SWR Meter for my CB radio??

Question

I have a SWR meter for my cb radio. To be honest I'm not exactly sure how to use it, my dad just gave it to me, no instrunctions or antyhing. it has the meter, a switch for forwar and reverse(whatever that does), a calabrator knob, and an antenna in and cb out. How am I suppose to use this to calibrate my radio? My radio has a SWR meter built into the radio. I have calibrated it and it works fine. I'm running about 1:1 to !:7. it is a uniden pc78Elite. It also has a meter for recieving and sending built into my radio. Also I have an antenna light that turns on red when my vehicle is in motion but my calabrating remains the same? Why is that? My main question was is that when I connect the external SWR meter my radio will not send or receive above 3 puonds. Why is this? I hope im not too confusing. Im trying to use the little space I have for this question as best as I can. Thank You for your time.

Answer 1

CALIBRATING THE METER/MEASURING SWR

1. Set CALIBRATION/FS/SWR on the front of the meter to CALIBRATION/FS.

2. Turn on your radio. Then select a channel or frequency on your
transmitter and hold down its transmit key. Do not speak into the
microphone.

Notes: An SWR reading will be different for different frequencies
(channels). If you transmit on one channel more often then
any other, select that channel. If you transmit on several
channels, choose a frequency in the middle of the range of
channels you use. (For example, if you transmit on all 40 CB
channels, choose Channel 20, because it is midway between
Channel 1 and Channel 40.)

If you use a CB that has sideboard modes (SSB), do not select
any of these modes. (Use only AM for SWR measurements).

If you have an amateur radio, select the continuous wave (CW)
or tuning mode to check the SWR.

3. While you hold down the transmit key, rotate the meter's knob until
the needle points to CAL.

4. Release the transmit key, then set CALIBRATION/FS/SWR to SWR.

5. Press the transmit key again, then read the SWR by noting the needle's
position on the upper SWR scale. A meter reading of 1 on the upper
scale is ideal.

The figure shown between the upper and lower scales on the meter
(% REF POWER) indicates the percentage of power that is wasted
through reflection of the signal from the antenna back into the
antenna cable. For example, an SWR reading of 1.5 also means that 4%
of your signal power is lost. However, 96% of the radio power is more
than enough for almost all applications.

6. Repeat Steps 1-5 for each channel or frequency you want to get an SWR
reading for.

Interpreting SWR Readings

An ideal SWR reading is 1.0, but this reading is usually possible only
under laboratory conditions or with a dummy load. Actual antenna
installations have higher readings. The information below will help you
interpret the readings you get.

SWR Efficiency Interpretation

1.0 to 1.5 Excellent The antenna cable and the antenna length
match the transmitter's output
requirements almost perfectly.

1.5 to 2.0 Very good The antenna, the cable, and the
transmitter operate very efficiently.

2.0 to 3.0 Acceptable The antenna, the cable, and the
transmitter operate with some loss. If
possible, adjust your antenna or antenna
mounting system to improve.

Above 3.0 Inefficient Adjust your antenna or antenna mounting
system to improve efficiency.

Answer 2

the radio you have has two lights . One to let you know that you are transmitting and the other to let you know you have an antenna problem if both lights are on then your antenna needs to be tuned.

Answer 3

Well, the linear is illegal, but aside from that, you did ask a legitimate question about SWR. You should only do SWR readings with a minimum of power, like the 4 watts on the "barefoot" transceiver. If the SWR on the antenna is low with the transceiver, the amp will not change the antenna. This is a fairly typical antenna tweaking error, I did exactly the same thing with a (legal) amateur transceiver at 100 watts, and it pegged the meter. And I've been at this since 1968. With all that said, the potential for a $10,000 fine and confiscation of the equipment would be enough for me to avoid the use of a illegal amplifier on CB, so I caution you to consider that, and remember that there is a new enforcement engineer at the FCC. Some of the guys are calling her Sheriff Laura, and from what I heard of her speech at the Dayton Hamvention, and a posting she made to eham, she takes her responsibilities seriously.

Answer 4

Here...click this.
PDF document for your radio and how to use all the buttons and switches.
http://www.uniden.com/pdf/PC78ELITEom.pdf