CB Antenna Tuning Methods Explained by CB World!
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- Опубліковано 21 лип 2024
- This video covers some of the methods used to tune various CB antennas!
Be sure to visit our Help Center article How To Tune a CB Antenna
www.wearecb.com/how-to-tune-c...
Check out how many different styles of CB antennas that we offer:
www.wearecb.com/cb-antennas/
We offer this video to explain that there are different methods and ways to tune the various types of CB antennas. Some antennas come with an easy tune option such as a tuning ring or tuning tip. Some antennas do not! Some antennas are fiberglass and some are metal whips. Based on the type of CB antenna that you have, you will need to know how to tune your antenna.
Antenna Tuning is VERY IMPORTANT!
Tuning an external CB antenna is critical to optimizing your CB system performance. It can also help to reduce potential damage to your CB radio! Every CB antenna needs to be tuned to it's application. If you have been experiencing poor performance/reduced range, etc. with your CB system, be sure to tune your CB antenna! You should not transmit with your radio if you do not know what your SWR readings are or if the SWR readings are outside the acceptable range as you could potentially damage your radio! More information on SWR- What is SWR and Why is it SO Important? www.wearecb.com/what-is-swr.html
If you know that your SWR readings and they are high, be sure to check out our Help Center article about Troubleshooting High SWR: www.wearecb.com/troubleshoot-...
If you are interested in an easy tune fiberglass CB antenna, check out the FSX Firestik II Series antennas on our website: www.wearecb.com/firestik-ii-f... You can select the length and color you'd like.
If you are interested in an easy tune whip style antenna, check out the ProComm JBCXX00 Series: www.wearecb.com/procomm-cb-an...
If you have a fiberglass CB antenna that does not have an easy tune option (like a tuning tip or tuning screw), check out our You Tube video on Antenna Tuning: • How To Tune A Fibergla...
We hope that helps! If you still have questions, please contact us. www.CBWorld.com #cbradio
I'm 16 and getting into cb now. I love it so much. I've got one in my truck and this vid helps me with tuning my firestik. Thanks!
Finally instructions on how to Tune my antenna with Rings. I took those off thinking they were some kind of mounting rings. By loosening the Allen nut I raised and lowered the antenna to no avail. I was frustrated until seeing this video. Thanks!
I just installed mine... Channel 40 was at 1 for me (the high 1 by the red zone, not the low one I wanted) and I couldn't figure out how to fix it till I found this. Moved the rings up and it works perfect now! Channel 1 is 1.5 and 40 is 1.25
Very informative to me as I got new Stryker SR-447 HPC2 CB Radio with SR-A10 CB Antenna hooked up.
I am using SR-A10 Antenna. Great product, very close to 1:1 SWR on CB! So far, it seems to be a huge improvement, from my Wilson 5000... Which really was pathetic with regards to receive on my Stryker 655
thanks you for showing how to tune a cb radio antenna, It has been a great helpl and thanks again for it. ken.
Thanks for this video, I just realized I was tuning my firestik completely wrong.
Radios (imo) are not easy to get into, they seem very complex. Luckily the community is so super helpful and they do their best to make it simple
Thank you so much best video I found to help out with this!!!
Very helpful to me as I just got into cb radios. Thank you!
Helpful information, so thanks for posting.
The best reading that I could get with my firestick was 2.5 at 40 and 1,5 at 1, with the tip shortened all the way. Did not think about trying to remove the tightening ring to make it shorter. Also with the other one with the wire in the center,was unsure how to shorten it. So I have some work to do. Nice to know that I can leave he SWR meter in place so that I do not have to keep disconnecting it as I work with the antennas. Thanks for this video.
We appreciate your comment!
Here are a few things to consider: 1) Make sure that any excess coax is properly stored in a figure 8, about a foot in length, and bound in the center. Then recalibrate/recheck your SWR. 2) You can completely remove the tip to try to reduce your SWR. 3) Make sure that you are putting the cap back on the antenna after every adjustment as the cap can affect the SWR readings.
