I have a Cobra WXST and a 5' Firestik antenna with an adjustable tip 20" above the top of the JK. The best I can get for some reason is a 1.9 through all channels. I think it will probably be sufficient for trail use since we will all be pretty close to each other, but will the SWR being this high damage my unit at all?
Is a 1.9 SWR acceptable?
- Thread starter Summiteer
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soonenough
Explorer
In my limited experience, I've heard / read that an SWR of anything under 2.0 is pretty good. I don't think you run the risk of any damage to the radio until your SWR is 3.0 or above.
From the Firestik.com Tech Docs pages:
From the Firestik.com Tech Docs pages:
So, especially if it's going to be for trail use only, I'd say you're probably ok where you're at. Here's a list of things to look at if you really want get it lower than 1.9.
SunTzuNephew
Explorer
Tune it for as low an SWR as you can, in the middle of the band. As long as it's below 2 on the edges of the band you're OK.
gary in ohio
Explorer
You want the lowest SWR you can get. Anything under 2:1 is not going to harm the radio. Most radio start shutting down power output over 2:1. SWR when mobile can be a challenge . You can move the vehicle 10ft and the SWR will change. It will change while driving, go past a SEMI and it will change. Get the best you can. Also make sure you check the SWR on several frequncies, channel 1, 19 and 40 you may find it will drop on some channels.
ExpoMike
Well-known member
I know it's a common mistake that many make, is to set their SWR near a building or house. I will throw off the reading.
I find a big, empty parking lot and set it there. Get some weird looks from time to time. I like to strive for 1.5:1 or lower but as others said, 2.0:1 is acceptable.
I find a big, empty parking lot and set it there. Get some weird looks from time to time. I like to strive for 1.5:1 or lower but as others said, 2.0:1 is acceptable.
KA5IVR
Observer
I have found in the past... If you have a resident antenna and the Ground is bad, it will give you a high flat reading across the band that will not adjust.
Most CB antenna are not wide enough banded to give a flat reading across the 11 meter band without somewhat of a dip somewhere.
Most CB antenna are not wide enough banded to give a flat reading across the 11 meter band without somewhat of a dip somewhere.
S
Scenic WonderRunner
Guest
If 1.1:1 is Perfect. Then 2.1:1 is not.
I have my Wilson 1000 down to 1.1:1 .
I can talk with others who have tuned their CB Antennas properly from 20 to 60 miles away.
If others do not care to tune their CB Antenna properly, you will Not be able to talk with them, and you will all hate CB Radios and claim they are junk.
With CB.....it's all about the antenna.
http://www.wilsonantenna.com/tsswrg.htm
I was Rescued by way of Cb Radio from over 20 Miles away in the Panamint Mountains. Punching down through the canyons, to the valley below. By a kind Jeeper who just had his CB Antenna tuned properly, just a few weeks before.
Others in his group could hear me, but they could not talk to me.
I suggest we do it.
And Yes! 2 Meter is Better!
I like 2 Meter!
.
I have my Wilson 1000 down to 1.1:1 .
I can talk with others who have tuned their CB Antennas properly from 20 to 60 miles away.
If others do not care to tune their CB Antenna properly, you will Not be able to talk with them, and you will all hate CB Radios and claim they are junk.
With CB.....it's all about the antenna.
http://www.wilsonantenna.com/tsswrg.htm
I was Rescued by way of Cb Radio from over 20 Miles away in the Panamint Mountains. Punching down through the canyons, to the valley below. By a kind Jeeper who just had his CB Antenna tuned properly, just a few weeks before.
Others in his group could hear me, but they could not talk to me.
I suggest we do it.
And Yes! 2 Meter is Better!
I like 2 Meter!
.
gary in ohio
Explorer
Depending on the antenna you have some are NOT even tunable. As noted SWR will var based on objects around you. Also what are you using to measure your SWR? The meter in the radio? a cheap CB SWR meeting or a quality SWR meter. Dont assume the meter in your radio is even close to accurate. Anything under 1.5 is good, anything under 2:1 is usable. Lower is always better but for most typical CB communications you will never see the difference.
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