| Author |
Message |
    
Mrstubbo
| | Posted on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 1:55 pm: | 
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Hello, I'm new to the forum. I screwed up with adjusting the SWR on my K-40. We "ran out" of adjustment, so we ground the antenna shorter & shorter- with both van doors open and van parked next to the building. Result I gave my, now burned out,Cobra to my nephew. I am purchasing a Ranger 969WX to replace it, and I don't want to make the same mistake twice. Can anyone recommend a CB shop near Orange County, Ca?
Many thanks in advance.
Stupid. |
Karatebutcher
| | Posted on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 7:15 pm: |
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There use to be one in Riverside, but you will have to check, Bill Good doesn't work on radios anymore I believe, I heard he was real sick, he was in Ontiero ca. There use to be one in La Palma J'S c.b. |
DeadlyEyes
| | Posted on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 7:20 pm: |
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How to tune an auto antenna.
First place the vehicle away from any metal buildings/in an open area.
Install the antenna per the directions exactly as stated. Remember that fiberglass bodies of autos are NOT grounds. Mount the antenna on a metal part that is grounded to the metal chassis of the auto. If you cannot you probably will have to run a ground wire from the antenna to the chassis. And while you are at it run a short piece of coax brade between the hood and the chassis ground. The trunk and the chassis ground and anything that swings on a hinge and the chassis ground. Some even run a grounding strap from the exhause system to the chassis. This is to reduce noise generated by the engine and static electricity generated by loose parts rubbing together as you drive down the road.
Install a good SWR meter between the radio and the antenna using a short jumper. Emphasis on the world short.
First major rule...DO NOT hold down the key for long periods of time.
You mentioned the K-40. Trim away only 1/16 to 1/8 (at most) at a time keeping the antenna seated all the way at the bottom. This way you can still go up and down if you overtrim.
Check the SWR after each trim being carefull as to recalibrate every time.
With the full length of the antenna untrimmed all the way to the bottom of the whip holder note the SWR on a piece of paper. If the readings are too high then trim a 16th and recheck noting the SWR as you did before. Continue this process. You will see the SWR drop untill it reaches a lowest point. When you see the SWR begin to start to climb once again STOP. If the SWR does not change at all after a two trims you might also seriously consider stopping. This is as low as it will go.
If the SWR is still too high something is definately wrong. Recheck you installation from step one to step last. Even check your coax connector solder job itself to be sure you did not short the coax by mistake.
From the files of personal experience. If the SWR is 3:1 and refuses to move you have either a grounding problem (none at all) or a loose ground connection. If the SWR is intermittantly high then low/back and forth you have a bad connection somewhere (check all connections). If the SWR is extremely high check the solder connections of the coax to the coax connector to be sure that the coax is NOT shorting out. Recheck all your connections including your SWR Meter jumper (it too could be bad).
Personal tips for better reception. Place your antenna in the center of the roof of the vehicle if you can. It is by far better to run your power supply source (both the positive and the negative with fuses on both sides directly to the battery of the auto). The battery will ack as a kind of filter for some types of engine noises. This is important: KEEP BOTH POWER AND COAX WELL AWAY from the computer box that runs your auto.
Good luck
DE |
Mrstubbo
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 5:07 pm: |
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My thanks to both you guys.... K.B.for the leads. Bill Good was my ace in the hole if he adjusted antennas. Can't find J's in the phone book,and don't have the yellow pages for Riverside.
D,E., wow, for taking the time to answer my question so thoroughly; but by the time I buy a good meter, I can have a pro do it correctly.
Perhaps after I watch a shop do it, I'll invest in a good meter and attempt it again following your excellent instructions........
Thanks again, Mrs Tubbo |
Karatebutcher
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 10:16 pm: |
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Mrstubbo what part of Orange County are you living in , I use to live in La Palma we ran Channel 8 AM California Wonder C.W |
Chris142
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 11:08 pm: |
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I also heard Bill was sick. Is the shop still open though? They were on the corner of Millikan and Airport drive (I think). Right behind the truckstop. |
Karatebutcher
| | Posted on Thursday, February 27, 2003 - 9:17 am: |
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Chris when I knew him he worked out of his house, and to see him he made you an appoimtment, he would fix it while you waited, about an hour, he is supposed to have cancer. |
Cbnut
| | Posted on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 8:21 pm: |
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There's an excellent tech, and I mean excellent tech in Anaheim, CA. He used to work with Bill Good until him and the owner of the shop had a falling-out. He now works at a place called The Solder Joint, in Orange, however, I prefer to have him work on my stuff out of the shop, and at his house. His phone number (given with permission) is: 714-520-0448, his name is Justin. Hope this helps. |
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