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SWR meter vs SWR radio meter

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by Levrion, Feb 4, 2015.

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  1. Feb 4, 2015 #1
    Levrion

    Levrion Bobtail Member

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    Feb 4, 2015
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    When I use my Galaxy DX 959 and take an SWR reading, I get a smooth 1.0 on Channel 1 and around 1.3 on Channel 40.
    When I use an SWR meter I get 2.5 on Channel 1 and 3.0 on Channel 40.
    Which meter should I go by? Is using the SWR stand alone meter from Astatic interfering with the meter on my Galaxy? I have a 2005 Ford Ranger, Wilson 2000 mounted to the back drivers side of my tailgate with an L bracket, grounded to the truck frame, an 18" firestik coax ring. I have been told to just go by using the Galaxies meter instead of the Astatic SWR meter. I have also noticed that using the SWR meter, even by gently tapping it makes the SWR go all over the place.

    Which would you all go by? The radio? Or the meter itself? Granted, I get people telling me on the roads that I sound good. The talkback feature on my radio makes me think I sound good too with my noise canceling Astatic mic too. :biggrin_255:
     
    Levrion, Feb 4, 2015
    Levrion, Feb 4, 2015
    #1
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  3. Feb 4, 2015 #2
    jessejamesdallas

    jessejamesdallas Road Train Member

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    Could be you have a bad jumper cable hooked to the Astatic, or the Astatic meter has a problem...Usually, the external meters are what you want to go by tho...May try a different SWR meter and see what it says...maybe borrow one or if your able to get by a CB Shop have them double check it.
     
    jessejamesdallas, Feb 4, 2015
    jessejamesdallas, Feb 4, 2015
    #2
  4. Feb 4, 2015 #3
    Levrion

    Levrion Bobtail Member

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    Feb 4, 2015
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    It's all brand new stuff. Not even a week old. Granted, I know stuff goes bad right away sometimes...But I was curious. I'm kind of sick of going to the CB shop because I'm sure the guy is getting sick of me. :)
     
    Levrion, Feb 4, 2015
    Levrion, Feb 4, 2015
    #3
  5. Feb 4, 2015 #4
    jessejamesdallas

    jessejamesdallas Road Train Member

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    Bet he wasn't sick of you when he took your money!

    Jumper cables can have bad connectors right out of the bag...I've bought 3' jumpers before at local truck stops that had shorted connectors from the factory several times...Things are put together in China or Mexico by kids that haven't even started school yet!
     
    jessejamesdallas, Feb 4, 2015
    jessejamesdallas, Feb 4, 2015
    #4
  7. Feb 5, 2015 #5
    mike5511

    mike5511 Road Train Member

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    The only way you are going to find out which one is accurate is by process of elimination. Checking your SWR with another meter that you know is accurate is the place to start, or taking your meter to somebody and letting them check it against theirs.
     
    mike5511, Feb 5, 2015
    mike5511, Feb 5, 2015
    #5
    handlebar Thanks this.
  8. Feb 17, 2015 #6
    craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    I bought 3 different truck stop swr meters..All were wrong...Sometimes they can be reset at a cb shop to be accurate..Best bet is to review some of the cb shops in town or on your routes and see who seems to be the best based on what others say..
     
    craig_sez, Feb 17, 2015
    craig_sez, Feb 17, 2015
    #6
  9. Feb 26, 2015 #7
    Southwind

    Southwind Bobtail Member

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    Feb 26, 2015
    Monroe, Georgia USA
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    Like before mentioned, NEW is not always correct, Look for a reputable shop. JMHO, good luck.
    555
     
    Southwind, Feb 26, 2015
    Southwind, Feb 26, 2015
    #7
  10. Feb 26, 2015 #8
    craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Out with the cheap and bought a mfj 259b ant tuner
     
    craig_sez, Feb 26, 2015
    craig_sez, Feb 26, 2015
    #8
  11. Feb 26, 2015 #9
    Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Niether one take it to a shop. generally speaking I have found very little problems with built in meters, excpt when a golden screwdriver has been at the radio. When Im thru the internal meter will be spot on. I set then to match my Bird43 & my Motorola r2200.

    If the external meter is old it maybe suspect as well. In any case see a real tech to start with.
     
    Powder Joints, Feb 26, 2015
    Powder Joints, Feb 26, 2015
    #9
  12. Feb 26, 2015 #10
    Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Sep 25, 2007
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    You know what MFJ stands for in the commercial world, right.
     
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2015
    Powder Joints, Feb 26, 2015
    Powder Joints, Feb 26, 2015
    #10
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