[RalphTomaccio]

Ordering some CB stuff and, since I don't know anyone with a SWR meter to borrow, I was going to buy one. I know they are relatively inexpensive, but I also know you can spend any amount of money on anything and sometimes get a decent product or sometimes get a piece of crap. So . . .

Can anyone recommend a good SWR meter?

Thanks!

 

[rich6700]

I bought one at Radio shack 20 years ago and still have it, so I guess its good.

 

[13_jk_unlimited]

Radio shack wants like 50 dollars for one. The local cb shop charges $20 to tune the cb ant.

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[orestespd5]

Truck stop or cb shop Either one

 

[RUCKDOG]

Bought this one from amazon for about 25. Cb tuned fine with it.

http://www.amazon.com/METER-Radio-Antennas-Jumper-cable/dp/B002KRME3C

 

[HOT_DAMN]

I picked one up at radio shack for around $20, works well enough.

 

[GenRight Off Road]

got to amazon...you can pick them up for $15-20.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=SWR+meter

The one I have is the "workman" for $25 on that Amazon query search string.

 

[AvnxScout]

If a truck stop with a radio shop is close go there

sent from Skynet

 

[Gotlime?]

If a truck stop with a radio shop is close go there

sent from Skynet

And pay as much to have it tuned once as it would cost to buy the meter.

Buy a meter. Learn how to use it. The antennas do need to be adjusted periodically. You'll get a new antenna. You'll get a new rig. You'll switch antenna mounts. A friend will need one. Just buy one.

 

[Gotlime?]

If a truck stop with a radio shop is close go there

sent from Skynet

I may have read that wrong. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume thta you meant go there..............and buy a meter. Not go there..................and get your antenna tuned.

 

[vbguru777]

I bought this one off Amazon. Works perfectly for under $25.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JT02IQ/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[RUCKDOG]

Firestik has great write-ups on their site for using a SWR meter, trouble shooting, etc. http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs.htm

 

[lohchief]

Ordering some CB stuff and, since I don't know anyone with a SWR meter to borrow, I was going to buy one. I know they are relatively inexpensive, but I also know you can spend any amount of money on anything and sometimes get a decent product or sometimes get a piece of crap. So . . .

Can anyone recommend a good SWR meter?

Thanks!

A very quick google produced this.You will also need a short jumper coax with pl 259's.


http://www.cbradiosplus.com/product_p/1037.htm

 

[lohchief]

Here's a cheaper one yet,and the jumper coax you'll need is right there too.


http://www.gijoesradioelectronics.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=371

 

[RalphTomaccio]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions.

Just a reminder though, that I am not really looking for sources, or where to buy, but rather which ones are not worth the money, are duds, pieces of sh**, etc. And which ones seem to work the best and are worth considering based on your experience with them. There is no shortage of places to get them, for sure!

 

[rdlynch2]

So can any CB/antenna combo be tuned with a SWR meter?

I installed my Cobra 25LTD classic with 4' firestick over the weekend and didnt tune it. It receives and sends fine as far as I know thus far but....

If so, what does the process of tuning your antenna entail???

 

[RUCKDOG]

So can any CB/antenna combo be tuned with a SWR meter? Believe so

I installed my Cobra 25LTD classic with 4' firestick over the weekend and didnt tune it. It receives and sends fine as far as I know thus far but.... If your SWR is above 2 when you transmit there is a great likelihood you will damage (fry) your radio.

If so, what does the process of tuning your antenna entail???

Check out the section SWR Testing and Setting. They explain how to use the SWR meter to tune a CB. http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs.htm

 

[Gotlime?]

The antenna should always be tuned. If the swr is too far off, it can fry the cb.

I usually retune mine 2 to 3 times a year.

 

[RalphTomaccio]

I have placed my order for the Cobra 75 kit at Cool Tech, HD spring, quick dis-connect, jumper cable and Road Pro SWR meter at Amazon. Thanks for everyone's help and suggestions.

Here's the SWR meter I decided on:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JT02IQ/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i03?ie=UTF8&psc=1