issues.

How do you calibrate a SWR meter?

Turn the SWR calibration knob fully counter-clockwise. Key the microphone and, while continuing to depress the talk button, adjust the calibration knob so that the needle touches the "SET" mark on the meter. When the needle reaches the "SET" mark, flip the switch to "FWD"

How do you tell if your CB antenna is grounded properly?

If your CB antenna mount has a good ground, the multimeter needle should move all the way to the right when the probes contact these two locations. If you get very little or no needle movement on the multimeter, test that your meter is working properly by touching the two probes together.

Is higher or lower antenna gain better?

On an open and flat highway, a high gain antenna will be better… 3 dB, 6 dB, etc. If your desired coverage area is hilly then a ¼ wave omnidirectional antenna will be better. The other type of gain is directional and is important for base stations.

What is the best SWR reading?

SWR Range Explanations. SWR 1.0-1.5: The ideal range! If your SWR is under 1.5, you're in great shape. If you're at 1.5 and really, really want to drop down to closer to 1 it's likely possible to do with addition tuning, different equipment or a different mounting location.

Does CB antenna length matter?

Yes, taller/longer is better for range of distance when it comes to an antenna and the optimal antenna length is 1/4 wavelength. That translates to 102 inches (8.5 feet), too tall to be practical for most mobile applications.

How high should a CB base antenna be?

The operator of a CBRS station must ensure that the transmitting antenna for the station is not higher than 18.3 meters (60 feet) above the ground, or 6.1 meters (20 feet) higher than the highest point of the building or tree on which it is mounted, whichever is higher.

Are dual CB antennas better?

With antennas on both sides of your vehicle, you're much less likely to have large dead spots because the antenna system can "see" more. This is one of the primary reasons most 18 wheelers have dual antenna setups.

Which end of the antenna do you point?

The end of the antenna with the short elements is the front of the antenna. You point that end towards the TV transmitter.

How can I get more channels with my antenna?