We are happy to do some additional troubleshooting with you to help you attain better readings. Just contact us.
Hello, I am surprised that you replied to my comment since the video is 5 years old. Good news to report....took the Firestik screw all the way out and put red plastic cap back on and got 1.4 on channel 1 and 1.2 on channel 40....best I have ever gotten. Repeated it several times and got the same. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!! YOU ARE GREAT!
That is awesome! We think you are great too :) Let us know if there is anything else we can help you with!
you just answered my question on video thanks
Great vid, thank you!
what about peel or cut to ajust antennas i need to know how to do that
Dial-a-match by thunderpole is the version we have in the UK
I have a 102" whip with a spring, I'm unsure of the manufacturer, but it doesn't allow me to tune it. I dismantled the thing almost entirely and it doesn't look like it was even designed to be tuned, any idea why?
Do you have to tune a handheld cb antenna? I have a uniden pro 401hh. Cant hear any chatter or get cb checks
Looks for dodge dakota 4 doors in winter put cover on back ,do whats hole ,what mount for 2 whips like k40
I'm new to cbs, so correct me if I'm wrong but.. so the idea when you're tuning is to get channels 1 and 40 to be as close to each other in swr as possible, ideally equal?
Hi there , just wondering why my cb uniden 520xl blinks when i press the mic button and when i put my hand or finger and put a pressure while pressing the mic button it stop blinking... All it s brand new cb and antenna. I m new in this cb work.
How about tuning a Scosche CB Magnetic mount Antenna?
I read that antenna should be tuned before transmitting , how do you do that ?
Hi, I have a 5.5 Francis whip with 18 feet of coax. My swr is higher on 40 than 1. How could i tune this antenna? Thank you
400 th like. Tnx so much u saved my day
hi my name casey im from texas i just now tried working on my cobra29 i think my atenna is old everytime i try talk the neredle doesnt move and i cant here the noise from the speaker any advise god bless😀
I've noticed the Procom with the rings also have a set screw for the whip. Can you move the actual whip along with the rings?
Typically, people use the tuning rings to fine tune the antenna but there is some movement capability of the whip with that set screw.
I brought my swr down by wrapping 14 gauge copper wire around the antenna at the base just above the magnet it has to be on the part that you adjust my swr on channel 40 was 1.2 and on channel 1 it was 2.8 after I PUT THE WIRE on it my swr was 1.6 on channel 40 and 1.4 on channel 1 you need a piece of wire about 8 inches long but you can try that and if it is not long enough try a short piece or cut a longer piece you do not have to remove the insulation from the wire wrap it close together
Great video I'm living on the second floor of a block of flats and I can't put an antenna on my roof so I'm using a springer antenna on a magmount base on a baking tray lol but the swr is quite high. I'm transmitting OK but the local breakers say I sound miles away but I'm not to far away from them do you have any ideas what I can do
Put ground radial wire's on the tin
108 inch 4 or more
I'am Your Newest Subscriber Great Videos
if you live in northern nj, there is a place in wanaque that does it. i can refer you to them if you want
for any antenna need tune?? thx.
Thanks for talking about the firestick 2. I always wondered if I could take that screw out because I'm a little high on 40. Swr avg about 1.4 on one and 1.8 on forty. I wish I could get it to 0.2 but in a company truck I think that's impossible.
Well I figure out my problem it was the diesel preamp that I had on it. I trashed that crap I'm at 1.2-1.3 on all channels
They are a little hard to find these days. I would try doing a local search for "cb repair shop" on Google. You can also try car stereo stores. They sometimes have a tech that can do it.
How do you tune twine ant
If it was still to high at maximum extension we used to solder a piece of coat hanger onto the end
Hey there, I'm having a problem. I bought the antenna with the two rings, but I set it up on a magnetic mount by itself (removed the bottom portion). Now I'm having the problem that when I push it up to CAL, the SWR is way up there to like 8 values. Is it because I'm not using the proper mount? I'm using the same magnetic mount that came with a shorter antenna.
