Annual OR/WA TSF Camping and Wheeling Shindig

I've been reading a couple of the other treads on CBs. I am going to try and move the mount down the side about 12" away from the cab and see if that helps. Im using right around 18' of cable (bought a 20' length and after 2 cuts I bet Im right around 20') and have the extra loosly coilded under the drivers side carpet.

 

I was planning on it. I figured we can get everyone tuned properly out on the coast

 

SWR meter?

 

Really????

 

LuLz... I guess yeah really. Is this something I should of googled by now?

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SWR_meter

 

It helps in tuning your antenna. That way you get the most out of it.

 

More or less yes. Antenna has to definitely be taller than vehicle.

I'm not sure if that antenna is too stiff and you need a spring? if you then need that, I'd be worried of the antenna smacking the cab. Test it out by bending on it and see what you think, because you're going to what that thing a bunch. If it doesn't work out, I highly advocate a Wilson Flex. Also much thinner so doesn't get in your vision.

Shouldn't matter as much, I'm guessing grounding, wiring, or damaged cable. Bed anywhere isn't the best placement IIRC, but front or rear shouldn't be much different.

You technically don't need SWR just to get running, it's just to help get the most out of it. I haven't re-tuned since getting the Cobra and mine is pretty great. I know a few other guys that never tune. If it's easy to do, go ahead, but remember you can't tune with a bunch of vehicles next to you.

I've done a lot of reading that's changed my fundemental understanding drastically, but this might still pertain:

how is the cable coiled? If it is just in a mash or in a loop like a garden hose, that is supposed to cause interference. You need to have it in a tight figure 8.

The part I DO know: Once you have it the way you want, cut it to length, with just enough for maintenance (pulling out CB, messing with antenna). This helps cut down on issues.

Device that measures a standing wave. You basically use it to tune channel 1 and channel 40 (the lowest and highest signals) to get them nearest the same number on the meter so you are 'in tune', maximizing range. According to the webz, if you don't tune, you can risk damage of frying the radio. However, I haven't tuned mine and I sound great. I have also talked to Bill Burke (who never tunes), another guy on gitout.com (never tunes), and a few other guys, who haven't had issues.

My advice is tune when it's convenient to try helping your signal, but don't freak out. I haven't seen where things are going to magically explode.

 

Yeah what he said...but 6:30is..not 6.

I have a 4' firestick if you want to use it..got a heavy duty spring to go with it also.

 

I need to make a new ground for it. Cause I don't have one right now and I know that the bed rails are not grounded.

So you are saying I can cut an ass load of the cable?

 

Are you not going to be using it?

 

Nope. It's been sitting in my garage for a few months now. I got the magnet type antenna that mounts to the top of my cab. I can bring it for you on the trip or we can meet up sometime during the week.

 

haha ya but everytime i take my truck out there i get to rowdy and break somthing lol. i'll have it there and probably just switch on and off the quad with my brother or somethin.

 

Oh Tim, btw you and Russ bring the ketchup

 

Read this

I checked with another site and the guy checks out.

 

Yeah thanks. I wont be able to meet during the week with work. I've got to figure out a way to make the ground work.

 

Hey Tim, you should measure my frame while we're out there...

 

Hey,
sending a couple of you a PM that i know for somthing about next weekends meet

Just a little FYI

 

we Could do that no problem i charge extra for getting my back sandy ;D

 

We got you Tim

Hell, ill help