Basic install of CB radio, Antenna, and SWR check for beginners.

[@RickFL2001]

Your video not only helps the new CB'er, it helps remind us older CB'ers things we may have forgotten.

[@preppinglife624]

I'm no beginner but I'm glad this information is being made available for those who are new to the hobby!

[@57mckee]

I used to have a CB a long time ago. I had mobile and Base and loved it. I have been missing it and I finally made it back to the east coast again: Virginia and I feel the fever coming back . You have given me alot to think about . Thank you

[@MI-me3pt]

I put a little wil on my truck, tuned it and spoke to a home based radio 7 miles away. Great little antenna.

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Awesome

[@alanlewis82]

Thank you for taking the time to put this content out to us. Very much appreciated.

[@calvinlong1265]

Great video! I found the segment on how to tune your antenna very helpful!

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Thanks for watching, glad I could help.

[@MrGchiasson]

I've got a HAM license. ( Local repraters are down)... So...not busy on the air. Bought a CB radio ten years ago...I think it's time to take it out of the box. Great video...thanks.

[@MrStaybrown]

I finally installed my cobra 25 with a Wilson 1000. 😁👍

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Awesome 👌

[@steverzepecki500]

Like the videos, I purchased a Cobra 29 NW LTD Classic, Stryker antenna, Ranger mic, I just need to check SWR, Lots of open space in the desert.

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Just be sure to use an external meter.

[@George_droyd]

​@J Rich Truckin & CB Tips hey man so how do you ground the mag mount styker. I want to rf bond my vehicle. And I understand everything else I just don't understand how to actually attach the ground to the antenna

[@marknewton677]

Thanks for vids. I have cobra. Cb and mic checks out no problems. Using swr meter. Using Wilson 2000 on a bird perch. Good ground and checked with a meter. Started with 3.5 on ch 40 and 3.1 on ch1 cut 1/4 in 4 or 5 times now at like 2.8 on both ch1 and chew gone up and down on on antenna. I have not got a good reading to keep cutting. I did buy a new 9 ft cb cable and used with the start of new antenna install. Thanks mark

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Sounds like the antenna is low on the mirror. If so you're getting reflection off the cab. Change the antenna to a top load tunable tip fiberglass or a longer shaft antenna or a longer shaft for the antenna you have.

[@marknewton677]

@@jrichtruckincbtips thanks will try the extension that came with the wilson 2000

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

@mark newton I don't see the extension that came with it helping much, but you can try, and try leaning the antenna forward, and see if swr gets better. More than likely you'll need a 24" extension to make that antenna work where it's at.

[@marknewton677]

@@jrichtruckincbtips ok leaning wilson didnt work. Going to buy the top load fiberglass stick you recomended. I have 2015 freightliner using birds perch. Do you have any recommendations on type and height. Thank you Mark

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

@mark newton 6' Firestik and the Cascadia benefits from a lot of antenna grounding or RF bonding I have a video about it on my 2019 Cascadia

[@ron99693]

Love the hobby, and your videos...keep 'em coming

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Thanks and thanks for watching

[@gradyreeves2029]

Greetings and salutations Mr. J Rich Truckin & CB Tips, First, I would like to thank you for providing the Back-to-Basics series for CB radios. I am 25ish years removed from using one myself and found the information quite informative. After watching your videos, I decided to purchase a Uniden PRO505XL and the Little Wil magnet mount antenna. While I do plan on eventually using 4’ FireStik Fireflies in my truck’s stake holes, I have yet to figure out how I want to run the coax. Needless to say, I will get two, though only one may be connected. The rule of cool applies here; that’s why I would need one on each side. Getting back on topic, I got the radio and antenna installed (I ran the coax just the same as you did in your video), but I cannot get decent SWR readings, and I’m not sure how to proceed. I moved the antenna all over the top of the cab and checked the readings; however, once I hit 3.4 on channel 1, I stopped keeping track until I found the best location. Which happens to be just forward of the center taillight/bed light. The final SWR readings I was able to obtain were: Ch. 1 - 2.6, Ch. 40 - 2.5, and Ch. 20 - 2.2. I was under the impression that 20 should be in between channels 1 and 40, though it was when I first started with 3.1/2.2/2.4, followed by 3.1/2.3/2.6. I can no longer raise the antenna as I am at the retaining pin, and any higher, I will not be able to secure it. I did check the coax for any visible damage, and there is only a small dent where I have it running through the weather stripping and floor plate. However comma I know that the goal is to get channels 1 and 40 as close as possible, but in my case, even though they are close, I cannot pick up any chatter except for some Spanish on channel 9, otherwise it’s static or nothing. I would love to hear your thoughts on what I can do to get better results. Otherwise, I just might tape a coat hanger (maybe solder too for a better hold) to see if the results are better. Please help me Mr. J Rich Truckin & CB Tips, you’re my only hope. Respectfully, GR

