You’ve set up your CB radio. You’ve got all its cables and parts in place, and you think, ‘I am good to go!’ I hate to say it, but you are not there yet! One thing remains – fine-tuning your Firestiks antenna. It’s something you should do before you begin using your CB radio.
To fine-tune a Firestick CB antenna, follow these steps:
Set the switch to FWD, turn on the CB radio, and select channel 1. Push the microphone button and continue holding it. Using the knob, get hold of the SET or ADJUST control. Use the needle to access the end positioned setting. Move the switch to the REF or SWR button with the microphone in the keying position. Take note of the meter reading and let go of the transmit key. Repeat the antenna configuration process on channel 40 and follow the above steps again.
This quick step-by-step guide will teach you how to tune a Firestik CB Antenna in more detail.
Must I Fine-Tune my Firestik Antenna?
It would help if you did it and that’s why we intend to teach you how to tune a Firestik CB antenna. Even if you have invested in the best CB radio antenna, failure to tune the antenna may result in weak broadcast signals or damage. An imperfect tuning gives similar results. In worst-case scenarios, you could potentially damage your newly-acquired CB radio. Better safe than sorry.
Tuning your Firestik CB antenna isn’t very hard to accomplish. Of the utmost importance is to carefully approach the antenna configuration process with an open mind (willing to perform various trials) and follow the steps highlighted below.
Steps for Tuning your Firestik CB Antenna
You’ll need the following items to perform antenna configuration:
- An SWR meter
- A jumper lead
- Pen and paper for recording the readings
Once you’ve installed your CB radio, do the following;
1. An ideal place to park your CB radio-mount is away from tall trees and buildings – at least 10-15 meters away. Have no people surrounding your vehicle. To obtain accurate readings, remain inside the car and close all windows and doors. (1)
2. Disconnect the cable located at the back after connecting the meter. Reconnect the meter’s end part marked as antenna or ANT to the antenna. Connect your radio to the jumper lead and the SWR meter (marked as Transmitter or XMIT).
3. You may now proceed to calculate readings on the various available channels. For every test, maintain a constant distance between the microphone and the meter.
4. Set the switch to FWD, turn on the CB radio, and select channel 1.
5. Push the microphone button and continue holding it.
6. Using the knob, get hold of the SET or ADJUST control. Use the needle to access the end positioned setting.
7. Move the switch to the REF or SWR button with the microphone in the keying position.
8. Take note of the meter reading and let go of the transmit key.
9. Repeat the antenna configuration process on channel 40 and follow steps 4 to 9 again.
Things Worth Noting
The readings should be close enough while tuning your Firestik antenna. Aim for a 1:5:1 ratio or lower for the broadcast signal. Before adjusting the Firestik antenna, you need to take note of two essential things;
- You should consider shortening your CB antenna if your channel 40 readings exceed those of channel 1. Shortening the CB antenna entails reducing the Firestik’s physical length. Once you’ve cropped it, repeat the above process and check for any changes. Don’t get frustrated if you don’t get it on the first attempt. Keep trying.
- You should consider lengthening the CB antenna if your channel 40 reading is below that of channel 1. Lengthening entails increasing the length of the Firestik antenna. This mostly happens where there is no ground plane. Take the CB antenna to your manufacturer to add to its length.
As you can see, tuning the Firestik CB antenna is pretty straightforward. While at it, gather as much patience as possible to the very end. Stay focused and determined, and don’t rush it. Keep trying and adjusting things until you get it right. (2)
Take a look at some of our related articles below.
References
(1) accurate readings – https://study.com/academy/lesson/strategies-for-improving-reading-rate-accuracy.html
(2) stay focused and determined – https://www.insider.com/guides/health/mental-health/how-to-focus
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