How to tune a CB Antenna

[@ianslee8968]

Been using radios for years and that’s the best swr explanation I’ve ever seen. Been doing it the other way round. I’m 53 and been using cbs since I was 13. Totally illegal in the U.K. but excellent. Got my ham licence for 10 meters mainly from getting it in the neck from friends and family fo years. Anyway. Whoever reads this shout 26 YB167 on 27,555 in good old Bonnie Scotland.

[@danielwilliam4306]

what do you mean, 'illegal in the UK' ? i thought CB was allowed in UK for some years now

[@kristinabliss]

​@@danielwilliam4306I think maybe he was referring to starting at age 13.

[@krzysztofkonwent8224]

To dziwne że CB jest nie legalne 😮😮🤔🇵🇱pozdrowienia z Poland

[@matthewbernard9233]

After watching two other poorly done videos about CB tuning I stumbled upon yours which was easy to understand and well put together. So thank you

[@mosthighoctane1820]

Absolutely

[@betorenteria7768]

Matthew Bernard Indeed!

[@vincesmith9507]

Yes, this is excellent.

[@RVingwithG]

I'm glad I found this one first than.... NOT that I need it yet, but it is nice to know how and that I need to do this. THANKS

[@n.g.gardenservicesessex1714]

Very good video 👍👍👍

[@thereckchanic4709]

This video might be 7 years old but it's still the best out there.

[@royferguson3909]

I concure

[@johnhallett6512]

My wife had my CB installed in my Jeep as a birthday present quite a few years ago. Some asshat in a Wal-Mart parking lot thought it would be a great idea to snap the antenna in half. This video was exactly the lesson I needed to ensure the antenna was tuned. Thank you for your helpful information.

[@gjbevil]

I just want to add my two cents worth of opinion. Excellent presentation. You did not assume your viewer knew anything and explained everything very well. I knew how to tune my antenna, but when I was first learning this, I wish I had access to your video. KZbinrs should view this and learn how to make a good "how to" video.

[@ChannelIO-VIDEO]

Best SWR Meter instruction video. I thought 14 minutes would be too long, compared to others on KZbin, however, it was very well presented with very clear instructions that were easy to understand. Thank you

[@mikewilson8594]

I was old school CB back in the 70's. This reminded me of the basics on tuning an antenna and using an SWR meter! Thank you! I have this bookmarked now.

[@rusty1187]

NOTE: This is why truckers run channel 19.... If your antenna is tuned correctly, as per this video, your lowest SWR would be on channels 19 and 20. Kind of like a tuning notch. High reflection numbers are bad, as the reflected transmitter power will return down the coax and take out your radio's final output transistor. Magic Smoke!

[@new_comment]

I've been am amateur radio hobbyist for 30 yrs, and I've learned. With a properly tuned, properly designed antenna, and 4 watts. You wouldn't believe how effective your rig will perform.

[@CorkyMitchell]

You definitely got this right. Nothing else I tried was half as clear or useful. Actually the hardest part was finding someplace clear of obstructions. Trees everywhere down here. Made a few adjustments but finally got it right. Thanks for the help!

[@oldgriz816]

Corky Mitchell , I know what you mean not finding a clear spot. I am in the mountains of north Idaho. ....lol

[@TheThirdWheel618]

I need to drive 50 miles to get into a open area were I live here in L,A

[@seewaage]

Thanks for making this video! You made the SWR adjustment much simpler. It really isn't super complex and you make it easy to understand. 🙂

[@RobertBlevins]

Your demo video is excellent. You were patient and explained everything so clearly, I was easily able to take notes and use them while tuning my antenna out in the field. And CB is NOT obsolete. I got stuck out in the Cascade Mountains in Washington state one time, and NO CELL SERVICE. I used the CB to get a nice person to call my house on their landline, and a friend was able to find me and help me pull my truck out of the ditch. Cell phones don't work everywhere unless you have an expensive satellite phone. Keep that in mind if you go off-road. Thanks!

