What is a SWR meter, for CB, and how do i use it, and what is the dial on it for?

Answer 1

The length of the CB antenna dictantes the frequency that it works best at. The CB has to be on the same frequency, so it's possible to tune the antenna to match the CB. When you hook up an antenna to a CB, the antenna has a little set-screw on the side that allows you to loosen the antenna and adjust its length.

To do the adjustment, set the CB to channel 19, hook up the antenna, and loosen the set screw. Then press the transmit button and see what the reading is on the meter. lengthen and shorten the antenna, while pressing the transmit button, to see what length antenna gives you the best signal. Once you have the best reading, tighten down the screw and you're done - the antenna is now tuned to your CB.

If it's a hidden antenna where you can't adjust the length, there should still be an adjustment screw on the antenna to tune it. Transmit and and adjust the screw until you get the best reading.

Answer 2

When you transmit a radio signal to the antenna, you want as much of it as possible to be radiated into the air, so that it will be useful for communications. However, if the impedance of the transmitter output does not match the impedance of the antenna, or if the wrong size antenna is used, there will be power reflected back to the transmitter, causing "standing waves" in the transmission line. This reduces the amount of power radiated into the air, and the reflected power can also hurt the transmitter. An SWR meter measures the forward and reflected power. You should adjust the sensitivity to 100% on the "forward" side, so you can read the SWR, which should be 1.5:1 or below. (if the SWR is above 2:1, that can hurt the transmitter).