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Whats wrong with my CB?

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by Khaos, Dec 15, 2010.

  1. Dec 15, 2010 at 2:24 PM
    #1
    Khaos

    Khaos [OP] Big Member

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    Bryant
    Jacksonville, Florida
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    2011 DC TRD SPORT Prerunner
    3” spacer lift, 285/75/17 KO2, Spidertrax 1.25” spacers
    So, I'm growing frustrated. I have a Cobra 19 from Walmart with a 4FT fiberglass radio shack antenna. The CB is getting power straight from the battery, and the antenna is grounded to the frame. That being said, on every channel it says "busy" and if I turn the squelch up from minimum, then there is no signal at all. Driving down the highway I don't pick up anything, and if I do it sounds as if its millions of miles away. I can get some conversations on occasion on various channels, but the signal is always crappy. I haven't tuned the antenna yet (no money for the meter) but could this really have such a strong effect?

    Got an upcoming trip to Georgia and I really want to have this thing functioning on the highway..
     
  2. Dec 15, 2010 at 10:23 PM
    #2
    gobias

    gobias as in Gobias some coffee

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    Don't run your radio w/o tuning your whip first. Bad idea.
    And yes, this can cause you to not pick up channels properly.
    Get that SWR fixed. With a good quality 4ft antenna mounted properly you should get a 1:1 ratio without too much trouble.

    SWR meters only run about $20. You can also take your truck to most any good truck stop and get it tuned there but they'll probably charge you for it.
     
  3. Apr 8, 2013 at 6:27 AM
    #3
    LDurchy

    LDurchy Well-Known Member

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    Know of any ham radio people? Perhaps a large truck stop someplace would have someone with a SWR meter in the back room and someone who still remembers how to use it. Good luck.
     

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