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SWR not set.. WIll it hurt my radio?
Hi,
If I'm not able to set the SWR in the trucks that I drive will it hurt the radio or just give me decreased range? |
driver:
If the swr is over a 2 to 1, you get into danger of damaging the output finals in the equipment, will also decrease your range. There is always a method to decrease (tune adjust) swr... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... Hi, If I'm not able to set the SWR in the trucks that I drive will it hurt the radio or just give me decreased range? |
It depends on how bad the match is. There is a good chance that you'll
be OK. It takes a match of perhaps 5:1 or worse to overheat the transmit output transistor in most CBs. Professor www.telstar-electronics.com driver42 wrote: Hi, If I'm not able to set the SWR in the trucks that I drive will it hurt the radio or just give me decreased range? |
"John Smith" wrote in
: driver: If the swr is over a 2 to 1, you get into danger of damaging the output finals in the equipment, will also decrease your range. There is always a method to decrease (tune adjust) swr... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... Hi, If I'm not able to set the SWR in the trucks that I drive will it hurt the radio or just give me decreased range? My problem is that I'll be moving from truck to truck so I wont have time to set the SWR correctly. Most of our trucks have factory installed double antenna's which I'm not too thrilled about. |
driver42:
SWR IS controlled by the antenna and feedline, if you company has installed these, they should have had someone set it up which has already adjusted all of that. The output of your radio expects a 50 ohm load, "tuning the antenna" means that the antenna and feedline has been adjusted correctly to present this load to your radio, if they have done their job correctly. In other words, if the person installing, tuning the antenna and feedline has properly adjusted it to present a 50 ohm load ANY RADIO should now be able to hooked up to it with no problems and a low SWR. I suspect you are good to go... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... "John Smith" wrote in : driver: If the swr is over a 2 to 1, you get into danger of damaging the output finals in the equipment, will also decrease your range. There is always a method to decrease (tune adjust) swr... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... Hi, If I'm not able to set the SWR in the trucks that I drive will it hurt the radio or just give me decreased range? My problem is that I'll be moving from truck to truck so I wont have time to set the SWR correctly. Most of our trucks have factory installed double antenna's which I'm not too thrilled about. |
My problem is that I'll be moving from truck to truck so I wont have
time to set the SWR correctly. Most of our trucks have factory installed double antenna's which I'm not too thrilled about. If you're using a stock unmodified radio, there will be no worries about a less then optimal antenna. If you're using a racecar CB that's maxxed out, then you have to worry about reflections from the antenna. Remember that a dummy load has perfect SWR. You won't transmit anywhere with that. 1:1 SWR and resonance aren't always the same. I much prefer resonance over an artificially perfect SWR. |
driver42:
If you really want to know exactly that the swr is ok, get a "SWR Meter." You may still be able to get one from any radio shack, off ebay, or the radio shop at a truck stop. They range in price for 9.99 to 29.99 and up, and are simple to use and come with instructions. You may wish to have someone show you how to use one, which has used one before. If you get it at radio shack or a radio shop, a guy there should be able to quickly get you up to speed in their usage... Good luck... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... "John Smith" wrote in : driver: If the swr is over a 2 to 1, you get into danger of damaging the output finals in the equipment, will also decrease your range. There is always a method to decrease (tune adjust) swr... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... Hi, If I'm not able to set the SWR in the trucks that I drive will it hurt the radio or just give me decreased range? My problem is that I'll be moving from truck to truck so I wont have time to set the SWR correctly. Most of our trucks have factory installed double antenna's which I'm not too thrilled about. |
driver42:
As a side note, most antennas can handle a 100 watts without problem, however, if you are going to run BIG POWER, it would be good to check the specs on the antenna(s) and make sure they will not be damaged by large power input... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... "John Smith" wrote in : driver: If the swr is over a 2 to 1, you get into danger of damaging the output finals in the equipment, will also decrease your range. There is always a method to decrease (tune adjust) swr... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... Hi, If I'm not able to set the SWR in the trucks that I drive will it hurt the radio or just give me decreased range? My problem is that I'll be moving from truck to truck so I wont have time to set the SWR correctly. Most of our trucks have factory installed double antenna's which I'm not too thrilled about. |