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

I'm assuming you're using the radios meter to check swr. They are rarely ever accurate, and an external meter should be used. I'd go to a CB shop and have it checked out. I believe something is wrong somewhere if the readings are in fact correct. Mag mounts usually don't take much adjustment.

[@gradyreeves2029]

@@jrichtruckincbtips I wish that was the case, but you said to get an external meter and then showed why. As you're the Subject Matter Expert (SME) here, I deferred to your extensive knowledge, and purchased one to use. I will look into finding a CB shop, though I didn't know that was a thing, and hopefully figure this out. If not, how far are you from San Antonio? I'll let you know what I can find out. Who knows, I may become a subject in a future video... Thanks again, GR

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

@Grady Reeves well thanks, but I'm on expert. I'm way over here in Atlanta. I'm also assuming you're checking the swr with the doors closed and in a wide open space. It wouldn't be unheard-of if you just got a bad antenna, even new from Wilson. You can try 1 other thing to check for ground. Hook the swr meter up, calibrate, then switch to swr, while keying up the mic, talk loudly into the mic. If the needle bobs a little you're good. If the needle swings, you have a lack of ground. Also if you have a multi meter, check the continuity of the coax, including the jumper. While the coax is disconnected from the meter and radio.

[@gradyreeves2029]

@@jrichtruckincbtips Compared to me, you're not only an expert, but an absolute authority! What a coinkydink, I'll be passing through Atlanta next month. Though I hope to have this fixed before then. Yes, doors and windows are closed (making it really hot inside the cab, causing profuse sweating...), and as wide open a space I can use. I can probably find a better one somewheres. Ok, here are the results of the checks you mentioned: - needle only bobs a little on channels 1, 20, and 40. - multimeter continuity - probes touching 0.5 ohms - small wire 0.5 ohms - coax jumper 0.5 ohms - antenna (coax connector to whip) 0.7 ohms I did a quick internet search and found only one cb shop (others looked questionable). I'll see if they can help and get back to you. Don't worry; if they say something that conflicts with what you said, I'll correct them immediately by saying "That's not what J Rich said...," or something to that effect. Thanks again, GR

[@Dragon1165]

There are radio shops in San Antonio, check your truckstops, at times they work at or near them

[@josephwilkins3982]

Always run your hot(positive) directly to the battery with a fuse, and the ground directly to the frame with a fuse! Next run a ground from the radio chassis to another good ground. You’ll never fry your radio!

[@edreyes1391]

Thanks for the beginners cb radio videos

[@man987654321111]

Funny you have the same "temp" set up that is in my father pickup. He's running a much older cobra 29 (modded), has an amplifier, and the "Little Wil." We were testing out the range of our equipment and due to altitude change/terrain change we managed to get around 6-7 miles. With a better antenna could go much farther!

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

That 29 averages 23 watts on the Dosy. In the next video I'm hoping to get 6mi with the Stryker.

[@man987654321111]

@@jrichtruckincbtips For sure you will! Like you said 75% antenna that makes a difference.

[@thetawave2473]

Your videos are fantastic, thank you!

[@davidhepburn4293]

that antenna would be perfect for my truck because if pulling a fifth wheel if on the roof the trailer wont interfere

[@davidhepburn4293]

if adding your own cable 18 feet of rg58u is the recomended length if using rg8u the cable can be shorter but only cut cable in very small increments at first and only after grounds and propper location of antenna

[@billsellers9509]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with everyone

[@w.d.rowlandjr.7602]

Appreciate you brother, I never knew a lot of this. It’s a wander I never fried a radio.

[@captainotto]

Me too!