The dial a match never swr's right down. Mag-mounts are no good for this, use a fixed mount or mirror mount!
I just set up my Cobra 19 Ultra III using the factory coax and antenna mount in a 2013 Freightliner Cascadia. Currently I'm using a RoadPro ring type antenna, but I'm unable to tune it correctly. I've tried everything, but no dice. I need a low profile antenna to clear tree limbs on my local deliveries 2ft or smaller. Any advice would help.
UPSTATE RAIL VIDEO PRODUCTIONS We have a few options. Have a look at these and give us a call or email through the website
www.wearecb.com/cb-antenna/?subcats=Y&features_hash=V179.V180
Question? I have installed a cobra 75 cb on my 2014 Silverado. I can't seem to get it to work. I am using a 3' firestick. I fabricated the antenna mount and mounted it on the passenger side of the bed of my truck. Running the coax cable through the bottom of my rear passenger door inside to the box. what am I doing wrong? I have not tuned the antenna, I have tried the same as you have mentioned I still don't get any channels not even the weather. My next step I was thinking was to get a longer antenna maybe the 4' like you have. what are your thoughts.? THANKS IN ADVANCE
GREAT VIDEO BTW!
Dear Carlos- We always recommend tuning your antenna and checking your SWR readings before transmitting otherwise you risk damaging your radio. You will need an SWR meter to do this.
www.wearecb.com/auswr-swr-meter.html
Also, make sure that you are in an area where people will be transmitting- you could try going to a truck stop and ask someone to do a radio check with you. We doubt that your antenna isn't long enough- it is likely a SWR issue. Do you think that you properly grounded the system? Give us a call if you need additional assistance (541) 928-1952
Ideally, yes. You also want them as close to 1:1 as possible.
Hi they great vid ..!!!! Just a quick question .. How do I test the swr on my CB radio to see if I need to tune the aerial ..???????
Thank you for contacting us! Can you tell us which radio you have?
CB World hey there ..!!! As you can tell I'm new to this ..!!!! Sry about that ..!!! I'm currently using the uniden uh7700nb and thank you for getting back to me ..!!!!!
No worries- we are glad to help. We are not very familiar with the Uniden UH7700NB. If this is a CB radio, you will need to tune your CB antenna. If the radio does not have a built-in SWR meter, you will need a external SWR meter, like the AUSWR, to tune the CB antenna for optimal antenna performance and to ensure that you do not damage your radio. www.wearecb.com/auswr-swr-meter.html
I have a K40 whip antenna and Cobra CB, I get good reception from those talking to me but no one can hear me talking, I even switched the mic out for another one and still the same, any clues to what could be happening?
You will want to start by tuning the antenna if you haven't already:
www.wearecb.com/how-to-tune-cb-antenna.html
Hello, I have a K40, with a 59'' metal rod. Should I begin to cut 1/4 inch at a time. Im trying to get a better match, swr is high on channel 40. like to get it better. Thanks, JC
+Jim Cash. easy to remember.
low 1.1 on 1.. 2.0 on 40 = ant is to long
low 1.1 on 40.. 2.0 on 1= ant to short
gotta remember lower in frequency you go the longer the antenna.
higher in frequency the shorter the antenna
so swr is high on 40 low on 1. this mean you have to shorten the antenna take off about 1/8th at a time
until you get a 1.5 or better at 20. 27.205mhz also the coax length matter to and the groundplane used
What if both Channel 1 and 40 are at 3?
Could you give me some advice please.i just bought a road King and the truck has dual antennas i calibrated it like the manual said but for some reason if I key the Mike the read out is fine but when I talk on it it bounces in the red any advice would be greatly appreciated thank you
It sounds like you are having a problem with speech processing.. CBs are amplitude modulated (AM) as opposed to frequency modulated (FM) and you may be over driving you rig with too much power. From a ham, licensed since 1962, a few questions:
1. Are you using the microphone that came with your radio?
2. Does your radio have a "MIC GAIN" control?
@@j.d.schultzsr.9215 thank you for the reply.yea I'm using the mic that came with the radio and yes sir it has a mic gain and currently it's turned up all the way should I try and back it off a bit maybe?