"John Smith" wrote in
: driver42: As a side note, most antennas can handle a 100 watts without problem, however, if you are going to run BIG POWER, it would be good to check the specs on the antenna(s) and make sure they will not be damaged by large power input... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... "John Smith" wrote in : driver: If the swr is over a 2 to 1, you get into danger of damaging the output finals in the equipment, will also decrease your range. There is always a method to decrease (tune adjust) swr... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... Hi, If I'm not able to set the SWR in the trucks that I drive will it hurt the radio or just give me decreased range? My problem is that I'll be moving from truck to truck so I wont have time to set the SWR correctly. Most of our trucks have factory installed double antenna's which I'm not too thrilled about. Thanks for your input. I dont want a "big" radio. I just want a quality radio. I'm looking at either the PC68ELITE or the PC78ELITE both from Uniden. I had a PC68 about ten years ago that I had tweeked and it was a great unit. I was just on a CB site and I seen that they sell a box that lets you set the SWR from your seat without touching the antenna. The box is plugged inbetween your radio and antenna and then you just use your SWR meter plus the knobs on the box to adjust to the desired level that you want. Are these things any good or are they a gimmick? Thanks, Driver42 |
driver42:
Well, without seeing the webpage you are referring to (URL), I am just making an educated guess, I would think it would... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... "John Smith" wrote in : driver42: As a side note, most antennas can handle a 100 watts without problem, however, if you are going to run BIG POWER, it would be good to check the specs on the antenna(s) and make sure they will not be damaged by large power input... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... "John Smith" wrote in : driver: If the swr is over a 2 to 1, you get into danger of damaging the output finals in the equipment, will also decrease your range. There is always a method to decrease (tune adjust) swr... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... Hi, If I'm not able to set the SWR in the trucks that I drive will it hurt the radio or just give me decreased range? My problem is that I'll be moving from truck to truck so I wont have time to set the SWR correctly. Most of our trucks have factory installed double antenna's which I'm not too thrilled about. Thanks for your input. I dont want a "big" radio. I just want a quality radio. I'm looking at either the PC68ELITE or the PC78ELITE both from Uniden. I had a PC68 about ten years ago that I had tweeked and it was a great unit. I was just on a CB site and I seen that they sell a box that lets you set the SWR from your seat without touching the antenna. The box is plugged inbetween your radio and antenna and then you just use your SWR meter plus the knobs on the box to adjust to the desired level that you want. Are these things any good or are they a gimmick? Thanks, Driver42 |
On Sat, 30 Jul 2005 11:45:50 -0500, driver42 wrote:
Hi, If I'm not able to set the SWR in the trucks that I drive will it hurt the radio or just give me decreased range? I would set it first Vinnie S. |
"John Smith" wrote in
: driver42: Well, without seeing the webpage you are referring to (URL), I am just making an educated guess, I would think it would... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... "John Smith" wrote in : driver42: As a side note, most antennas can handle a 100 watts without problem, however, if you are going to run BIG POWER, it would be good to check the specs on the antenna(s) and make sure they will not be damaged by large power input... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... "John Smith" wrote in : driver: If the swr is over a 2 to 1, you get into danger of damaging the output finals in the equipment, will also decrease your range. There is always a method to decrease (tune adjust) swr... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... Hi, If I'm not able to set the SWR in the trucks that I drive will it hurt the radio or just give me decreased range? My problem is that I'll be moving from truck to truck so I wont have time to set the SWR correctly. Most of our trucks have factory installed double antenna's which I'm not too thrilled about. Thanks for your input. I dont want a "big" radio. I just want a quality radio. I'm looking at either the PC68ELITE or the PC78ELITE both from Uniden. I had a PC68 about ten years ago that I had tweeked and it was a great unit. I was just on a CB site and I seen that they sell a box that lets you set the SWR from your seat without touching the antenna. The box is plugged inbetween your radio and antenna and then you just use your SWR meter plus the knobs on the box to adjust to the desired level that you want. Are these things any good or are they a gimmick? Thanks, Driver42 John, I just was reading about this radio. http://www.galaxyradios.com/cb/959.html says it has an "Automatic SWR Circuit (no complicated calibration procedure)" Does that mean the circuit sets the SWR automatically? Thanks for your help |
