OK, I got my CB in and bought a cheapo SWR meter. I hooked it up with various banana plugs, and aligator clips, but it seemed to work. I followed the instructions that came with the meter and was able to get it to 1.7. Instructions said use channel 20 (mid band). Anyway I thought I'd first try to extend the antenna a bit as I had quite a bit of room. So that's what I did and the closest I was able to get by extending it was the 1.7. Meter instructions said less than 2 was good, and more than 3 may damage the radio. When I started it was 2.6 or so maybe more.
Questions is should I be able to get better than 1.7 or should I need to really?
Also, with the hodgepodge of wires and the method of connecting the meter would that give me a false reading.......I had continuity, but probably with great capacitance (is that a word?) because of the less than good connections.....IMO.
Is more than bear continuity required/needed?
And lastly am I likely to get a better ratio by shortening the antenna?
Thanks for your help.
Questions is should I be able to get better than 1.7 or should I need to really?
Also, with the hodgepodge of wires and the method of connecting the meter would that give me a false reading.......I had continuity, but probably with great capacitance (is that a word?) because of the less than good connections.....IMO.
Is more than bear continuity required/needed?
And lastly am I likely to get a better ratio by shortening the antenna?
Thanks for your help.