[@lilrichard87]

Take that Stryker antenna apart and put some dielectric grease on the cover. It’ll help keep it water proof for a while, and if needed you can still take it apart. Another idea to customize it, you can see how to change the leds to a different color. 😂 I’m looking at installing a few Uv Christmas lights in mine to make it look purple. When you key up. I had mine for a while before I even realized it lit up when you keyed the mic. Crazy huh

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

I'd sure enough mess the Stryker up trying to change the lights. I'm getting to the dielectric grease in the next video, just let it play out.🤣👍

[@lilrichard87]

@@jrichtruckincbtips I know when I was looking at trying to make it semi waterproof. I was looking for anything on KZbin or manufactures website. I couldn’t find anything. But if you look at the base. There are two screws for the adjustment of the whip. There is a third one further down closer to the base. If you back it out. And back the whip mount out. The top cover and the side cover will come off. It may be a decent video to post. With the addition of the dielectric grease. Idk who all is mechanically inclined.

[@ernestdiaz6629]

Thank for the information it really helps

[@arvillenoe2542]

Another great video thank you bud very informational love these kind of productions have a great day bud

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Thanks, I think that is one of my best editing jobs.

[@arvillenoe2542]

@@jrichtruckincbtips your welcome bud and yes sir I'd agree with you on that LoL I couldn't notice it was edited myself

[@thisperson6655]

What happens if you have dual antennas? How do you know which one is high or low?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

You have to tune them individually.

[@JohnDolschenko]

It is VOLTAGE STANDING WAVE RATIO. VSWR. Accuracy is not important as long as you dither the high and low end of whatever band you are tunning for.

[@joemilich]

I'm binge watching all your videos.

[@christopherbell3768]

Me too 😂

[@gregpittman9800]

Hey Jay I’ve got a question, I hooked up my Cobra ltd classic! It was working great, got a radio check. Said it was sounding good! But now when I key the mic the ex/tx is lighting up red instead of green! Can you help please and thank you!

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Take it to a cb shop, had that happen to mine, wasn't a big deal to fix.

[@chadha1412]

I have a cobra 29Ltd i installed in my older big rig. It has the original old coex cables. I installed dual antennas 4ft tall 1000watt. Something's dont seem right. My swr is 2.5 on channel 40 and 2 on channel 1. I'm also wondering if my coex cables are not good i think i should replace them. Do yku think i need to cut a little off the tip of antennas? With a dual antenna set up do you think i have certain cables like a 2 into 1? Thanks

[@chrishardison1898]

I’m not new to the hobby just like to learn a little more. I haven’t heard you mention anything about springs. I’m asking if you were to run one where would it be on or a truck. What’s the pros and cons of using a spring. I run a 102 whip with heavy duty spring

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

With the 102" whip, it needs a spring if running 11 meter. Springs can be ok if you have a big rig in the woods a lot or you need a little more height out of an antenna to get the SWR right. On the other hand running a heavy fiberglass or mid load whip antenna , the antenna will be pointing at the back of the vehicle at highway speed.

[@davehamilton6627]

Im getting a Stryker A10 Mag mount . Is it imperative to magnet to the veh. body? I have a steel plate with double sided tape right behind the driver side of cab on my pick up truck bed rail. its plastic along the steak bed rail. I also have a rugged radio suction cup mount I could use with a piece of steel fastened to it as well. just wondering about grounding and ground plain issues? thanks

[@rockhaller3899]

If affordable or a friend has one to borrow an analyzer is best when doing an install.

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

True, but for the beginner that's not affordable, I do plan to have one in the future. Thanks for watching.

[@rockhaller3899]

Def agree! I'm a perfectionist and enjoy helping others get their rigs right. So I bit the bullet bought one years ago?

[@WandaMatteini]

I am calibrating my antenna and noticed that on my swr on channel 1 is fine but when I go to channel 40 it goes up to 3 so what do I need to do

[@travislohneis224]

I noticed my radio is sitting just at the end of the green and beginning of the red on my meter during normal S/RF is that normal?….my Swr is below a 2 on 1 and 40 …noticed yours is pretty much all the way to the left

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Sounds like you have a ton of interference, providing everything else is working the way it should be. RF bonding will help with interferences. I have videos on that.