driver42:
Yep. Flip of a switch and you can read the swr... flip the switch back, and you are back where you started... .... couldn't be easier ... But to use a real swr meter: 1) hook it in coax... 2) switch a switch to read forward power 3) adjust knob to full scale mark 4) flip switch to "swr" and read the swr .... as you can see, not all that difficult! all you need is the meter and a short piece of coax (foot or two long) with pl259 plugs on each end and you are in business... .... but, whatever suits you best... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... "John Smith" wrote in : driver42: Well, without seeing the webpage you are referring to (URL), I am just making an educated guess, I would think it would... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... "John Smith" wrote in : driver42: As a side note, most antennas can handle a 100 watts without problem, however, if you are going to run BIG POWER, it would be good to check the specs on the antenna(s) and make sure they will not be damaged by large power input... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... "John Smith" wrote in : driver: If the swr is over a 2 to 1, you get into danger of damaging the output finals in the equipment, will also decrease your range. There is always a method to decrease (tune adjust) swr... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... Hi, If I'm not able to set the SWR in the trucks that I drive will it hurt the radio or just give me decreased range? My problem is that I'll be moving from truck to truck so I wont have time to set the SWR correctly. Most of our trucks have factory installed double antenna's which I'm not too thrilled about. Thanks for your input. I dont want a "big" radio. I just want a quality radio. I'm looking at either the PC68ELITE or the PC78ELITE both from Uniden. I had a PC68 about ten years ago that I had tweeked and it was a great unit. I was just on a CB site and I seen that they sell a box that lets you set the SWR from your seat without touching the antenna. The box is plugged inbetween your radio and antenna and then you just use your SWR meter plus the knobs on the box to adjust to the desired level that you want. Are these things any good or are they a gimmick? Thanks, Driver42 John, I just was reading about this radio. http://www.galaxyradios.com/cb/959.html says it has an "Automatic SWR Circuit (no complicated calibration procedure)" Does that mean the circuit sets the SWR automatically? Thanks for your help |
I just was reading about this radio. http://www.galaxyradios.com/cb/959.html says it has an "Automatic SWR Circuit (no complicated calibration procedure)" Does that mean the circuit sets the SWR automatically? No. It means that it will read the SWR ratio without you having to manually calibrate the meter. It does not correct the problem if there is one. If you move the radio from location to location just check the reading. If it's 2:1 or lower don't worry about it. |
driver:
I should have mentioned, you have to have the mike keyed while reading the swr in the first situation (the galaxie) and, keyed when "adjusting the knob for full scale" and again after flipped to "swr" to read it... .... you might have already guessed that... either way, it is NOTHING complicated or to be afraid of... John "John Smith" wrote in message ... driver42: Yep. Flip of a switch and you can read the swr... flip the switch back, and you are back where you started... ... couldn't be easier ... But to use a real swr meter: 1) hook it in coax... 2) switch a switch to read forward power 3) adjust knob to full scale mark 4) flip switch to "swr" and read the swr ... as you can see, not all that difficult! all you need is the meter and a short piece of coax (foot or two long) with pl259 plugs on each end and you are in business... ... but, whatever suits you best... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... "John Smith" wrote in : driver42: Well, without seeing the webpage you are referring to (URL), I am just making an educated guess, I would think it would... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... "John Smith" wrote in : driver42: As a side note, most antennas can handle a 100 watts without problem, however, if you are going to run BIG POWER, it would be good to check the specs on the antenna(s) and make sure they will not be damaged by large power input... