Anyone in Boulder County a CB/Electrical Wizard?

[Max]

My CB stopped working well, so I put the SWR meter in it to tune the antenna again, but high or low, it still reads off the charts. I haven't changed anything, so I'm not sure where the problem is. If anyone around me can help me by taking a look that would be great!

[ColoJeeper]

Check your coax cable for the antenna and make sure it hasn't rubbed through in some area and shorting out.

[Tom]

Check your coax cable for the antenna and make sure it hasn't rubbed through in some area and shorting out.I was thinking along the same lines. If you've and ohm meter it's easy to test. Basically disconnect the ant cable from the cb and place the meter lead on the inner and outer contacts. It the needle doesn't move you've a broken wire. If the needle goes all the way over a short. There should be some resistance in the antenna so the needle should be somewhere between. If the needle shows an issue then the same test needs to be run on just the antenna to determine a cable or antenna issue.

[Max]

Yeah, that's why I was asking for someone that know about electrical stuff. I don't own one of those tools. Or know how to use one for that matter.

Excellent advice Tom, if I get my hands on one or someone who knows about it, I'll test those points.

[Tom]

Yeah, that's why I was asking for someone that know about electrical stuff. I don't own one of those tools. Or know how to use one for that matter.

Excellent advice Tom, if I get my hands on one or someone who knows about it, I'll test those points.I could help you out Max. Not certain when though. I am hoping to install some control arm geometry correction brackets on Sat. but may have to work. If not, you are welcome to drop by. Shouldn't take more than a few minutes to test that much. Let me know if you are interested and I'll send you my Longmont address.

[Spieg]

FWIW - most of the SWR problems I've experienced were due to damaged antenna. I used Firestick antennas when I got my first CB (because that was what everyone else used) until I realized Firestick uses external winding on their antenna, and that makes them prone to damage more easily (internal wire antenna or solid steel whip are better for bushwhacking). After replacing a few broken Firesticks, I switched to Frances internal wind antenna and have had no failures since then (my current antenna is going strong for 16+ years).

PS - you don't need a meter to test continuity. A simple test light and 9-volt battery will work just fine (you can even make your own test light with a flashlight bulb and a piece of wire)

[Tom]

I didn't get the continuity quite right But this describes it and we can check it.
http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/Testing_Continuity.htm

[Jim]

Send a PM to "Bob" in Berthoud. He has been on my "willing to lend a hand to me" list for my high SWR issue on my CB (and I've yet to stop over to his place to tend it - and I'll pass by there, twice, this Friday...)

http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/member.php?1244-Bob

[Bob]

My CB stopped working well, so I put the SWR meter in it to tune the antenna again, but high or low, it still reads off the charts. I haven't changed anything, so I'm not sure where the problem is. If anyone around me can help me by taking a look that would be great!
Glad to help and available most anytime now. I'll send a PM to you.