CB tuning

[lewis]

So I bought a cb and its range is limited to less than 100 feet and if you have been on a trail with me you know my cb sucks. Its a Cobra DX IV 40 channel cb. I had the same one on another vehicle that went alot long. I am running the fiberglass antenna and have tried different sizes with no change. I have talked to some "truckers" and they said that my cb just needs tuned and it will go alot further. They said there is a tuning tool out there for it or any cb shop can tune. So does anyone know where I can get it tuned or what I should do to get more range?

 

[rholbrook]

I had the same problem, went to Flying J in Ogden and the CB shop there tuned. What a difference it made. I would call up there and see if there is a place in SLC that does it.

 

[MikeGyver]

You need an SWR meter, and you need to make sure your antenna is mounted in an acceptable manner. http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs.htm

Before tuning my radio it obvioulsy didn't really work (transmitting at a poor SWR can easily destroy the radio btw), after I tuned it, I had a conversation with a trucker in Payson and I was at squaw peak, thats like 25 miles.

 

[lewis]

Thanks for the link and the info. I need to ground my antenna, adjust the SWR and have my radio peaked by someone that knows what they are doing. Thanks guys.

 

[gijohn40]

making a good ground is probably the best thing you can do besides getting the antenna matched to the radio....

 

[SLC97SR5]

This guy is local and has EVERYTHING you need, good dude.
He has some odd hours though:
http://www.commproducts.net/

 

[Rot Box]

Also placement of the antenna seems to make a huge difference. In an unobstructed location like the roof or hood will probably work the best. I mounted mine up on the hood and it works very well.