What if 40 and 1 are in the red. I have made sure the ground is good. The antenna is new. I put a old one on and it tunes good. I have adjusted it from longest to shortest. Can you have a bad antenna?
It could be possible that you have a bad antenna, however, there are several factors that could be causing the high SWR readings. Be sure to review our Troubleshooting High SWR Article in our Help Center: www.wearecb.com/troubleshoot-a-high-swr.html Make sure that any excess coax is properly stored in a figure 8. It could also be that you are using the incorrect antenna for your particular application. Let us know if you still need any assistance!
FYI...
The V.S.W.R. should be set for it's lowest dip on channel 19 (the middle of the band unless your freebanding...;-) This is why channel 19 was selected for the "truckers" channel....
Adjust the antenna's resonate frequency by altering it's length in the usual way..
The antenna's impedance will determine the V.S.W.R. at it's resonate frequency (when your best tuned to channel 19), adjust it's impedance by adjusting the antenna's proximity or angle to the ground plane (the car or truck)
The antenna's bandwidth determines the V.S.W.R. on the high and low channels. The shorter your antennas (meaning loading coils are used) the less bandwidth the antenna will have...that's another reason why 102 inch whips are better (no loading coils=wider bandwidth)
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what kind is the 1st antenna in this vid? very good info!! thanks.
cmccarter2009 Looks like the Albrecht 6330 ML 130 (5/8) mobile antenna
I’ve tried everything to tune my rp 7-11 road pro 24 inch antenna and I’m having massive difficulty.
make sure ground is solid
If i have a magnetic antenna , and move it from one vehicle to another do i have to re-tune it each time?
Yes
Can you just move the mounting location if the swr is higher on 1 and have no more room to extend antennae?
That is something you can try. A new location might give you a more favorable SWR. You can also add a spring or quick disconnect to the antenna to give it additional length.
You also have to tune your radio and antenna to the particular type of vehicel you’re driving. Most of the time it would be right smack dabb in the middle of your metal roof if so equiped. The next spot would be in the middle of the trunk. Hope that helps. Doug.
My rf out keep failing help
Im just started on the cb radio world. What would be a decent radio and antenna to begin with that i dont have to do so much tunning. Please help thanks
1men wolfpack cobra 19 is good but I use a cobra 29 Ltd classic (really great radio) and a good magnet mount antenna is a Wilson lil will or a mounted antenna would be a firestik
You will still probably have to SWR tune it, but you might be lucky.
what about a factory tuned antenna? is it a good idea to get one?
you still have to tune it in for your setup before use.
who makes the first antenna that you adjusted?
We believe it is a Hustler brand.
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How would you time dual antennas?
You would do it the same way as you would tune 1 antenna and only make the adjustments on one of the antennas.
Well. So it have to be the same On 1 and 40?
Ideally, you want the SWR readings to be close to the same on both the upper and lower channels and between 1 and 2.
are the whip antennas good? I have one for my cb but feel that the range isn't good.
+Carlos Hernandez It's a CB, range is never that good. 2 miles tops
.yes, i'm using Stryker SR-5K Magnetic CB Antenna Mount ,the antenna whip is 62-1/2 long made up of tapered stainless steel and frequency range is 26 MHz to 30 MHz.
Shoot my buddy here in Idaho picks up to 60 miles on his radio.
For a mobile CB radio there is nothing better than a long whip antenna. Even the shorter ones are great choices. Long whip antennas are also problematic due to their length. That is where the Firestik comes into play with a high load antenna that is 2 to 5 feet long. All of these antennas work best with a spring coil as well. It seems to really help the SWR on Firestiks for example and for all the safety reasons.
The whip antennas are good. If you aren't getting the range that you hoped for, the first thing that we typically recommend is making sure that you have tuned your antenna for your application and achieved acceptable SWR readings.