[@japerry75]

You are correct when there are plenty of areas where the cell phone coverage is lacking. Even in rural Indiana we had problems here a few years ago with local police being able to contact the headquarters only a few miles back into town. They actually had to get on hills to get out using their VHF/UHF equipment. Most people would be surprised how useful CB is when monitored by local stations and even here its not uncommon to hear someone from 40 or 50 miles away even in hilly territory on a CB. That very well might save your rear in a SHTF situation.

[@lancalotspratt]

@@japerry75 Hi , Just to say we are all going to need CB AM when net goes down , could be 2023 if not sooner , stay safe .

[@Sammenluola]

Very clear instructions, and nicely presented! I just tuned the SWR for my CB, and thanks to you, it was easy and fun. 😊

[@dangerdoberman]

6 years later and still helpful AF. OBLIGED.

[@flipmoviemaker]

Best antenna tuning video, by far.

[@MikeDavidson-n3w]

This is the best video I’ve ever seen for tuning a cab radio…thank you!

[@kinaheather5085]

How awesome that I have the exact same meter. This video couldn't have made this process more simple. Thanks!!!

[@dayvidartman8041]

I wholeheartedly agree with all those accolades people have made. This is a very-well done presentation. The only criticism I have is that the label REF on the meter refers to "REFLECTED", as in the amount of the signal that comes back to the radio rather than broadcasting out over the air. It does not mean "Reference" as stated in the video.

[@lonnieairsman9215]

I know this is an old video and I don't even know if you're reading this but I appreciate the information very self-explanatory thank you

[@bongwaterproductions4714]

That was a very thorough video without no rambling.I appreciate it we'll be subscribing

[@davidwalker5210]

Just watched "How to Tune a CB Antenna". Of all the KZbin videos on this subject this one that you posted is the only one that I actually learned what I needed to know from. Some of these guys talk too fast or I can't understand their words or they have their hands or fingers in the way and I can't see what they did to the meter. Dang! Maybe, since you are so good at presentation, you should put up a video teaching the ins and outs of posting a KZbin video correctly that REALLY gives viewers what they need. LOL

[@msamour]

I've been matching my cb antennas on channel 19 for the past 30 years, it's always worked for me.

[@garychandler4296]

Same here, using ch20. My homemade antenna has a 6' whip, with a 1/0 wire coil inside 3" pvc pipe with a cap and bottom is a clean out plug: my swr is zero.

[@tommydelahorne5802]

Finally an informative, correct way to get that puppy tuned. Thank You ! GREAT JOB !

[@borayurt66]

Thanks for taking the time. I believe "REF" on the meter is "Reflected" as in power being reflected back from the antenna, not "Reference"

[@udhi_gn3893]

haha...looks like CB guys has different arguments compared to HAM guys

[@fredpaige7282]

Reflect power

[@peterhume3474]

These are the videos that truly help. A to Z clearly explained.

[@LandseerNorth]

Thanks much. Just ordered my first CB, antenna and SWR meter. Had no idea how to do this until I watched your video. Couldn't have been better instructed. Thanks again.

[@anthonyjohnson6798]

I make antena and your tip helps me a lot, what about the 5,8 antena

[@GbHill59]

I just ordered a cb radio from you guys so can’t wait to tune it to my antenna when it gets here in a few days.

[@HarryHamsterChannel]

On-target videos like this are very scarce, buried in spurious search results. Thanks for your efforts.

[@viper4274]

I know I’m a few years behind,but that was the most informative vid on the tube,many thanks to you sir ,that solved a multitude of problems

[@f87]

It's 2021, and this video is still clear and useful. Can I get a radio check?

[@jamesphillips2300]

A very good and easily understood guide to tuning your cb antenna using a handheld swr meter.

[@alexl2174]

Thanks for making someone who knows nothing and is just learning about CB's for the first time, to understanding how to tune one. Very good.

[@chevy0771]

Just ordered my swr meter earlier from y’all. The president Walker II I got from y’all looks slick as well. Can wait to use it. And thank you Sharon for the help as well. Your such an sweet lady Sharon.

