[Yaki]

Riding in a group, I can hear other CBs in the group quite well by my friends are complaining that my transmission is cut.
What will be the easiest way to calibrate my transmission?
I use the Honda 40 channel CB I mounted myself (with the matching antenna).

Thanks in advance.

 

[KenH]

It depends on how your signal is "cut" - do you mean the volume is just so low they have a hard time hearing you? OR that at times there is a strong signal, but suddenly drops to a weak signal at times?

OR your signal is strong close, then as you move futher apart, your signal drops into the noise well before their signal does? If this is the case, how far apart before your signal drops?

Typical range for the Honda CB is usually somewhat less than a mile... At times it will exceed a mile, at other times perhaps 1/2 mile??? Most CB handhelds with a rubber duck antenna will beat the Honda CB for some reason.

There is very little "tuning" the non-tech person can do other than SWR and that will have VERY little affect. Since you said your installed the CB yourself, you do really need to check the SWR to be sure it is no more than 2:1. More than 2:1 (maybe 3:1???) and radio will start to cut back the output power so the weak signal is even less. As long as the radio is not cutting back, the SWR will have little affect on your transmitted signal.

The difference between 2:1 and the "perfect" 1:1 match will never be known outside of test lab conditions - and perhaps not even then.

Good luck.

Ken H>

 

[stickyfingers]

Not sure what you mean by "cut". SWR issues can cause all sorts of problems. Most modern communication systems will suffer from reduced output if a high SWR is encountered at the antenna. This causes the transmitter to "fold back" which protects the final amplifier circuit from damage in most cases. It also protects the finals from damage if the antenna cable should become open (infinity impedance) or shorted (nearly zero impedance). Commercial and ham radio rigs also use this type of protection. High SWR can result in getting RF into the stereo system, and causing transmit audio problems due to "RF feedback". Often these problems are brought on by poor or non-existant grounding systems. Make sure the CB is well grounded, and the antenna too, not just thru the cable. Grounded means TO THE FRAME at a clean non-painted spot. If your audio output varies when you turn your head, or you can hear humming or signal change in another reciever when transmitting, you are getting RF into your mic system. Again, this is USUALLY a ground problem. See if you can round up a ham operator or tech shop that has an antenna analyzer. (This is NOT the SWR meter that you find at the local truck stop) Ask them to check the SWR at both the rig AND the antenna. This should show if you have any cable problems. By careful and SMALL adjustments at the antenna, you should be able to get the SWR down to between 1:1 and 1:2.This should show if you have any cable problems. With a power/SWR meter in the system, Check and see if the SWR changes when you have your headset on and move your head around. This is another indication that you are getting RF into the mic system. Also, when the power meter is hooked up, see if the meter swings "upward" when you speak into the mike. Talk for a short while and see if the meter swing stays the same. This is a quick check to see if you have any failing componants in the transmit circuitry. CB radios are limited by FCC law to be 5 watts. Not much. In reality, they are more like a couple of watts or three or four at best. Any problems getting that signal, along with the modulation (your voice) to the radiator, cuts down on performance pretty quick.
If you mean "cut" by cutting in and out, then you have a loose connection somewhere.
BTW.... most coaxial cable sold with CB type equipment is pretty much crap, having very low shielding quality. Good RF coax is cheap, and can save you a lot of headaches. Many, many problems are the result of poor coax and poor grounds.

 

[Yaki]

OR
your signal is strong close, then as you move futher apart, your signal drops into the noise well before their signal does? If this is the case, how far apart before your signal drops?

Typical range for the Honda CB is usually somewhat less than a mile... At times it will exceed a mile, at other times perhaps 1/2 mile??? Most CB handhelds with a rubber duck antenna will beat the Honda CB for some reason

This is exactly what I have. I am heard great when close, get "degraded" at half a mile and almost lost at a mile.

I am disappointed to read that that’s all the CB distance I can get. Besides getting an SWR meter and checking my output, is there anything else I can do to boost transmission and gain longer distance?

 

[TexWalter]

Yaki, many Honda cb's suffer from low modulation. There is an article that addresses this situation and has directions for the proper adjustment. It was written by John Lazzeroni (J&M Audio) in 2001. It is a fairly short Word document (1048 kb) with photos showing how to make the necessary adjustments. If you feel uncomfortable doing it yourself just print out the document and take it to a cb repair shop and they will be able to make the adjustment for you. If you want the article pm me with your e-mail address and I will send it to you.