C B Antenna Check

[BobWolf]

I have to replace the antena wire but before I go shopping I want to know if there is a way to test a fiberglass antena at home maby with a multi meter. That way I know if I need a whole antenna kit or just the cord.

 

[xiggi]

How about testing the cord with your meter for continuity, if its.good.chances are the antena's bad. You might be able.to google and find some ohm rating it should show.

Sent from my SPH-D710 using EO Forums

 

[chefdennis]

What xiggi said, test the cable 1st...

 

[BobWolf]

One of my connaetors on the mirror rotted off Ill try a new connettor first. five bucks at radio shack. I had annother driver tell me that the cables usualy go before the antenna.
Can you acurately test the sitx for continuity?

Bob Wolf

 

[Moot]

One of my connaetors on the mirror rotted off Ill try a new connettor first. five bucks at radio shack.

If the connection is corroded, chances are the coax is also. Be sure to trim a few inches off the end of the coax before replacing the connector.

I had annother driver tell me that the cables usualy go before the antenna.

I'm not sure that's all that accurate. Antennas, especially fiberglass ones take a beating from tree branches, overpasses and overhead door frames. Do you have a built-in SWR meter on your radio? While this won't isolate whether the problem is the coax or the antenna it will be helpful for tuning your antenna after you have replaced the connection.

 

[BobWolf]

If the connection is corroded, chances are the coax is also. Be sure to trim a few inches off the end of the coax before replacing the connector.


I'm not sure that's all that accurate. Antennas, especially fiberglass ones take a beating from tree branches, overpasses and overhead door frames. Do you have a built-in SWR meter on your radio? While this won't isolate whether the problem is the coax or the antenna it will be helpful for tuning your antenna after you have replaced the connection.

Gonna replace the ends if it dosent work Ill replace th whole works coax and antenna hopefuly keep the C.B. the wiring and CB are abbout 4 1/ - 5 yrs old nothing fancy just a cobra 18 squak box.
had it turned up when I bought it and it worked good untill one end rotted off then o.k. now im told that it sounds like Im in a wind tunnel.
Ill probably get a little bit better set soon. not too many people use the CB anymore so I cant justify $ 500- $1,000 for a set. I can see maby $ 200- $ 250.

 

[BobWolf]

I found a site on diagnosing a C.B. rightchannels.com check it out.

 

[Moot]

Ill probably get a little bit better set soon. not too many people use the CB anymore so I cant justify $ 500- $1,000 for a set. I can see maby $ 200- $ 250.

Apparently you use the CB and for about $250 or less you should be able to get a decent radio with an SWR meter and a good antenna. Buy from a reputable CB shop and they will "peak and tune" and double check the SWR after you install it.

 

[pearlpro]

http://www.walcottcb.com/tuning_antennas_setting_swr

If the antenna has exposed wires or cores Id buy another, Id suggest the Wilson Trucker 2, its a darn good antenna and has great EARS, But setting your SWR and making sure the radio is operating properly is important, Theres a technical guide on this same site that show how to replace the connectors, i always took clear silicone and sealed the outside mirror mount or boot. Finding someone with the portable meters to check SWR and Modulation would help.