[@nightcrawlerdang_it067]

Very well explained I learned a lot just by the simplicity of the video. Thank you

[@joeschnell544]

As long as u have the correct length of coax on your mobile antenna (18 feet works best) and the antenna is properly tuned for the channel range u are using, and grounded properly, the difference in swr whether you’re running 10 watts or 100 will be minimal. I would tune antenna at the highest power setting you’re using first and see how that works. Most antennas are mostly tuned for frequency rather than power. And when tuning either turn your mike gain down or don’t talk as modulation can skew swr readings.

[@joestreiff9401]

length means very little. it's the velocity factor you're concerned with. are you using rg58, rg8x, lmr240. lmr400? If you're that concerned with length, use an antenna analyzer, and cut the cable for R0, other than that, don't sweat it.

[@TrailRecon]

Very, very helpful video! Thank you!

[@Flixapress]

omg trailrecon

[@ij7004]

It was cool to see TR here. 👍🏾

[@sailorgerard]

Very, Very well represented vid. I was a long haul trucker for several years and used the CB, with twin antenna's, but no one ever told me that antenna's had to be adjusted. Although retired now, I still have my Cobra CB and it has the build in SWR meter, but I never used it, because I did not know how to use it. I actually thought it was to let me know it was sending/receiving a signal. I am thinking to mount and use the CB on my motorcycle. If there anybody out there that has one on their motorcycle, I would appreciate any pro's or con's they might of experienced.

[@chriskolbeck517]

Well done video . I’ve been messing with CB since I got out of the Amy in 1976. For got how to do this . Last set up was done in 2000 by Jericho Communications in Bakersfield back then. Cabover Peterbilt General Lee and tunable Firestick antennae

[@the.porter.productions]

Thanks for taking time to show this process...it’s been so long since I’ve done this that I forgot the process.🤩 I’m about to install a cab in my new truck.

[@japerry75]

You're dealing with forward power versus reflected power which ultimately determines your SWR. A properly tuned antenna whether it be on CB or amateur radio is going to be much better than just trying to wing it. Plus its much easier on your equipment where you don't put undue reflected power into the finals on your radio.

[@Pioneer936]

I am amazed that reflected power is still misunderstood will all the literature that's out there ,reflected power dies not go back into the finals of your radio and cause damage it is reflected back towards antenna at the impedance mismatch at the transmitter

[@walt.2399]

Well rounded presentation. Couple of suggestions. For new single side band users, the SWR can not be tuned on SSB. For the newcomer to SSB to understand the in's and it's of how this mode works. The USB/LSB. 👍🏼

[@2001cavador]

All SWR readi8ngs have to use AM mode - I was saying that if the SWR is very low then the antenna picks up more distant stations on SSB. I have been a CBersince 1975.

[@LookyLooRealEstate]

I am watching this in July 2024 and I just want to say THANK YOU

[@wimholf]

Dude, yes, finally a decent video that clearly and completely explains how to do this relatively simple process

[@jesusramsay8159]

thanks alot right channel radio for the great video, Bought the SR-5K for my Stryker SR-955HPC I'm very pleased with the performance. Quality is very good, it was easy to set up and tune. The magnet is very strong. West Coast Mall's price was unbeatable everywhere I searched. Their customer service was very fast to ship.. I am winning on this deal.

[@japerry75]

You can also use a longwire antenna for CB radio or a homemade dipole antenna or loop provided you properly design it and get the SWR to an acceptable level of 2:1 or less. Using an antenna tuner can help in some cases but a properly designed antenna for CB radiates well and since the FCC got rid of the 155 mile rule its open season on DX when the solar conditions come back in 2020 or 2021. Eventually you'll hear 10 and 11 meters hopping by that point.

[@msamour]

The full wave for 27 mghz is 36 feet. I use this as a guide when building my own antennas. I also own a copy of the book "The Truth About CB Antennas." This book is the bible for making CB antennas.

[@gzrgldr8288]

This is the best tuning video out there. You did an excellent job!

