CB usage & antenna SWR adjustment

wagonmaster2 · 02-23-2006, 01:11 PM

Some time ago an RVer asked on one of the forums, "why did't RVers use the CB more, whether channel 13 or 19". I have a 2004 Meridian and have been trying for two years to get the SWR down below 1:8 so I could use my CB. I have talked to Winnebago, who referred me to the antenna manufacturer, who claimed Winnebago didn't install it right. Talked to a CB shop in Tulsa, who claimed the antenna wasn't installed with the proper ground plane. The chrome adjusting rings can be ran clear to the top or down to the bottom and anywhere inbetween with very little change. Has anyone been able to use the Winnebago installed CB antenna or have you just junked it as another Winnebago blunder. This is my first Winnebago after 16 years with 3 different Fleetwoods and in 2 years have had more problems than the previous 16 years. The Winnebago floor plan was the main selling point and I'm trying very hard to keep an up-beat attitude but its getting more difficult every time I use this coach. I've always had a CB in my coaches and would very much like to continue using one, so any help would be greatly appreciated - at least other than drilling a hole in the side of the coach and installing a different antenna. Thanks loads.
Wagonmaster2
2004 Meridian 36G

wagonmaster2 · 02-23-2006, 01:11 PM

Some time ago an RVer asked on one of the forums, "why did't RVers use the CB more, whether channel 13 or 19". I have a 2004 Meridian and have been trying for two years to get the SWR down below 1:8 so I could use my CB. I have talked to Winnebago, who referred me to the antenna manufacturer, who claimed Winnebago didn't install it right. Talked to a CB shop in Tulsa, who claimed the antenna wasn't installed with the proper ground plane. The chrome adjusting rings can be ran clear to the top or down to the bottom and anywhere inbetween with very little change. Has anyone been able to use the Winnebago installed CB antenna or have you just junked it as another Winnebago blunder. This is my first Winnebago after 16 years with 3 different Fleetwoods and in 2 years have had more problems than the previous 16 years. The Winnebago floor plan was the main selling point and I'm trying very hard to keep an up-beat attitude but its getting more difficult every time I use this coach. I've always had a CB in my coaches and would very much like to continue using one, so any help would be greatly appreciated - at least other than drilling a hole in the side of the coach and installing a different antenna. Thanks loads.
Wagonmaster2
2004 Meridian 36G

rebelsbeach · 02-23-2006, 01:27 PM

On the '04 Journey we were able to get those standing waves adjusted with the rings...
My brother has the Journey now and has been all over the U.S. with no problems.
I've been on the roof of the Vectra and seen what looks like the same antenna,but haven't messed with it.

Maybe try another opinion from another CB shop,or if this is a shop you trust,at this point maybe try another antenna?

rvten · 02-23-2006, 01:43 PM

I had no problem using the adjustment rings. Make sure MH is away from any buildings or trees when making adjustment.

wagonmaster2 · 02-23-2006, 03:50 PM

Thanks Fellows - will definitely try away from the trees, and mentioning that, the rear of the MH is setting under high lines running down the alley. Will try the adjustments the next time I have it out of the yard, but that makes it harder to reach the antenna for adjustment - but whatever it will take to solve this problem. Thanks again you all.
Wasgonmaster2

rebelsbeach · 02-23-2006, 04:02 PM

Wagonmaster....move that coach!!

My guess is that once you move the coach away from those wires your SWR's will improve dramatically.

MikeT · 02-23-2006, 05:23 PM

You need to be in the open to adjust SWR

AFChap · 02-23-2006, 06:37 PM

I've used the OEM CB antenna from the start with no problems/noise at all. ...never have got around to checking the SWR (yeah, I know I should, but haven't...)

**"007"** · 02-23-2006, 07:25 PM

So who knows how to adjust SWR what is needed or should just go to a shop. My CB cuts in an out while transmitting or drifts out

Thanks anyone,never had problem on other three coaches.

"007"

NeilV · 02-23-2006, 11:36 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by "007":
So who knows how to adjust SWR what is needed or should just go to a shop. My CB cuts in an out while transmitting or drifts out

Thanks anyone,never had problem on other three coaches.

"007" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You will need an open space to park in, a ladder, allen wrench and an SWR meter. You can get by without an SWR meter by using the transmit meter built into your radio and adjusting the antenna so the power readings are the same or close to the same on channel 1 and 40.

I have not done this in over 20 years I wonder if my meter is still any good. I will probably find out shortly as the new radio that came with my 95 Vectra is dead shorted and I will be replacing it with my 30 year old Cobra shortly.

Regards,

Neil

John_Canfield · 02-24-2006, 03:17 AM

I did manage to get my SWR down to about 1.5:1 in the middle of the band on my Winnie-installed antenna but as usual, the SWR is a little higher at the edges of the band. The antenna is only going to be resonant at ONE frequency so when you adjust the antenna, choose channel 21 or 22 which is the center of the band.

It is interesting to note that the Winnie manual illustrates a CB antenna with one tuning ring where mine has two.

Those who have mentioned about keeping the area clear around the antenna when making adjustments are correct; I think about eight to twelve feet would be enough. Never ever install an antenna where there is anything metal in close proximity because that will detune the antenna (how many CB antennas have you seen mounted on the bumpers of cars & trucks?)

The Winnie installed antenna must be one designed for no counterpoise (mounting on fibreglass) because mine did tune up okay.

You could probably get by with an SWR of 1.8 if that is the maximum you are seeing. Also your test equipment or whatever you use might not be accurate anyway. Anything under 2.0:1 will work - not optimally, but it shouldn't cause transmitter problems.

The antenna is poor quality because the spring is rusting quite nicely - really looks awful. One of these days I'll change it out for something better.