SWR meter

[landtank]

I get real good range with my setup, a couple miles anyway. I'm in no way an expert so you should check this info for accuracy.

First, I read that the length of cable between the radio and antenna should be 18ft for optimum results. Since I drive an 80 and the antenna is mounted on the rear carrier this was a necessity already. Don't remember where i read this but I do remember it.

Second, on my antenna there is a rubber boot that covers over the adjusting bolt for tuning. It's important to have that boot on when checking your results as it does make a difference in the out come. So it's check the tuning, remove boot and adjust, replace boot and repeat. Kind of a pita but once you are dialed in it's done.

My father has a SWR and it worked last I used it. I'll see him next weekend and if I think of it I'll grab it if you guys think it will come in handy. I'll be at OTMT as well.

 

[proinv]

Ham radio is making a comeback

Brian,

5 miles if you're really lucky. As far as being heard but not hearing (sounds like marriage), its probably in your antenna. If your firestik is mounted to an ARB, then ground may be an issue because the powder coat makes it hard to get a ground. This will show up in your swr reading. The solution is easy, just run a wire from the underside of your antenna to one of the holes in your frame and secure it with a bolt.

If its not your antenna, it could be you are transmitting on one channel and receiving on another.

Finally, something to consider . . . amateur radio license. Super easy, loads of power, cheap radios covering all sorts of bands. $10, easy test.

I know our answer has usually been that its not needed since we hang together on the trail, but I can recall the last trip to Cullowhee when we were all sitting around the fire friday night. LandTank was spinning yarns and drinking YaegerMeister, JP was making a duct tape sculpture, and Steve was planning a small revolution in his subdivision.

Meanwhile our hero, Marshall, was leading the really late crew to the Friday campsite. He was lost somewhere between Pettycoat Junction and Hooterville. We could hear him on the FRS radio (being received through a little more powerful handheld), but we couldn't communicate back with him to guide him in. SO, we were having a good time listening and drinking beer! FRS just isn't that strong. Had we all been on HAM, communications would have been a breeze.

Also, HAM is good just in case the worst happens inasmuch as we could get real help faster if someone was in real trouble (read here heart attack). Little cell coverage in holy land, Tellico, etc. Hit the repeater, declare emergency traffic, and the MAMA Copter from Asheville could be there in 20 minutes . . . . As I get older I think about these things.

I have had a Ham license since 1986 and agree this is would be a great way for a club to go. Most operators talk about "radio stuff" but more unrelated clubs are getting their "tickets" (license). Especially out west were longer range is needed. I was on the Blue Ridge Parkway last summer and talked, via a repeater, to a station in Anderson. I was on a 3 watt handheld.

It is also quieter, no white noise static that you get with CB. The FCC does not require learning the Morse Code now. You can study and take practice test online; it is just memorization. The radios and antennas are smaller too. Just a thought...
David M (N4URR)

 

[IndianDoc]

No morse code

I have had a Ham license since 1986 and agree this is would be a great way for a club to go. Most operators talk about "radio stuff" but more unrelated clubs are getting their "tickets" (license). Especially out west were longer range is needed. I was on the Blue Ridge Parkway last summer and talked, via a repeater, to a station in Anderson. I was on a 3 watt handheld.

It is also quieter, no white noise static that you get with CB. The FCC does not require learning the Morse Code now. You can study and take practice test online; it is just memorization. The radios and antennas are smaller too. Just a thought...
David M (N4URR)

Wow the 13wpm in the past killed me and I finally just left the hobby, did 5 fine never could get to 13 and got frustrated and stopped well other stuff got in the way too. Now might be the time to refresh and get a legal rig.

 

[Carp]

Anyone know where I can get a cable for the CB to antenna in Greenville? I don't want to run all around town looking for one. I'm thinking 15ft or so, going from dash to front bumper, may want to relocate to rear bumper later, so longer would work. Hope to put that in tonight. Thanks!

 

[Southeast Overland]

Radio Shack?

 

[BMThiker]

Anyone know where I can get a cable for the CB to antenna in Greenville? I don't want to run all around town looking for one. I'm thinking 15ft or so, going from dash to front bumper, may want to relocate to rear bumper later, so longer would work. Hope to put that in tonight. Thanks!

Radio Shack?

Juice is right and the standard length is 18ft. Any truck stop would have one too.

 

[Turkeypen]

Carp,

Call radio shack before you go. They keep getting further and further away from the "radio" part of their name. Also, call wally world (Wal-Mart) since they sell CBs they may well also sell cable.

 

[Carp]

Stopped by the Wal-Mart on Woodruff, no dice. Stopped at the Radio Shack on Woodruff and they had 3ft, 6ft, 10ft, 20ft and 50ft cables. Got the 20fter for $10.99 plus tax. Thanks for the help everyone! Looking forward to getting this thing installed and tuned up.