[@JohnDoe-pv2iu]

You really did a fine job. Other videos might have better camera or some flashy crap but Your video has the important part, Good Data! Btw, ignore all the jerks picking on your accent or looking for a little technical slip. Your information and process is Good. I'm from the South. One time I was getting fuel in Delaware, I think, and the gal says 'what about the accent'? I said, I don't know but you sure do talk funny! Y'all Take Care, John

[@RobSchofield]

Excellent! Simple and understandable, exactly what I needed.

[@tomrizzo1554]

Great easy instructions haven't done it in 25 years you refreshed my memory

[@chrisroberts4241]

big thanx for this,i am returning to the radio after many years..........i had forgotten how to use the swr meter yours seem to make sense more than other videos

[@janner2121]

Brilliant video explanation , Just fitted a CB in my camper here in the UK , But have to SWR in, Bought SWR meter on FB marketplace and jumper lead off ebay . So hopefully next week refer back here as I saved it for reference , Many Thanks

[@OlympusHeavyCavalry]

Thankyou for the video. Not many people on YT will talk and clarify what needs to be done with setting & tuning etc like you have discussed and shown, Cheers bud :-)

[@forhealdan]

Finally a simple, easy to understand video that explains this perfectly. Thanks!

[@tammyburgess7537]

the proper term is " VSWR" voltage to standing wave ratio, and also "REF" stands for"reflected" not "REFERENCE"

[@w.rustylane5650]

actually you are correct

[@arconeagain]

You can do the same by measuring ASWR.

[@rjl9707]

Great informative video, compared to others. Thanks! Nice to hear instructions from a Sales Manager in the electronics business.

[@williamnedbalek6836]

I bought my equipment from Right Channel Radio & everything about it & them has been great!

[@Qmaster35]

Length of the coax can effect the SWR as well, Also you can tune the antenna on channel 20, get it as low as possible on channel 20 and you will be good across the board...

[@msamour]

Yepp, my dad thought to tune on channel 19 (or 11 for really old radios). It's always worked for me. We used a tuner when we put up the gigantic pdl-3 antenna above the garage. Darn thing was a half-wave, and we really didn't want to mess around climbing the tower. "The Truth about CB Antenna" is the best book ever written if you want to build your own.

[@markworth1679]

this is the best explanation of tuning an antenna I have heard so far, if I leave the two cables plugged into the metre, and by accident I turn the knob on the metre would that affect the metre readings at all.

[@paulm0hpd319]

Shame the video is about matching, a low swr doesn't necessarily mean the antenna is tuned

[@Joe-ei4vh]

Best explanation ever got from any channel’s 👍👍

[@RightChannelRadios]

Thanks! Check out the updated SWR tuning video as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foGrZYiFjMqSaposi=89zs4fT2hZiqggoW

[@campman8670]

great video I have a k 30 antenna and my readings showed my antenna was too long I knew I could move the antenna up and down but it wasn't enough I actually had to cut off a quarter inch of my antenna once I did I got channel 1 and 40 both at 1.5 thank you

[@gray_wolverine63]

Thank you so much. Best Video explanation from seeing others.

[@ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

Very helpful. I have the same radio and SWR meter. However, been testing with the SWR meter out at the antenna. Big mistake. Rechecked and I was at 1.6...need to get it down a bit.

[@davidrobins7753]

Thank you for the clear and concise instructions.

[@JaymeVanAuken]

Thanks that was extremely helpful now I understand exactly what I need to do. Very well done video I watched a few before I got to yours again excellent my friend.

[@MrBlueDevil93]

On your reference cal knob turn it down (attenuate) so it doesn't deflect and peg the needle all the way to the right. Pegging a needle will throw it out of calibration. You then tune it to the maximum point you need. That's what we used to do on old Byrd wattmeters (excellent but expensive piece of equipment) that we used to use on old military radios.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

