CB Install/antenna tuning Issues
#1
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CB Install/antenna tuning Issues
I have installed a Uniden Pro520XL, firestik fire-ring coax, firestik 4' whip. I am getting power from the aftermarket cd player's constant power source and grounding to the metal frame behind the cd player area. I have the antenna mounted to the stock roof rack using a firestik fire-ring stud mount.
When I connect the SWR meter I calibrate (set to cal, rotate dial 'till needle is on cal). I then switch over to the SWR setting and key the mic. It pins the needle to the right side, off the scale.
I am new to this cb radio stuff and would love some advice. I'm planning a solo road trip this summer where I'll have NO cell signal, so the cb is a must for safety reasons. I'm willing to try any ideas!
When I connect the SWR meter I calibrate (set to cal, rotate dial 'till needle is on cal). I then switch over to the SWR setting and key the mic. It pins the needle to the right side, off the scale.
I am new to this cb radio stuff and would love some advice. I'm planning a solo road trip this summer where I'll have NO cell signal, so the cb is a must for safety reasons. I'm willing to try any ideas!
#3
Registered User
It might not be grounding good on the rack. If you have a lot of extra coax that is coiled up tightly it can cause a higher reading. A coax with a small center conductor will cause higher readings. getting the ground and center switched at the ant ,will definitely cause it to read high if it is the type of ant connector that has them separate. And any large object close to the ant can cause reflection and a high reading.
Last edited by swampfox; 06-16-2011 at 08:11 AM.
#4
Registered User
take it off the rack and put it on the body.
P.S. Don't get power ground and RF ground mixed up, they are two different things. RF ground on a rack is gonna suck regardless of what type of coax is used etc etc.
P.S. Don't get power ground and RF ground mixed up, they are two different things. RF ground on a rack is gonna suck regardless of what type of coax is used etc etc.
#5
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Kickin' stones down the road to hell... Edmond, OK
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A CB radio is not gonna help you safety-wise. Their range is short unless you have a "perfect" antenna (most can't achieve this) and/or an amplifier (which is illegal).
You are better off getting your amateur radio "tech" license (easy), installing a 2m/440 rig and getting a repeater handbook (locations/frequencies) for the USA. Much greater range and more helpful people (many are emergency management volunteers) listening to the repeaters. Some repeaters have telephone patching capability that you could, in an emergency, make a phone call from your 2m/440 radio!
IMHO, CB radios are only good for wheeling with a group that is together on a trail. Beyond that it's just static and endless yacking amongst truckers when on the interstate & highways.
FYI, YMMV, IMHO, etc...
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