Help please, with purchasing a cb

Like Volvo said, a SWR meter built into the radio does not tune your antenna for you.

The SWR meter tells you how much output power reaches its destination versus how much is reflected back.

That information is used to tune your antenna by comparing the readings on channel 1 and channel 40. This is done in an open area.

As mentioned above, if the reading is higher on channel 40 then it is on channel 1, you need to lower your antenna in its base. If the reading is higher on channel 1 than it is on channel 40, you need to raise the antenna in its base. All adjustments should be done in 1/8" increments until the readings on channel 1 and channel 40 are the same.

 

No. The SWR meter just tells you what your SWR is, and the calibration knob simply sets the meter; it does nothing to the antenna.

 

I echo the PC78....or the PC68 is good too.

Antennas I like the Sirio 5000. You gotta order them online.

Be careful who you let do a peak and tune. Some shops end up butchering the radio trying to get big numbers on the Dosy meter.

A "tune and alignment" is what you really want, which just ensures the radio transmits and receives on frequency.

And if you see the tech going in with a pair of diagonal cutters, stop him. Or if you see him spreading the copper coils in the back of the inside of the radio....stop him.

 

If by "some" you mean "most."

To add to that: if you don't see an oscilloscope on the tech's bench, turn around and walk out. Shops that do the work on the radio in a back room and don't let you watch should be avoided as well.

 

Picture the radiator in a Francis antenna going up, then looping at the top and going back down to the base of the antenna. If you cut the top of the antenna you will cut the element in half.

 

What is the context of this reply?

 

I'm holding the tip of the inner shaft, with wire wound around it, that came off the top of my backup Francis 5.5' in my hand. No evidence of anything going up then coming back down. The antenna is cut by the factory and there IS evidence of that.

 

Korb,

Disregard, I didn't go back far enough to see volvos original reply.