The presence of an SWR meter makes tuning your CB radio simple to do. The later models of CB radios come with a built-in SWR meter, but they’re still may be occasions when you have to tune the radio without this helper. If you have an older model CB then you probably do not have an SWR to assist you in tuning.
The ability to properly tune your CB without an SWR is something that everyone who owns or operates a citizens’ band radio knows how to do. This process is more difficult and is going to require you to gather a few supplies before the work begins.
What You Need to Tune a CB Radio Antenna without an SWR Meter
A Second CB Radio
A second CB radio so you can compare the signal outputs of the device you are tuning. You also need a friend who can operate the second radio for you.
You will need to prepare the second radio.
The two radios need to be tuned to the same channel. You want the second radio to be a good distance away from the first radio so the transmissions are clear and not garbled.
You can ask a friend who uses a Jeep CB radio to help with this, or go on your social media site and see if any of your social media friends have CB equipment, and might be willing to assist you.
An Antenna That is in Good Condition
Your antenna should be in good condition and still have the plastic cap on the end. Without this cap, the antenna is not going to work properly. If your cap is missing you can buy a replacement cap without buying a new antenna. Replace the cap before you proceed if your cap is gone.
Check the antenna to make certain it is free from debris pieces, possible cracks, or any other visible damage. Your antenna must be in good condition for you to get the best signal. If you notice any obvious signs of wear and tear you may want to consider buying a new antenna before you proceed.
About 40 Feet of Open Area
You need 40 feet that have as few obstacles as possible. Measure the footage from side to side. You want to stay as far away from buildings, cars, and other such obstacles as possible.
If you have small rocks or shrubbery these should not interfere with your signal transmitting or receiving. Larger trees can have an impact on your transmission or receiving. Other objects that you might not think about are people or things that are as tall as the typical adult.
Tuning your radio will be easier if you live in a rural area, or have a rural area to go to do this. Cities have too many obstacles that can interfere with you.
A Microphone
A microphone that can help while you are testing the transmission.
Testing for Tuning a CB Antenna
You have to establish a connection between the two units. There will be static when you make a connection between the two. If you pick up the mike and speak the other radio operator should either hear you clearly or they will hear a garbled or unclear transmission.
If the sound of the transmission is clear and you can be easily understood the radio is properly tuned already and you have nothing else to do.
If the sound is garbled you will make adjustments to the radio in slight increments until your friend can hear you clearly. You make these adjustments by adjusting the antenna. The second radio operator does not need to do anything except listening for transmissions and advice you on whether the sounds they hear are good or not.
Jeep CB Antenna Adjustments
You need to adjust the antenna in slight increments in order to get your device tuned. There are three different types of antennas and each one makes adjustments slightly differently.
1. Pulling
These antennas are adjusted by pulling on them to alter their length. You must pull out in very small increments and check to see if the transmission has improved.
2. Turning
These antennas are simply turned slightly to adjust their length. Make a short turn and then check for transmission clarity.
3. Steel Whip Insertion
If you have this type of antenna you need to consult someone who has experience in tuning them. They are complicated to adjust and you can make things worse if you do not know exactly what to do.
CB Radio Basics
- Find a second radio and someone to operate it.
- Tune both radios to the same channel
- Speak into the microphone of the radio you wish to tune and allow the second operator to listen for the transmission.
- Move the two radios farther apart if the transmission is garbled or interrupted by the closeness of the devices.
- Adjust the length of your antenna and repeat step 3 until the other operator can hear your transmissions, and you can hear the transmissions they make.
Final Note
It is easy to tune a CB antenna using an SWR meter. It is also possible to make the adjustments needed to tune your device using a second radio and a little time. The task is more time-consuming than it is difficult. You have to make small adjustments, check the signal, and then adjust some more.
People have been adjusting their tuning in this manner for many years. It works, and it should not cost you anything unless you need a new CB antenna.