Nice i have k30 on my bmw650i gtan coup
how do i find someone who can tune everything to do with my cb radio in my truck? thanks
Look in a mirror and learn.
Makes me wonder how 12 year old me managed without the internet and youtube in the early 80's
Hey bud I have a question that might sound dumb but I'll use a quick photography reference to explain the reason for my question. Do all antennas have a sweet spot where you can get a super low reading on the SWR meter? In other words if my SWR reading is higher on channel 40 than it is on channel 1 and I start cutting away on my whip antenna to shorten it about a 1/4 inch at a time and I start reaching lower SWR readings does it get to a point where if I continue cutting too much my SWR readings start to get high again? My photography reference; all lenses have a sweet spot where you adjust the aperture from its lowest setting and work your way through the middle settings and you will find the lens sweet spot where the lens performs is best. As you continue adjusting the aperture from that middle area of the sweet spot and continue adjusting the aperture toward the high end you gradually start rolling OUT of the sweet spot. Hopefully my reference to photography and my questions to the antenna and the SWR reading makes sense now. Thanks in advance!
If you continue to trim your antenna lower and lower, yes, it will start to raise your swr meter readings.
CB World 👍Thanks for the reply. My SWR reading on channel one is about 1.2 ish and on channel 40 it's about 1.3 almost 1.4. How do I know if I have maxed out the sweet spot so I don't risk continuing to cut off the antenna and then raising my SWR readings?
I would say that if channel 1 and channel 40 are the same, that would be your sweet spot. If you cut a few more times and its about the same as now, then you have hit your max sweet spot. As you are right now, I would say your in good standing. I wouldn't cut off any more, but its up to you if you want to reach your max. :)
Also, make sure you are checking all the other channels as well. :)
CB World Hey bud thanks for the feed back and the follow up. The current whip that I'm using in the Wilson antenna right now is 41 inches and that's after trimming roughly 1 and 1/2 to almost 2 inches to get decent SWR readings. I just received a brand new whip at 49 inches and slapped it right in and I'm getting SWR readings 2.5 on channel 1 and almost 3 on channel 40. After trimming about 2 inches off that new whip (about a 1/2 inch at a time) I'm still getting the same SWR readings. Is there something different I should be doing or should I just continue trimming that whip and eventually my SWR readings will become decent. I'm just scared that I'll wind up trimming that 49 inch whip down to about the same as my current whip (41 inches) there for defeating the purpose of buying that brand new whip in the first place!
So which Ch 1 or Ch 40 suppose to be higher ?
Hi there! If the SWR reading on channel 1 is higher than the reading on channel 40, your antenna system is too short and you need to lengthen your antenna. Alternatively, if the SWR reading on channel 40 is higher than channel 1, your antenna system is too long and you need to shorten your antenna system. A full explanation can be found in our Help Center article: What is SWR? www.wearecb.com/what-is-swr.html You will also find an article in our Help Center regarding Troubleshooting High SWR: www.wearecb.com/troubleshoot-a-high-swr.html We hope that helps!
Nice l need this
My meter doesn't work how do you fix it?
Dear Keith~ Thank you for your question! Whether it is an external meter or the meter on your radio, you might need to replace the meter. For an external meter, we typically recommend the AUSWR meter. www.wearecb.com/auswr-swr-meter.html Depending on what is wrong with the meter, you might be able to fix it yourself, although we wouldn't be able to advise you on how to do that. We hope that helps!
What do you mean high high high on channel 40 ? Or channel 1. ?
Thank you for asking! If your SWR reading on your highest channel is higher than your SWR reading on your lowest channel, then your antenna it too high. High, High, and High. You would then need to reduce the length of your antenna system. You might also want to check out our High SWR Troubleshooting Article on our website: www.wearecb.com/troubleshoot-a-high-swr.html. We hope that helps!
I've always had really good luck with firesticks.
Firestik antennas are fantastic!
Why couldn't you just uses a longer brass screw to fix the problem. If the screw is not long enough ?
G- Man That might actually work.
