Checking your Installation

Nothing is more frustrating than installing your radio, being all happy with yourself, then finding out you installed it all wrong. A bad installation is a situation you want to avoid at all costs as most of the time, there are no fixes for the hours spent during installation. However, there is a way to test your system before your installation to make sure the process goes smoothly!  

Before your installation, conduct a false install and then a SWR test. A false install is done through putting your antenna in the place you want to put it, and then conduct a SWR test using a good SWR meter like the Astatic PDC7 or a radio with a built in SWR meter like a 10 Meter Stryker sr-447hpc or a Cobra 29 LTD CB Radio. Its also important to know that transmitting antennas can be affected by objects within a certain radius of it. Try to have at least 12-16 inches of free space around the antenna and be sure the load is above the roofline.  

Once your antenna is secure, ground the mount and run the coax cord to the radio. From there you can conduct a SWR test and tune the antenna. If it tunes properly, you are all set for a permanent installation!   

We hope you found this information helpful in your installation process. At CB Radio Supply, we are here for all your radio needs and offer a wide range of customer service! Our free domestic US shipping and hassle-free returns is also our guarantee you will be satisfied with your choices. Give us a call to speak with our expert staff today!