is there a way to test a cb antenna

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by log trucker, Dec 21, 2011.

  1. log trucker

    log trucker Light Load Member

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    Dec 19, 2011
    marshfield wi
    0
    Is there any testing I can do on my cb antenna ,ohms test or ?? Ck cable to make sure it was ok but not sure if cb or antenna is bad. Not picking up anything. I think its the antenna,be nice to no for sure.
     
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  3. me only

    me only Medium Load Member

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    Nov 9, 2011
    buford ga
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    Put it to a swr meter
     
  4. log trucker

    log trucker Light Load Member

    161
    10
    Dec 19, 2011
    marshfield wi
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    What is swr meter. No way I take it with a regular electronic meter??
     
  5. jessejamesdallas

    jessejamesdallas Road Train Member

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    Oct 3, 2008
    Republic of Texas
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    If you don't have a SWR Meter, just go by any CB Shop...Most will test your antenna and coax at no charge.
     
  6. ArgoGirb

    ArgoGirb Bobtail Member

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    Dec 21, 2011
    London Ontario,Canada
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    Just like to add many better CB's have SWR meter built in.Not real accurate but in the ballpark!Grounds are very important!If using a mag mount and radio in not mounted to steel run a 12 gauge wire from chassis of radio to something steel in cab,ant will see a ground plane!
     
    Bighig Thanks this.
  7. WA4GCH

    WA4GCH Road Train Member

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    Aug 12, 2009
    Seminole Florida
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    The SWR meter shows how well your antenna is matched ......

    Here is what one looks like .... it is the black meter sitting on top of a low power transciver .
     

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  8. Infrared61ranger

    Infrared61ranger Light Load Member

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    Dec 15, 2011
    killeen,tx
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    you need to find 1 good quality CB tech that you can count on and get these things checked out by the only CB tech you trust and keep a backup radio that way when your main radio go down you can get it back to your guy, you cant just trust everybody. sometimes working on your equipment is good but in this case go to the pro make sure some1 you trust gives them a vote of confidence
     
    Trstanich Thanks this.
  9. Trstanich

    Trstanich Light Load Member

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    Dec 12, 2011
    Stonyford California
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    I have. That same meter don't know how to operate it never could find a manual
     
    Last edited: Dec 22, 2011
  10. WA4GCH

    WA4GCH Road Train Member

    3,324
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    Aug 12, 2009
    Seminole Florida
    0
    EASY .....

    Put it in line between the radio and antenna I use a 3 foor jumper between the meter and the radio.

    Place the switch in forward Push thev mike button and adjust the control until the meter is full scale. Then slide the switch to REV and read it .... it should be below 2:1

    Look at my photos and if you need help just ask ...

    That radio is a small ham radio but the SWR meter does not care ....
     
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