cb antenna

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Mar 22, 2009 | 11:08 PM

#21

01f1502wd

will run you OVER

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 5,250

Likes: 33

From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by curtis73

When you key the mic, the length of the antenna is partly responsible for how it generates the wave. The amount of signal reflected back is partly a function of how well the antenna makes the wave, so you put a thing called an SWR (standing wave ratio) meter on it to test. High SWRs are bad and cut down on transmitting distance big time, and in extreme situations can damage the amplifier in the radio. In most stock radios with little amps, you only really risk poor transmission.

Anyway, you put the meter on, test, then trim length off the antenna until you minimize the SWR. Huge benefits in transmitting distance and clarity.

so...I probably should have it tuned before i plug it in?

Mar 22, 2009 | 11:29 PM

#22

green machine

Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 574

Likes: 19

you can use it without it tuned, it just wont have quite as good of range

Mar 22, 2009 | 11:42 PM

#23

curtis73

They pay me to drink

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 174

Likes: 1

From: Carlisle, PA

Right... the only time that a poorly tuned antenna can really create a reliability issue is when you're broadcasting with big wattage. With a stock CB you could key the mic without an antenna and it would take a while before damage occured.

I'm currently running 40w through a non-tuned antenna. I'm going to get it on a meter before I start talking alot so I don't do any damage, but the main issue is quality of transmission.

Mar 23, 2009 | 12:53 AM

#24

RCRadios40

Junior Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by green machine

you can use it without it tuned, it just wont have quite as good of range

You'll definitely want to tune your antenna - it can make a BIG difference. The number one cause of poor CB performance is not tuning your antenna. Regarding the antenna, a magnet mount on the dead center of the vehicle would be one of, if not the, best choice. The center of the roof is the most efficient place to mount a CB antenna on a pickup as it can use the entire chassis of the vehicle equally / symmetrically to send and receive a signal. While you could use dual antennas, you wouldn't get the full benefit you'd otherwise have if they were spaced further out on a big truck.

I hope this helps! Best of luck with the antenna installation!