[@TheErilaz]

Learning the stuff needed to get the ham radio license will serve anyone well,- and kids down to 11 years is capable to pass the test. You also get access to an enormous amount of radio spectrum, and exiting possibilities like sending emails by radio,pictures and APRS. One can even bounce signals off the moon! The complete list is too long to mention here. We licensed radioamateurs have for the most no issues with CB'ers. The real issue we licensed ham radio persons have is people who act rude on the ham radio repeaters and bands. They are breaking the gentlemans agreement that states: No rude behaviour,drunken shenanigans or foul language on the hamradio bands or repeaters,- no jamming, no politics. If anyone has any issues with other persons,- that business is to be discussed per phone, in person or per email/mail.

[@edgarsheppard-4342]

I have a car radio that I want to use at my house my antenna is going to be about 30ft high what antenna would be the best to use for this setup. Right now I can't afford to go with a Base unit yet .

[@allancarroll1626]

Thanks good info.....Having issues tuning mine with SWR.......I have followed all processes it wont tune below like 5 or 6 on ch 1 20 or 40

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Are you using an external SWR meter?

[@bradyseitz2883]

So question I have a fire stick II 650w 5/8 wave on a mag mount , current swr is 1.0 on ch1 and 1.29 on ch 40 , I want to try the wilson 1000 watt flex 5/8 wave but it has a pre wired ground wire what do I do with that, ge9und wire ( hear people cut it off but I don't wanna spend the money and make a mistake and ruin antenna, FYI it is mag mounted to the trunk of my 2020 Ford fusion car and is run to bearcat 980 ssb with wireless mic

[@robd5558]

I can’t find any video that shows this, what am I connecting to my pdc1? The coax from the antenna goes to the “ant”, what am I connecting to the “trans”? Do I need another short cable that goes from the radio antenna to the meter?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

3' jumper coax from the radio to the meter, then your main coax from the meter to the antenna.

[@aaronsmith9453]

I am in a company truck and it is set up for two antennas already I can't get my CB to pick anything up with just one antenna do I need to have to because that's how the system is set up?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

What make and model truck is it?

[@tminusoftexas3224]

Thank u

[@chevymudding01]

I got a brand new bearcat880 with a 3ft fiberglass fire stick mounted to the center of my truck box and I’m reading 2.5 on lower channels and 1.5 on the higher channels what do I need to do adjust my antenna I’m all knew to this and I’m confused

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Watch parts 2, you need to make the antenna taller.

[@toddbowen9078]

I'm running a cobra LTD29 Bluetooth with a little wil with my SWR's at a 1.2 on my radio shack SWR meter but I'm only getting about 2 miles max, my son has the president Thompson radio with a solid mounted firestick and he is getting out about 10 miles, is there a magnet mounted antenna that will work that well?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Provided that the 2 of you are in the same area, because 4watts goes farther in the southwest vs the southeast. And, some radios just transmit better than others. However a Sirio, Stryker, or wilson 5k are better options.

[@josephromero9653]

Looking at getting a cobra ultra cb

[@mrkultra1655]

Thanks

[@57mckee]

I have a 2006 Toyota Tacoma and is it safe to hook up a cb and antenna to my truck and it won't mess up the computer?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Shouldn't be a problem what so ever.

[@57mckee]

@@jrichtruckincbtips alright thank you 👍

[@lurcha9036]

What angle should I have a 4t 1000w Wilson antenna. That's on the driver side. I get a lot on noise on the cb and everyone can hear me really good but everybody sounds really bad

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Ideally, antennas should always be straight up. The exception is on rigs with a low mirror mount when needed to get the antenna away from the body. You may benefit from more grounding and RF bonding. Look up my RF bonding video it works the same for daily drivers.

[@thetawave2473]

Was that the Dosy TR2000?

[@rileywillard139]

Do you take off the external meter or leave it plugged in and when you take off the antenna do you have to re adjust it

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

I take it off. No, you're reading the coax from the out to the end of the antenna not the jumper.

[@rileywillard139]

@@jrichtruckincbtips ok thanks I thought you take it out but I saw a few videos were they left it in

[@p2o8wer]

I drive an 04 Pete 379. I believe the cab is fiberglass. The only thing I can mount my lil will on is the small mirror above the passenger window. The one you can see the step and fog line. Will the lil will be ok if I mount it there? I can also slide a longer whip on it and test the swr but is that an ok place to mount with the exhaust stack right next to it?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

I wouldn't expect much out of it at all.