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... "John Smith" wrote in : driver: If the swr is over a 2 to 1, you get into danger of damaging the output finals in the equipment, will also decrease your range. There is always a method to decrease (tune adjust) swr... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... Hi, If I'm not able to set the SWR in the trucks that I drive will it hurt the radio or just give me decreased range? My problem is that I'll be moving from truck to truck so I wont have time to set the SWR correctly. Most of our trucks have factory installed double antenna's which I'm not too thrilled about. Thanks for your input. I dont want a "big" radio. I just want a quality radio. I'm looking at either the PC68ELITE or the PC78ELITE both from Uniden. I had a PC68 about ten years ago that I had tweeked and it was a great unit. I was just on a CB site and I seen that they sell a box that lets you set the SWR from your seat without touching the antenna. The box is plugged inbetween your radio and antenna and then you just use your SWR meter plus the knobs on the box to adjust to the desired level that you want. Are these things any good or are they a gimmick? Thanks, Driver42 John, I just was reading about this radio. http://www.galaxyradios.com/cb/959.html says it has an "Automatic SWR Circuit (no complicated calibration procedure)" Does that mean the circuit sets the SWR automatically? Thanks for your help |
driver:
The other poster is correct, NOTHING will set the SWR automatically for you, that is always an adjustment of the antenna and/or feedline, sorry about that! John "driver42" wrote in message 5... "John Smith" wrote in : driver42: Well, without seeing the webpage you are referring to (URL), I am just making an educated guess, I would think it would... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... "John Smith" wrote in : driver42: As a side note, most antennas can handle a 100 watts without problem, however, if you are going to run BIG POWER, it would be good to check the specs on the antenna(s) and make sure they will not be damaged by large power input... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... "John Smith" wrote in : driver: If the swr is over a 2 to 1, you get into danger of damaging the output finals in the equipment, will also decrease your range. There is always a method to decrease (tune adjust) swr... John "driver42" wrote in message 5... Hi, If I'm not able to set the SWR in the trucks that I drive will it hurt the radio or just give me decreased range? My problem is that I'll be moving from truck to truck so I wont have time to set the SWR correctly. Most of our trucks have factory installed double antenna's which I'm not too thrilled about. Thanks for your input. I dont want a "big" radio. I just want a quality radio. I'm looking at either the PC68ELITE or the PC78ELITE both from Uniden. I had a PC68 about ten years ago that I had tweeked and it was a great unit. I was just on a CB site and I seen that they sell a box that lets you set the SWR from your seat without touching the antenna. The box is plugged inbetween your radio and antenna and then you just use your SWR meter plus the knobs on the box to adjust to the desired level that you want. Are these things any good or are they a gimmick? Thanks, Driver42 John, I just was reading about this radio. http://www.galaxyradios.com/cb/959.html says it has an "Automatic SWR Circuit (no complicated calibration procedure)" Does that mean the circuit sets the SWR automatically? Thanks for your help |
Thanks,
I have an SWR meter from radio shack that I've used in the past. I know how to use it. My problem is that I'll be in a different truck everyday and wont be able to set the SWR the way I want to. On Monday I'm gonna call the cb shop that I saw online and ask them about the SWR match box. Below is a cut and paste of this product. Let me know if this will set the SWR without having to mess with the antenna's. "Don't "Live with" High SWR Readings! This Matcher will tune your SWR very low, simply insert inline between radio & Antenna. Has 2 Adjustment knobs. Perfect for Radios with wide channel coverage, indoor antennas, non-tunable mobile antennas, or for using 10 thru 12 meters off 1 antenna. Handles 80w pep. Requires either an SWR meter built into radio, or an optional SWR meter between Radio & Matcher." Don't be anal about SWR. If you have an SWR of between 1.5 to 2, don't worry about it. If you must have 1.0:1 on every channel, you'll need a tuner to "fix" it. SWR is a ratio of impedance. It is only one of a multitude of important parameters. I like high field strength. It shows you how well your antenna is radiating. |
