The best place to operate an SWR meter is in a clear, open area, such as a parking lot or field. Ask anyone in your immediate vicinity to stand a minimum of 20 feet (6. 1 m) away from your radio. If they’re crowding the antenna, they could get in the way of the outgoing signal. You can pick up an SWR meter from any major electronics store or CB radio specialty shop, as well as online. Basic models range in price from around $30-100, while more powerful meters will often run you several hundred dollars. [2] X Research source
Your radio’s main component cables may look very similar, so be sure to keep up with which is which if they’re not labelled. Since your SWR meter is designed to test whether the antenna is correctly calibrated to send and receive signals, it needs to go between your radio’s transmitter and antenna. [4] X Research source
The coaxial cable for a CB radio is sometimes referred to as a “jumper lead. ” Keep this in mind if you’re following along with your radio’s owner’s manual. If your SWR meter includes its own built-in connectors, you’ll need to connect your cable leads to them instead.
Double-check that both leads are configured for the correct ports before you continue. If they’re not, the readings you get back will be skewed and unhelpful.
If you’re working with an older analogue meter that doesn’t have a power button, make sure that the “Function” switch is toggled to the “FWD” position to start with. [8] X Research source If you happen to press a wrong on your digital meter by accident, you can restore the device’s default settings at any time by switching it off and back on again.
Once you’ve set your meter, it will be primed to provide a reading with the flip of a switch. [10] X Research source
Later on, you’ll also be checking channel 40, the highest frequency. The idea is to gauge the antenna’s average signal strength by taking a reading from both ends of the radio’s frequency range.
Newer SWR meters typically provide automatic readings as soon as you depress the transmitter button on your radio’s hand mic. [13] X Research source
A reading of 1-1. 5 indicates optimal signal strength. As long as the number you see is below 2, though, it means that your radio and antenna are calibrated properly. [15] X Research source Don’t release the transmitter button until you’ve made a note of the SWR value. The reading will disappear as soon as you let go.
If you like, you can also test the SWR on channel 20 to get a clearer idea of the signal’s consistency across the entire frequency range. However, this is not a necessary step.
Tuning an antenna involves cutting it to a length that’s more suitable for the frequency being used. This is a highly technical project that you shouldn’t attempt without the necessary knowledge and experience. [18] X Research source It may not be safe to operate your CB radio if it’s not calibrated properly.