He did.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

It is quite simple, go to an open area. get the SWR as low as you can on low and high channels High SWR on high channels you need to shorten the antenna, if it is high on low channels you antenna is to short and you need to extend it. Got it so it is as low as you can get on both, ideally it should be the same at both ends, but if you get it to 1.5 to 1 your good to go. If you can't get it down check your connections and earth, a lot of times it is a bad soldered joint in the coax inner or the screen is not connected to the outer of the plug. Unpick the braid and fold it back, screw the plug on and solder the wire to the pin on the plug, quick as you can, but make sure it is soldered properly, scrape off any flux from the soldering. Remember that the SWR will change depending on your location, which will affect your signal going out. Check it every now and again. The best way is to note where your power meter sits normally, if it shifts over time it might be time to check it again, but remember, if you are mobile, the power will be higher when the engine is running due to the higher voltage, lower when the engine is off and it will drop further if you sit in your car using it. It it changes suddenly, something might have happened to the antenna, check to see, if it looks ok, it might be just the location you are in, some things will reflect other places will absorb your signal, so if it changes or someone tells you your signal is not good, try moving first. If it is still not good check the SWR.

[@TheWizardOfTheFens]

Thank you! I know this is an old video, but I hope that you still look at the comments.very well explained.

[@garymackey850]

Very well done....only thing to add is if you're having trouble getting the readings to even up...check those grounds!!!!!

[@russelldroy9256]

As a Licensed General Class HAM Operator, I would like to add a little positive education for you - you keep referring the "REF" setting on the meter in this video as "REFerence" setting - the actual real term is "REFlected". You are dealing with a magnetic signal (A/C) current. otherwise, pretty good little video, very basic and simple for others to follow.

[@gregbarthol5381]

EXTREMELY well done... simple, clear instructions!!!

[@BeakNC]

only guy I know who says antenna correctly

[@Frdzed]

an extremely informative​ and educational video, clear and concise, really helped a newbie like me. thanks.

[@craigpennington1251]

Different radios used will specify the length of coaxial from radio to the antenna. Also they will specify the wave type. Plus how it's mounted to your vehicle will effect SWR. It is certainly not one size fits all or most. Each radio is specific.

[@125brat]

Length of coax is irrelevant. For a properly matched/tuned aerial, the coax will not affect swr. If it does, you've got other issues causing the problem and your coax is radiating when it shouldn't. Yes, mounting can affect swr but ideally a good ground-plane in all directions will help. What "Wave" are you referring to? To set or measure swr, you need a continuous carrier, either CW, AM or FM ideally. All radios produce RF energy of specific frequencies and the aerials and coax don't care where it comes from.

[@anarchytelevision8445]

Tipping my hat to you sir from the 1122 Wingnut radio down here in Panama City Florida standing by channel 38(27.385) lower sideband give me a holler when skip is in

[@dtv5362]

I have blown the finals in my RCI 2950 twice now due to high SWR. Mounting location on your vehicle matters. I had a mag mount on the back trunk, I had to move the antenna 6 inches farther away from the car roof to get good SWR.

[@thecrobar6450]

it's not reference, it's reflected power.

[@scottskinner577]

@Rhetorical Answer i love Carlos Antanna

[@toby-dog3538]

@@Rhetorical Answer That is the correct way to tune a dual antenna system. One antenna at at time with the other one mounted, but only one fed. So, LOL at you!

[@Camman010]

You are totally correct it is reflected power. I would question any radio tech that said reference power. Also if this guy knew anything he would know that all you need is stuff to be 1 wave length away from the antenna to tune it.

[@mikewilson8594]

I used to say back in the day (1970's) "referring to the reflected power". Quit picking.

[@tbpc1]

3:58 you first key the mike, the with the dial set the needle to the set position which I did. But when you put it down to ref, yours went to 1.1 but mine maxes out past set, what does that mean?

[@warrenscott9990]

Poor ground, bad coax, broke antenna or not tuned yet. If after attempting to tune up without bettering the SWR most often the problem is poor ground plane for the antenna.

[@tbpc1]

My antenna is the magnet mount

[@claudeledoux7876]

Thank you! You Do a very well job to show and explain👋🙏🙏🙏☀️🌞🙋

[@graveshaker]

Great presentation, I fully understand how to tune now after watching your once. Thank you sir.