Does matter how long cable is 8ft ?
donald laisure Manufacturers generally recommend an 18 ft cable. SWR's tend to be ok when you stick with multiples of 9, though.
On dodge dakota 4 door looking at Mount s that just bumpers
I can't hear anyone back on my cb radio. why
Hi Russell! We apologize for the delayed response. Here is a link to our troubleshooting guide:www.wearecb.com/troubleshooting-cb-radios.html
If that doesn't help, feel free to email or call us for additional assistance. wearecb@gmail.com (541) 928-1952
Thanks👍
my fibreglass antenna has no adjustment at top of antenna and on channel forty it is to high on swr meter what to do
cut it or if you have it on a spring get a shorter spring or remove the spring all together
How do you tune duals?
You would do it the same way as you would tune 1 antenna and only make the adjustments on one of the antennas.
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you can use an alligator clip to lengthen it
what if we have dual antenas?
You would do it the same way as you would tune 1 antenna and only make the adjustments on one of the antennas.
look very nice antenna, our factory have similar cb antennna , we have more than 40 kinds models
Also, don’t forget this if you use the hood / fender gap mounting location. It has a huge influence on SWR. ua-cam.com/video/xiYN9xv3R3w/v-deo.html
They will never be equal, but yes, as close as you can.
you need to show how to adjust a 102 inch whip for Mobil set up
Adjustments on that antenna system are oftentimes done via adjusting the length of the coax.
With a 102 in whip the only true way to tune it is to add a spring or two. Often the springs for a 102" whip are 4 "thats an option but only a one time deal add the 4 inches and cut down the whip itself.The other option is buy a tunning stud, These are sold in single units from 1" ito 4 inches and there is enough room inside the attachment to raise or lower the height and retighten the set "s" screws.
I use lock washer
Dont tell him they cant be equal.
Thats simply not true, virtually its understandable that the SWR ratio between both ends of the band cant be resonate in the real world.
But in practice it happens very often.
It just depends on how well everything is setup
Yes I deleted My question. I must ask. You do acknowledge any amplification on 11 meter radio is illegal,I and most know this and frankly I could care less. What about the "tuned" radios? I have seen Cobra 29 Ltd Classics swinging out to almost 100 watts. Are they illegal or is that a "Grey Are" once again.? Just no extra box anywhere. I never ran a barefoot radio except for the little portable Midland 75-820. Even that I think I am starting to see some small amps for and plan on contacting the manufacturer. Thank You all for Your help and informative videos.Troy.
CB Radios that have been modified to output more that the 4 watts allowed by the FCC are illegal. Many people still modify their radios to attain the higher wattage and assume the potential risk of getting caught and getting a large fine.
These questions in the comments make me sad for the folks of today.
They also make me wonder.
Back in 1979 I was a 10 year old with my first CB radio.
I didnt have adult help.
I do have a brain and Im not afraid to use it. Im also not afraid to read the instructions that come with the various meters and rigs, antennas.. I taught myself to solder so I could have patch cables and change mikes.
Im now wondering how did I manage to set up the rig and antenna etc without help from the internet and youtube?
Thank you for your comment! We speak with many different people every day with various levels of understanding and knowledge. We are always happy to help those who have questions and commend you for learning so much on your own!
Lower-Longer, Higher-Shorter.
I dont get it at all.
Ok say your antenna is on your trunk its lower, right? Now it's on your roof its 3 feet higher, right?
So what's up with these half inch changes? How do they make a difference?
Tuning the antenna affects how the antenna interacts with the ground plane of which it sits, meaning that moving the antenna from the roof to the trunk lid would put it in a new environment meaning you would need to retune the antenna to the ground plane of which it sits. If you need more help with this subject please feel free to contact us! All of our information is available on our website!
Do it twice
I don't think these people know how to do anything. I have watched alot of these videos and never do they show some hooking up the coax cable , showing the length as well as placing the antenna and hookup all the way through. It only takes 15 min
slower than 7 year itch
Man those are some hairy arms!!!