Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: Chupacabra on April 12, 2011, 08:38:33 PM

Title: SWR Meter?
Post by: Chupacabra on April 12, 2011, 08:38:33 PM
Just ordered in a few parts from Northridge 4x4, those being an ARB Air compressor, some JKS disco's, and a CB set-up. Getting excited for the next trail run for sure :P

So, the air compressor and the disco's were a pretty easy set-up, and I'm planning on installing the CB over the weekend however... Anyone have a SWR meter, and know how to use it? Or at least know where one could be found? CB's are pretty new to me.

Thanks!
Title: Re: SWR Meter?
Post by: Dagoose on April 12, 2011, 09:34:24 PM
Take it to the road king. The the guy that runs the cb shop in there will tune it for $20 and it takes him 2 minutes.
Title: Re: SWR Meter?
Post by: .:.Dingman.:. on April 12, 2011, 09:41:12 PM
Quote from: Dagoose on April 12, 2011, 09:34:24 PM
Take it to the road king. The the guy that runs the cb shop in there will tune it for $20 and it takes him 2 minutes.

I do believe his name is Dean.


Dingman
Title: Re: SWR Meter?
Post by: Jrama on April 12, 2011, 10:08:26 PM
Quote from: Dagoose on April 12, 2011, 09:34:24 PM
Take it to the road king. The the guy that runs the cb shop in there will tune it for $20 and it takes him 2 minutes.

A SWR meter should cost you around that much. Plus CB setups do go out of tune after a little anyway. I'd invest in a swr meter, they are dead simple to use (aka 2 min tune).
Check out this link they have tons of useful info.
 
What swr is and why you need to tune:
http://www.rightchannelradios.com/pages/cb-antenna-tuning-and-swr-explained-pv-c0-58.html

How to tune your antenna:
http://www.rightchannelradios.com/pages/cb-antenna-tuning-guide-pv-c0-61.html

Just get a cheap swr off ebay or something it's a way better option then bringing it somewhere. You should be checking swr readings regularly anyway to make sure everythings runnin alright
Title: Re: SWR Meter?
Post by: WhiteOut on April 12, 2011, 10:32:45 PM
Quote from: Dagoose on April 12, 2011, 09:34:24 PM
Take it to the road king. The the guy that runs the cb shop in there will tune it for $20 and it takes him 2 minutes.

If this is the case he has cut his rate by more than half. The last time I was there he wanted $35 just to look how I had installed the stuff I bought FROM HIM and tell me if it was right.

Chupacabra, I have an SWR meter you can borrow. Just PM and we'll set something up.
Title: Re: SWR Meter?
Post by: TL-Iguana on April 12, 2011, 11:27:49 PM
Myself and Knox both have one as well if ya need ;)
Title: Re: SWR Meter?
Post by: jeepjones on April 13, 2011, 03:32:22 AM
There's ton's of info available on the net on how to use an SWR meter, it's worth the $30 it's costs to buy one and learn how to do it yourself.
Title: Re: SWR Meter?
Post by: Knox on April 13, 2011, 08:49:27 AM
Quote from: tliguana on April 12, 2011, 11:27:49 PM
Myself and Knox both have one as well if ya need ;)

What Simon is REALLY saying, is he has two meters, one being in his Jeep the other in my garage. :P haha