Handheld CB radio's and SWR

Signal45 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-21-2009, 11:51 AM

While using a Cobra heldheld CB and an magnetic mount antenna (Wilson 1000), is it of use to tune the antenna? I've never used a handheld and was wondering if this procedure is useful, since this is a handheld? Thanks for any advice.

gewecke · #2 (**permalink**) 08-21-2009, 01:19 PM

I suppose you can if you want,but it's probably not needed unless someone has already trimmed the antenna? As long as you have the right connector/adaptor it would probably be fine.
N9ZAS

sjlamb · #3 (**permalink**) 08-29-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Signal45

While using a Cobra heldheld CB and an magnetic mount antenna (Wilson 1000), is it of use to tune the antenna? I've never used a handheld and was wondering if this procedure is useful, since this is a handheld? Thanks for any advice.

The type of transceiver has nothing to do with SWR. Whether your're using a hanheld, a mobile or a base station in the car, the antenna should be adjusted for lowest SWR. After the SWR has been set, if you move the antenna elsewhere on the vehicle, change the cable length, move it to another vehicle or install any additional accessories between the antenna and the radio; you need to re-match the antenna for optimim peformance through the band.

Signal45 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-29-2009, 10:27 PM

Thanks sjlamb.

va3hub · #5 (**permalink**) 08-30-2009, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Signal45

Thanks sjlamb.

Notice he didn't say John........lol

roadranger · #6 (**permalink**) 09-02-2009, 07:11 PM

Well, I guess like a lot of walkie-talkies, the SWR stinks. Probably even worse, the lower in frequency, the harder it is to come up with the proper length of metal. After all, AM CBs transmit on VHF Low frequencies. However, at four watts, it may not matter much. The SWR could remain a little high at that low power respectively. The Hams do it occasionally, with a little help from an antenna tuner.
It's a little impractical for a hand-held radio. Just the same, I have used a CH 14 radio, with a 9v battery supply, compared to a 40 ch Maxon, 9 AA's, and can still talk across the lot to get my messages out.
Usually, these radios, if equipped with the right connectors, should be fitted with the longest antenna possible. The "Telescoping" antenna can be easily adjusted to a proper length for transmissions. I guess you could keep it as short as possible for close range communications ( like in the "Transformers" movie. ) Perhaps keeping it pulled out to it's fullest of length for maximum effectiveness, will do the job right. I guess it couldn't be too long.