[@paulgrodkowski5839]

Whoops, I am typing to check if I can comment in KZbin. This is Paul here. Yes, Pawell Gronkowski. The guy whose name is difficult to pronounce according to some people. Thank you to J Rich Truckin & CB Tips. For making some videos available for me to sort of access. or view. I a not sure what the correct word is to type. Stay safe. I hear that the U.S. dollar is taking a beating. I do not know what to think about it. I make transactions in Canadian dollars. Apart from that I personally like the sound of Cobra CB radios. Again, my apologies here if you do not want a stranger typing into J Ricj Truckin & CB Tips on KZbin.

[@jerbear7952]

What a strange comment

[@paulgrodkowski5839]

@@jerbear7952 I guess it is a strange comment that I made. How are you @jerbear7952? Are you an active CB'er? I think that I get confused sitting in front of a laptop computer in Canada coming to terms with the fact that everything in the internet now and Cb radio is a has been.....

[@allisdad08]

I've got a 29 ltd chrome that's less than 1.6 on both ends but throwing antenna light? Any ideas? The old 29 classic same wires no light

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Check swr with an external meter, probably need more grounding.

[@allisdad08]

@@jrichtruckincbtips that's what I thought too but after checking grounds with an ohm meter I found that the cb is shorter inside, dead short from ground coax connector to hot coax connector. Supposed to be a factory certified remanufactured 🤣

[@tomhayes6920]

I have enjoyed your shows. I am mounting a antenna on top of a 73 33 foot airstream for in the mountains . I have a 3 foot fire stick laying around and thought about using that to mount up top. Any advice on coax length to use. Thanks again

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Everything I have done has been with 18' or 21'. I suggest as short as possible, but in 3' increments 15, 18, 21,24 and so on. The antenna concerns me more, as 3' firestik doesn't reach very far, especially in mountains.

[@juanfgonzalez2039]

I thought use do the S w r calibration 1 19 and 40?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

You can but 1 and 40 are the primary targets 19 or 20 usually falls right where it need to on a good system.

[@jonatanreyes886]

I know the video wasn’t really about the Lil wil but what are your thoughts on the antenna? Maybe for a connex 3300hp

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

The little wil handles up to 350 watts. However the coil is tiny, is not removable like the Wilson 5k or stryker, the pl259 connector is not removable, the coax is tiny. I'd save up a few more dollars and go with the Stryker. It's just a better antenna. If you'll wait till next week I'll go over the pro and cons of each in my next video

[@jonatanreyes886]

@@jrichtruckincbtips 10-4 I appreciate the help

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

@@jonatanreyes886 not a problem, remember the antenna system is 75% of the system, not the radio. Keep watching as the system progress and I get into grounding the entire truck. That where the system really shines, more than what can be expressed in a video.

[@Fox250R]

So if i am using a Francis 6 foot antenna, and my swr is 1.5 on 40 and 1.3 on 1 my Antenna needs to be shortened right? I've been told the 102 in the best whip you can buy and its not even close. So how is getting a "longer" Antenna going to help me? Thank you

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Correct, needs to be shorter, but is close enough and I'd probably leave it. The 102" is a great antenna, you need a 4"-6" spring to make it 106"-108" for it to work on the 11 meter CB. Otherwise it's a 10 meter antenna at 102", but it being a 1/4 wave vs 5/8 wave like most antennas on the market.

[@coltondriggers]

How do you know if you fried a radio. Will it not have any static at all if you mess with squelch all the way counter clock wise idk what’s up with my radio lol

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Take or send it to a shop

[@grandpop109]

I just got a cobra 19 mini and am researching antennas. I have an old used magnet type but knew absolutely nothing about tuning it. It probably seems silly to you but what does SWR stand for?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Standing Wave Ratio

[@Ziggyzig213]

So the swr on mine on both channels 1 and 40 it’s really high the needle goes all the way to the right till it hits basically. What do I need to do?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Are you using the radios meter or an external meter?

[@Ziggyzig213]

@@jrichtruckincbtips I’m using the radios meter

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

@@Ziggyzig213 use an external meter or stop in a cb shop with the truck and let them check it. Internal meters are rarely accurate.

[@danaharvey4965]

Great review

[@Deerchaser74]

Great video keep her tween the ditches

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Thanks for watching

[@jenneyjackson3877]

How do you power the cb and speaker? im trying to install one in my car.

