Cb radio / swr meter

I've tried googling this but the only answers I get is when it all goes to plan so if anyone can help ...

Just fitted a replacement aerial and trying to set up the cb with the SWR.
I was following this link - http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f38/swr-how-use-how-interpret-readings-109199.html
But when i'm all connected and turn the Cal dial so the needle rads full, it doesnt get as far as that.
Does that mean my CB is duff?

Not been on one for about twenty years but it sounds like summats not connected properly or your ground planes duff

Ruari said:

I've tried googling this but the only answers I get is when it all goes to plan so if anyone can help ...

Just fitted a replacement aerial and trying to set up the cb with the SWR.
I was following this link - http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f38/swr-how-use-how-interpret-readings-109199.html
But when i'm all connected and turn the Cal dial so the needle rads full, it doesnt get as far as that.
Does that mean my CB is duff?

Click to expand...

Are you on low power?

Ensure that the thing is connected the right way around

Switch it to "FWD" to get full scale deflection so you can "set" the meter then switch to "ref" to read what your swr is

Check attenuator switch is set to full

If you need any help drop me a pm and you can drop round and i'll try and help

And check the connections too.

Cheers
Will check connections, making sure the cable isn't shorting or a hard bend in the cable. failing that im up the road to Gaz,

I know this thread is a tad old but saves me starting a new one, when there's no point!

Was this problem resolved, I only ask as I have just installed my 'Midland 48 plus' cb in my disco II, constant live (fused 2 amp) running direct from the battery via a cb noise supressor) I have it connected to a mag mount (I was advised to stay away from gutter mounts by Gwyn Lewis 4x4 specialist).
The CB is transmitting as I can calibrate the SWR meter, but when i switch to "REF" to get the reading (still transmitting) the needle does not budge, I have tried going through the channels but it makes no difference.

I did do two things to my setup, I installed the plug myself and soldered the connections inside the plug (first I thought this was dodgy but I did a continuity test and it all seems fine so there doesn't appear to be any shorts in the connections)

Secondly I had to remove the old wiring from the mag mount and I soldered the new wire directly to the mag mount antenna pin inside (I have the 'Sirio Mag 145 3/8' - four screws and you can access the internals), I did find that I had to cut the wiring off as I could not un-solder the wire, This is where I'm guessing things have gone wrong, but I can't see the reason why as I actually soldered it to the mag mount antenna pin and a continuity check confirms that there is a connection).

I spent best part of the day scratching my head thinking that it might be so perfectly setup it's not actualy reading anything on the SWR but somehow I find that hard to believe.
I tried adding an earth wire to the chassis, and moving the mag mount to a few different locations on the roof, I have tried three different patch leads (I have confirmed that all the leads are fine, by doing a continuity test on them), and two different microphones (just trying anything to rule things out, I also have two SWR meters and both read the same), mic gain is at max, it is configured for the UK.

I have been reading a load of posts on this forum and got a few things to check, but I'm none the wiser to actually fixing the darn thing. :frusty:


Any help/advice would be gratefully appreciated,
cheers.

Update:
I have tested the cb on different country settings, I don't get any reading on FM however I do get a reading on AM of 1.3 ish swr on certain channels, guessing this is a good sign but I find it strange that there is no reading on FM.

Anyone think my setup is faulty or perfectly fine?
Thanks.

EDIT:
Checked with a few drivers at work, it's transmitting perfectly, I have since moved the mag mount a few inches back and the swr needle is moving slightly so it would seem the setup is spot on, which is a first!

Slight update.. I re-checked the SWR today and the reading was showing 1.7 throughout most channels.

I checked the continuety of the cabeling, connectors, and patch lead all seems fine, inspected the aerial cabel at the rear door and it doesnt look pinched or bent so have ruled them out.

I used two different swr meters, one shows 1.7 the other shows 1.4 .. not sure what to make with that, but I'm guessing the antenna might be at fault as it did accidently get bent back a fair way when a mechanic lifted the vechile insde a small workshop and the aerial was hitting his garage roof. - although it was on a small spring attachment. (I have the "Sirio Mythos 9000 3/8" aerial - few years old, but I would be suprised if this did actualy damage it though)

Thinking I may need to try another aerial, and swr meter perhaps?
Anything I have missed/over looked? - any guidance would be much appreciated!