how to tell if a CB radio is damaged

[Sherman134]

I have had a CB radio mounted in my Jeep for almost a year. I currently have a uniden pro 505 xl with a four foot firestik II antenna. I have not been the most conscientious owner and have, during different four wheeling trips, used only the spring as my antenna, operated with a high SWR for entire weekend long trips, and have operated the radio with a poor ground connection. I am in the process of getting a better antenna mount which provides a sufficient ground, and tuning my antenna, however, I would like to know if my transmitter is still working before I dump more money into the system. Are there any identifying features which would indicate a burnt out radio? The radio seems to receive quite well for the limited amount of traffic in my area, however, transmitting range varies between half a mile to about a hundred yards. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Sherman134]

You already answered your own question. You need a new radio.

What makes you say that? The antenna currently isn't tuned

 

[Frdmskr]

Put a watt meter on it. If it's 5w AM you are fine. 4w close enough.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[1911]

Put a watt meter on it. If it's 5w AM you are fine. 4w close enough.

The legal limit for CB is four watts, so even less is OK.

 

[MOguy]

You already answered your own question. You need a new radio.

Why? Modern radios will not be damaged if the SWR is high.

OP, make sure you antenna is properly mounted and has a good RF ground. That is all you really need to do. You can tune it for better performance. New stuff won't do you any better than old stuff if your antenna is popularly mounted, you have a good RF ground and your things are in good shape. CB reach is very limited anyway. Unless you are on a flat area with no obstructions, terrain and other obstacles will be you biggest issues and even the most expensive system you can buy won't help you there.

 

[Sherman134]

To end the discussion, the radio is fine, after installing a spring to save my mount, the swr was brought down to less than 1.5! (Ch1~1.2 Ch40~1.4). I tested it with my mobile setup (midland with a 2-3 foot mag mount.) At one mile there was little to no static on his end. I plan on testing it again with another friend (about 3 miles away) to see just how far I can reach.