[@apuertorican1773]

The back of the CB has a socket for the antenna and another for the power line. You can wire the power to the car battery, radio fuse or get a cigarette plug power outlet at a truck stop or online.

[@jenneyjackson3877]

@@apuertorican1773 OK, thank you. What about the external speaker?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

The external speaker should plug in the back of the radio like a set of headphones. If the speaker has powered noise canceling. Just tie it in with the cb power

[@jenneyjackson3877]

@@jrichtruckincbtips ok i will do that. thank you

[@57mckee]

Yes a free antenna I could always use one.

[@bobdillashaw4360]

Loved the video dude, but how did you have the radio mounted, or is it jammed in between the seat and center console? I’ve got a 2013 Ram and I had to go small with a uniden 520 pro jammed between the seat and console but would rather have a cobra 29?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Yes, it was just jammed in the seat. The 29 is a big radio in a personal vehicle.

[@arvillenoe2542]

I put a 29 in my ram however it's a big radio lucky for me my am/fm radio and nav was bad gave me the perfect spot

[@javierarmendariz193]

Is checking the swr dependent on the radio too or is this just tuning the antenna?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

No, it's just for the antenna. SWR should not change for radio to radio and should always be checked with an external meter.

[@sstevocamaro]

Is the Francis Hot Rod 4’ antenna any good? I’m running one with my Cobra 19 it seems ok, but it’s the only setup I know lol.

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

It's a good antenna, not great, but good.

[@sstevocamaro]

@@jrichtruckincbtips Thanks

[@smokeyjones7174]

Honest question cause I’m just kinda tryin to get all the info and all that to put a cb in my pickup to get the best results should you have that external meter hooked up all the time or just when your tuning your antenna to your CB and would it change the calibration once you take out the external meter ?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

You can leave it or take it out, it doesn't matter. And your jumper coax should be 3 foot

[@paulbroughton9646]

Both my reading are high on 1 and 40 is this down to ground earth or Ariel to long it's a. Little wii . Using swr meter moonracker

[@robertbayse1272]

What is the best antenna for my striker cb

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

The radio doesn't matter. It's about the vehicle and mounting location.

[@jeffreylucas3421]

My SWR reads 2.75 across ch 1,20, and 40. all adjustments long or sort do not make any change in my SWR readings. What to do?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Are you using an external SWR meter?

[@jeffreylucas3421]

Yes thats where I got those readings from across the frequency spectrum.

[@rarebear4561]

Why does swr change when elevating from ground level 18:22 18:22 18:22

[@jamesmcgee2447]

Hello Rich , what model number is your dose meter ? I want to purchase one , many thanks.

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

It a TR-2000 they're hard to find right now , but the TR-1000 is the same , but only reads upto 1000 watts instead of 2000 watts.

[@jamesmcgee2447]

@@jrichtruckincbtips many thanks for your reply Rich. 👍🏻

[@cluhman74]

Truck engine on or off or does it matter?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

I prefer engine to be on, so the radio is getting max available power.

[@craigbrabant4938]

Great

[@R3DB3ARD92]

I have a starting swr setting of channel 1= 2.2 and channel 40= 3.2. I have the antenna all the way down. Do I need to start trimming?

[@R3DB3ARD92]

Good news! Trimmed up the whip and swrs are 1.1

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Awesome 👌

[@richardscott5611]

I have a Wilson 2000 with a 5” shaft with total length of 4’9”. I need it down to 4’. If I cut it down to to 4’ will this negatively effect me setting the swr’s or antenna performance .

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

I have seen people remove the shaft and nut off the antenna mount, then screw the coil directly to the mount stud. Removing 4" from the whip and there's no telling what the swr will be till you do it. However the Hustler SCB is is 4'6" and way superior IMO.

[@braddalton9260]

What antenna would u suggest for a 05 international 9900 mid roof mounted to top of mirror arm Stryker cb and good coax I seem to get alot of interference nothing through power it's 10 guage straight to battery and door is grounded we'll do i need a ground plane ??? What is that my antenna was predator but the tree won I give it to predator tho only center section was damaged and wanted to know if I should go with predator again

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Predator is a great antenna and all the parts are replaceable. RF bonding will help with the interferences. Another good durable antenna is the Skip Shooter

[@matthewlewis8151]

Good videos man!

