I am getting a used cb tommrrow (Wedensday) and I am reading about this SWR. What is it? The CB is a car model that I put in my bedroom. The channels I will use most are 19 and 33. How do I know if it is too high or to lowand how can I adjust the SWR with out a meter? Thx
2007-12-04 11:56:50 · 4 answers · asked by Hook 'em Horns 3 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
SWR (standing wave ratio) is a function of how much any impedance mismatches in an RF transmission line causes RF energy to be reflected back to the source instead of out to the transmit antenna.
Basically, if you do an SWR test on a transmission line, it's kind of a go/no-go test. If the SWR value is within the required specification, your transmission line from the transmitter to the antenna is operating efficiently and putting out the specified amount of RF energy.
But, if the SWR value is excessive, you have an excessive impedance mismatch somewhere in the transmission line. This is usually due to old or damaged cables, connectors, or the antenna itself.
The result of an excessive SWR value is that you will not put out as strong of an RF signal as you should be capable of with your transmitting equipment. You also will not be able to receive weak signals that you should normally with your receiving equipment.
If you don't have an SWR meter, don't worry about it unless you experience poor transmission performance. Then look at replacing the transmission line and connectors from the CB to the transmit antenna, or even the antenna itself.
2007-12-04 12:36:23 · answer #1 · answered by Paul in San Diego 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of times the CB has an SWR meter right on it. You can use that to "tune" the antenna. A CB antenna has an adjustment on it so that you can change its length, so you change the length a little and key the mike to see how that affected the reading. After changing the length a few times, you'll get the highest reading, and that's the best tuning for your CB.
2007-12-04 13:48:56 · answer #2 · answered by Electro-Fogey 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need a S W R meter to set it, if it is above 1.5 it can burn up your radio. get some help from someone who has done it before, it is important.
2007-12-04 12:06:26 · answer #3 · answered by Scrappy52 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have no idea about your question, I regret to say, but I do love your avatar and name thing (I go to UT)
2007-12-04 12:04:58 · answer #4 · answered by Alejandro B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