SWR, CB Radio tuning

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OffRoadScott

OffRoadScott

10 Year
Joined
Sep 25, 2014
Threads
97
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3,095
Location
Gilbert, AZ
Good evening. I am in the process of piecing together my CB radio setup and once I have it in it obviously needs to be tuned. Is there someone in the CSC that understand SWR and how to tune for it? If so I would love to have you tune my setup once installed.
 
It's been a while since I messed with the CB radio. I never had mine tuned. I've always seen suggestions to go to a truck stop for tuning.
 
Otter said:
It's been a while since I messed with the CB radio. I never had mine tuned. I've always seen suggestions to go to a truck stop for tuning.
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Thank you I did not even think about it.
 
Your radio may have a tuning procedure in the manual - if it has a power output indicator this could be used to get it pretty close.

I don’t think you’re coming to the Christmas party but would be happy to bring the antenna analyzer and throw it on that if so.

And I’m sure @LongDuck could help out with the appropriate equipment and expertise if you guys are close (is anyone close in Phoenix?)
 
Firebird CB & Stereo
1649 S. 59th Ave.
Phx. 623-332-8450
Very thorough and reasonable
 
Great suggestions on who to talk to for tuning. I have had great service from the HAM Radio Outlet guys for amateur frequency antenna analyzing and tuning, and they have the latest tools and expertise to help you get to the best efficiency. In fact, one of the Mike's (*great radio name, btw), helped me snip off tiny sections of my 1/2wl 2m mobile antenna until it was perfect.

They're also helpful with CB, as tuning options will be similar depending on your antenna. An interesting aside is that when tuning for VSWR, you're actually tuning the combination of the length of feedline, resistance of the feedline, connectors along the feedline, your base plane and lastly, compensating for all of this by trimming your antenna length to minimize electrical and magnetic noise. Sounds complicated, but with a graphical antenna analyzer, it's very simple.

My VSWR meter is just that - a dual needle meter showing out and back. You really want an antenna analyzer for this job, but I'd be happy to help out if I can.
 
OffRoadScott said:
Thank you I did not even think about it.
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Of course if you ask the truck shop guys for a "peak & tune" they will happily increase your transmit power past legality.

I had to replace my CB many years ago while travelling through Albuquerque, and the guy at the CB shop next to the truck shop was surprised that I didn't want him to peak it. He said I could easily get 20 watts out of the Uniden model I purchased.

www.thetruckersreport.com

Peak and Tune...

I would like to know what is standard operating procedures at a CB shop. I am in an ongoing argument with a friend over what you are supposed to get...
www.thetruckersreport.com www.thetruckersreport.com
 
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cheapo swr meter on amazon works. The issue is that you need to be In a big open clearing to do it well.

CB is pretty bad anyways, even with a perfectly tuned radio. You’re dealing with only 4 watts max on a mobile rig. i’d get it close with a cheapo swr meter and start studying for your HAM license :)
 
What he said! If you're still wanting to tune with a cheap VSWR meter, let me know. I have the MFJ version of this, and it's an in-line meter with 2 needles; out and back (reflected).

Tuning comes down to what antenna design you're using...
 
LongDuck said:
What he said! If you're still wanting to tune with a cheap VSWR meter, let me know. I have the MFJ version of this, and it's an in-line meter with 2 needles; out and back (reflected).

Tuning comes down to what antenna design you're using...
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I am using a 4 Firestik.
 
That makes them very easy to tune. Essentially, the Firestik series has a threaded end that rotates a disk through a coil that adjusts your tuned length to resonate. Basically, it's trial and error with keying up and reading, adjusting, keying up and reading. Best to tune for middle of the frequency range to center your best VSWR on the frequency you use the most. Stick the rubber cap on then end, and done.
 
BTW my all my Firestixes rubber tips changed the VSWR - I had to adjust and recap between adjustments.
 
Stepmurr said:
BTW my all my Firestixes rubber tips changed the VSWR - I had to adjust and recap between adjustments.
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Per the instructions on the back of the packaging it says to put the rubber cap on after each adjustment and then check SWR.
 
we have an SWR meter as well - got that after all the Firesticks we have on the trucks - we re-tune maybe every second year, as needed

as for wide open areas: we have tuned at the entry of McDowell Mountain Park, at the Bush turn-off staging area west of Beeline, at the Four Peaks Road staging area, and at the Box Bar Ranch turn-off Tonto pay station area
 
DSRTRDR said:
we have an SWR meter as well - got that after all the Firesticks we have on the trucks - we re-tune maybe every second year, as needed

as for wide open areas: we have tuned at the entry of McDowell Mountain Park, at the Bush turn-off staging area west of Beeline, at the Four Peaks Road staging area, and at the Box Bar Ranch turn-off Tonto pay station area
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How much is tuning? Do you have parts in stock or private party?
 
it's all a lot of effort over something that won't work all that well even with a perfectly tuned ant.

just get one of these and do it the next time you go out.
www.rightchannelradios.com

SWR Meter with Jumper Cable | Right Channel Radios

This SWR meter and coax package is ideal for customers whose CB radio lacks a built-in SWR meter. Fast, Same-Day Shipping at Right Channel Radios!
www.rightchannelradios.com www.rightchannelradios.com


i hate to say it, but even GMR is a better option, and the license is just a "fee"... no test required.
 
OffRoadScott said:
How much is tuning? Do you have parts in stock or private party?
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tuning doesn't need any extra parts - just two trucks listening to each other while the SWRmeter is hooked up to the CB to be tuned - and then that Firestick antenna is adjusted, and tested again

takes about 10-20 minutes or so - we could just do it right before one of the next CSC runs . . .

and, if not satisfactory, even adjust again after the run

I don't agree with the statement in the previous post that it will never work right - CBs work really well for shorter distances - HAMs have their use as well - each technology has advantages and limitations - your experience may vary
 
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