[@jeffsheets9389]

Thank you very much very informative I understand your video better than any of the others👍

[@2001cavador]

Could not be any clearer.Well done.😃 The settings you stayed with are better for using the sideband channels-You could even work some skip.-73's

[@goodcat4644]

Thank you too. Easy explanation it helped me and saved me a few dollars from CB technician.

[@ProfessorMarcoMaddo]

Congratulations, I have't no idea how to tuning my antenna before you video. Thank's for share.

[@tubeDude48]

Removing the SWR Meter will change the outcome, that's why I like a Radio with SWR Meter built-in! - Tomato, Tamato Thanks guys!

[@MrZerohour1967]

I'm not sure you're right there. The radio would still have an internal directional coupler to measure VSWR, so it's no different to using an external VSWR meter, You are measuring the VSWR at the point that the antenna terminates to the coupler. This doesn't guaranteed the match at the output of the PA is correct. The only practical way I know of to determine if there is any interaction with the cable length is to introduce random lengths of cable to the feeder. A correctly designed and installed antenna should see little change in VSWR regardless of cable length. If the VSWR changes significantly, then there cable is interacting with the antenna which may warrant further investigation.

[@joestreiff9401]

built in swr meters are for reference only and are notoriously inaccurate. as long as your jumper is good, the swr change will be negligible.

[@stevewheatley243]

Simple straightforward instructions. Right on.👍

[@Dj-Jon-E-C]

Thanks I just getting into cb radio this has explained swr good.

[@kurtsterling9370]

Great video, thank you very much! In 2021 this is STILL the best video I've found!

[@DrCrabfingers]

Excellent video...well explained and has set me up for what to do with my new rig.

[@paulkazjack]

Wow, just 2mm did it. That's a tight tolerance considering the wavelength.

[@terryshade1135]

Thanks it really help me out in understanding tuning the antenna

[@Ferda1964]

great information ... this maybe silly question but why the radio manufacturer wouldn't specify the optimal antenna length of the different models ?

[@veggiepowered]

I'am Your Newest Subscriber Great Videos

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Good video about 10 years ago I cleaned out my Dads old storage unit and I found my SWR meter from the 1970s I remember at that time I bought one of the better units that was available I also found my Turner Power Microphone and a few other cool things

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

Lucky bastid! I don't have anything from the 70s.

[@Avensur]

THX MY FRIEND, THAT WAS EASY, AND THAT IS REALLY EASY, GONNA INSTALL MY UNIDEN CB THIS WEEK AND SETUP

[@soldierloz]

Wonderful presentation and very informative my friend. Thank you so much!

[@JoeInCT418]

Laurie I agree 120%. A great refresher for me. I did all this 50 years ago (in a former life - LBW- "Life Before Wife." ha!)

[@kevinfox416]

JosephK109 I think I was there it’s me eddy man how u been

[@H20Spy]

Great info/video. How often should one check the SWR and recalibrate without ANY major changes of vehicle/antenna?

[@jimscruggs5400]

Always good to refresh your memory, thanks

[@RustyNail5856]

Great video . But what if you have a s/steel whip, and a leaner.?. thanks.

[@sandmanbub]

Did your meter come with a little wire antenna? It'd be cool to demonstrate how to use that to tune the transceiver's antenna for directionality. The placement on the vehicle affects the direction that the transmission will be the most powerful and any metal object protruding up from the vehicle will act as a parasitic drain on the transmission strength. Placing the antenna in the center of the vehicle's metal mass will insure the transmission is as even in all directions as possible while placing it toward either side and/or the front or back will make the antenna transmit more powerfully in one direction than the others. That little bare wire antenna that should've come with that meter is used to measure the strength of the transmissions as you walk around the vehicle in a circle.

[@randykitchleburger2780]

I had no idea why some meters had an antenna. I'm not a CBer though. Interesting

[@acampbell198]

Well I'm in complete agreement w/ most of the comments I read. Great video. Well put together and easy to understand. Looks like you all haven't posted any other videos in a while and I don't know if you answer questions posted in these comments but I'll give it a shot. Does this procedure and methodology i.e. tuning to the top and bottom of the radio's capabilities in the spectrum work with marine VHF radios as well?