CB Testin

[MisterTinkle]

OK... I installed an external antenna on the truck for my handheld CB. I borrowed a SWR meter (Thanks Jeff!), and the best I could do was about an SWR of 2 for both channel 1 and 40. Not the best, I know...

I set the radio to scan while driving around town, and I do hear other transmissions, but either I'm not transmitting, people on CB aren't friendly, or I sound like a jerk, because nobody responds to my radio checks.

So, is there anybody on the southwest side of Denver metro with a CB that will help me verify that this external antenna works?

Thanks!

[JeffW]

You will get a radio check on channel 19, no problem. If you're not getting responses, there's an antenna issue.

[Chainsaw]

Hand helds have very weak transmission power, maybe you just arnt reaching out.

[AirborneNurse]

yea, im haveing the same issue, trancieve no prob, transmit PROB. I'll hopefully get it figured out tomorrow.

[itsme1738]

hey i am a mile from ya.....let me know when you want to test.....you have my phone #

[MisterTinkle]

hey i am a mile from ya.....let me know when you want to test.....you have my phone #

Cool! I thought your radio was in storage. How about this weekend?

[max]

With that high of an SWR and depending on the antenna length and transmit power of the handheld you may not be putting out enough radiated power. With a 2:1 ratio you are loosing 11% of your transmitter power just in reflected power back to the radio. Almost all cb antennas have a loss as well in Effective Radiated Power as well so you will loose some more power at the antenna.

[itsme1738]

sure sam...give me a call

[MisterTinkle]

Thanks for all the replies. Yes, handhelds do have limited power (sigh). I'm hoping the external antenna helps with transmission. The rubber-duck antenna that came with the radio was marginal at best when used inside the truck. Outside the truck it was MUCH better, but still line of sight. The external antenna does receive better, so I'm hoping for just enough transmission/receive for tail use where vehicles aren't too separated.

I'm REALLY hoping I can use a mag-mount antenna that is easily removed when not in use.

Jeff, I'll check in with you on Saturday! Cool!

[itsme1738]

:thumbsup:...if im not working sure

[Chainsaw]

A cheap radio and a quick attach mount with a fire stick and you be MUCH happier. Just saying.

[itsme1738]

Hand helds have very weak transmission power, maybe you just arnt reaching out.

i beg to differ.....i had an old radio shack hand held and it would do 15 MILES plus :D

[J_L]

Unless you have a modified CB, all models whether handheld or mounted have an output of 4 watts on AM. If it's capable of Single Side Band the output is 12 watts on SSB but still only 4 on AM.

An SWR of 2:1 while not great should still be getting a fairly good signal out. Check your SWR on channel 20 and see if it's any lower, the antenna could be tuned for the center of the band.

[itsme1738]

sam i just got home from work,,,16 hour day in the springs and,im working on sat......i dont know how long but we can test on sun for sure....jeff

[MisterTinkle]

sam i just got home from work,,,16 hour day in the springs and,im working on sat......i dont know how long but we can test on sun for sure....jeff

Long day; bummer! No worries. PM me or call me when convenient. I still have plenty of time to get this solved before goneMOAB. :)

Sam

[itsme1738]

lets do it sunday,i do not have to work!......i got your phone #

[MisterTinkle]

lets do it sunday,i do not have to work!......i got your phone #

:thumbsup:

[MisterTinkle]

Jeff, thanks for the help! I think it works well enough to communicate on a trail. It certainly works better than using the rubber duck antenna within the cab.

[itsme1738]

cool glad i could help!