What would happen if I didn't tune my antenna?

 

THX so one could damage the radio

Will go get a swr meter then

 

It's not likely you will damage it because of the low power it has. However if you don't tune it, it will not preform as well. If your going to use it for just trail rides it probably won't really matter much, most vehicles are pretty close together. Its always better to tune it if you can. don't ever key it without the antenna hooked up are you will damage it.

 

Well that was a waste of 30 bucks

Hooked up the meter calibrated it and turned on the CB and tested on ch 20 and meter read 1 and ch 40 read 1.1 so didn't bother checking ch 1

How often does something come plug'n play

Guess I just got lucky

Thanks for the advise guys

 

Take it back and see if you can get your money back. Just a thought! I need one so maybe you could sell it to me at a discount...kind of like splitting the cost.

 

Where did you get the meter from? Need to tune mine too (but I expect mine won't be plug and play!)

 

Are you sure you are doing it right ? ? Never seen a perfect 1:1 right out of the box.

Meter inline between the radio and antenna
turn switch to foward, key mic and hold
turn knob to calibrate
turn switch to REF
view swr reading.

 

Frys has one for $9.95 Vanco

 

Matt,

Not very patient, ey? I have a meter, but never needed to use it because my Cobra 29 has a meter built in. :-)

Check channels 1 and 40. Don't forget to calibrate on channel 1, then measure SWR, then tune to channel 40 and CALIBRATE AGAIN, then check SWR. If SWR is higher on channel 40, your antenna is too long, and if it's lower, your antenna is too short.

BTW, try and use the shortest coax possible between your CB and meter.

js.

 

I dont trust the built in meters.