[@daienaa]

I want ask, if you do this and the needle goes up to red, is the radio still at risk of damage or is it the swr meter who will take the punch?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Anytime the swr is at 3 or more your radio is at risk.

[@daienaa]

@@jrichtruckincbtips But even if it’s around 1.5-1.7 it will wear on the radio after some time? To make sure my radio stays healthy, I would try to aim for 1-1.2

[@Fox250R]

J rich I have a question please, I have a 2018 Chevy Silverado z71 with a driver side fender hood mount using a Francis 5.5 antenna. Should I be using 18 or 9 feet? Thank you !

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Francis works best on 18'

[@arconeagain]

Any length.

[@josephwilkins3982]

People don’t realize,you’re better off having a mediocre radio with a well tuned good antenna than vice versa.

[@sleeper_reaper]

How do install a stryker fm cb?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

It installs like any other radio. I have other videos.

[@kevinstarner7929]

Your antenna is 75 percent of the radio.once I had 3 different swr meters hooked up at one time for my base, and I would get 3 different swr readings, it drove me crazy.lol.

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

You're correct

[@244-badnews2]

Where did you find that dose meter. I’ve been trying to find one of them.

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

An online friend had it for sale a couple months ago.

[@244-badnews2]

I actually ordered one off E-bay last month and they just refunded my $$ last week and said it was out of stock (Lessco Electronics)

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

@@244-badnews2 Walcott Radio shows to have some, but at there price I'd just buy a Rig Expert. Check DX Engineering

[@244-badnews2]

@@jrichtruckincbtips yeah I seen that but the one on Walcott’s web is the TR 1000. I’m running a 2X8 so I want the TR2000

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

@@244-badnews2 I frequent the "CB help buy sell and trade" page on FB. Join that group and someone may have one .

[@Fox250R]

Check check!

[@ronniephipps6555]

Just war did you get your swr meter and do you have a link

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

I got it from an individual

[@ronniephipps6555]

@@jrichtruckincbtips ok my swr is so out of wack channle 40 is at a 2 but channel 1 I can't even get into the arrow but it maybe it's cause I am next to a house that has a metal roof so I am going to buy a swr meter do you have one you think would be good thank

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

@@ronniephipps6555 yeah,, try getting away from all that, I use a school parking lot

[@Jesus-lz7nd]

Why is my antenna light on?

[@ShainAndrews]

You can type a question... but not do the research yourself?

[@chiefjoseph8154]

I just purchased a CB for my pickup. Just in case……..

[@Truckerflame92]

What if your truck have a built in antenna 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

What truck?

[@arconeagain]

You should check it in your driveway and see if the SWR changes. They all say this about surrounding objects, but unless you're parked right next to a metallic object like your garage door or a low overhead power line, it's not going to alter much. I've seen this one bloke drive out into the middle of the desert! He reckoned the mountains were going to affect the antenna impedance. What a joke. Does he drive in the desert only? What if he tuned it on top of a mountain? Should he avoid all hills because he tuned it in the desert? What about when you're driving residential, through towns and suburbs on narrow roads. Guess what? You're surrounded by objects, including other cars.

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

It's always good to compare the two.

[@arconeagain]

@@jrichtruckincbtips so do it. My point is you could dispel a myth... in an ordinary situation. Everyone says it, but do they really know, have they performed the practical?

[@caseykelso1]

Thanks for sharing 🍸. (Did I win?)

[@YoungTruthful18]

You didn’t show us how to connect the cord to the antenna

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

The coax is already attached to Mag mount antennas.

[@reneainley2600]

way not buy Amp1500 watts better resepcion is good idea or not

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Sure if you can get better reception.

[@apuertorican1773]

How you can title your video CB install and didnt even show how to connect the power of the CB lol

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

🤷‍♂️

[@codyfear7708]

I have a new company owned kw900, is it worth upgrading the factory antennas but keeping the factory coax, I don't want to tear apart the dash until I have to

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

I think it is. I would only run 1 coax to the driver's side with a better antenna. But, good tunable antennas that are properly tuned is a minimum.

[@codyfear7708]

@jrichtruckincbtips Okay I thought about doing just the driver side to. Now to figure out what I want for antennas