If you move the radio from location to location just check the reading. If it's 2:1 or lower don't worry about it. Thanks, I have an SWR meter from radio shack that I've used in the past. I know how to use it. My problem is that I'll be in a different truck everyday and wont be able to set the SWR the way I want to. On Monday I'm gonna call the cb shop that I saw online and ask them about the SWR match box. Below is a cut and paste of this product. Let me know if this will set the SWR without having to mess with the antenna's. "Don't "Live with" High SWR Readings! This Matcher will tune your SWR very low, simply insert inline between radio & Antenna. Has 2 Adjustment knobs. Perfect for Radios with wide channel coverage, indoor antennas, non-tunable mobile antennas, or for using 10 thru 12 meters off 1 antenna. Handles 80w pep. Requires either an SWR meter built into radio, or an optional SWR meter between Radio & Matcher." This is a line flattener. They can be problematic in that one of the knobs can be bumped and give you an abnormally high SWR reading. Much higher than the antenna itself. You also will double the possibility of a loose coax connector, and don't forget that moving the setup will require more time and care. |
driver42:
Yes, such a device will allow you to adjust the swr under adverse conditions and is good to have, at least if the swr is high you can adjust it down and use the darn radio--now that beats sitting there with a darn useless setup!!! Since you can voice your concerns, and have awareness that swr is important--I take it for granted you have the common sense how to read instructions properly and use it--if not, someone which knows how should be consulted--some of those truckers are savvy to swr and such, if not, large truck stops always have a radio shop close, or usually do... So, I'd give a thumbs up to the matchbox (use in combination with your SWR meter)... there is some "insertion loss" from the matchbox, and a bit of a power loss, this is almost always negligible and not enough to worry about--just make sure you don't run a linear into it, that match box says it will handle 80 watts pep (that is only about 55 watts rms) so don't burn it up AND the radio/linear!!! (you could use a 50 watt linear, or less, with it safely, or have BIG finals in your cb which puts out 50 or less watts.) Hope all of this helps and I didn't get too "wordy." John "driver42" wrote in message 5... wrote in : I just was reading about this radio. http://www.galaxyradios.com/cb/959.html says it has an "Automatic SWR Circuit (no complicated calibration procedure)" Does that mean the circuit sets the SWR automatically? No. It means that it will read the SWR ratio without you having to manually calibrate the meter. It does not correct the problem if there is one. If you move the radio from location to location just check the reading. If it's 2:1 or lower don't worry about it. Thanks, I have an SWR meter from radio shack that I've used in the past. I know how to use it. My problem is that I'll be in a different truck everyday and wont be able to set the SWR the way I want to. On Monday I'm gonna call the cb shop that I saw online and ask them about the SWR match box. Below is a cut and paste of this product. Let me know if this will set the SWR without having to mess with the antenna's. "Don't "Live with" High SWR Readings! This Matcher will tune your SWR very low, simply insert inline between radio & Antenna. Has 2 Adjustment knobs. Perfect for Radios with wide channel coverage, indoor antennas, non-tunable mobile antennas, or for using 10 thru 12 meters off 1 antenna. Handles 80w pep. Requires either an SWR meter built into radio, or an optional SWR meter between Radio & Matcher." |
On Sat, 30 Jul 2005 23:54:05 -0400, wrote in
: If you move the radio from location to location just check the reading. If it's 2:1 or lower don't worry about it. Thanks, I have an SWR meter from radio shack that I've used in the past. I know how to use it. My problem is that I'll be in a different truck everyday and wont be able to set the SWR the way I want to. On Monday I'm gonna call the cb shop that I saw online and ask them about the SWR match box. Below is a cut and paste of this product. Let me know if this will set the SWR without having to mess with the antenna's. "Don't "Live with" High SWR Readings! This Matcher will tune your SWR very low, simply insert inline between radio & Antenna. Has 2 Adjustment knobs. Perfect for Radios with wide channel coverage, indoor antennas, non-tunable mobile antennas, or for using 10 thru 12 meters off 1 antenna. Handles 80w pep. Requires either an SWR meter built into radio, or an optional SWR meter between Radio & Matcher." This is a line flattener. .....oh brother, more voodoo CB terminology. If the line has standing waves on it then it isn't flat, and no matching device on the radio end can reduce or eliminate the line-load mismatch causing the standing waves. The only "line flattener" is a LOAD impedance that matches the LINE impedance. You can't do that at the radio. They can be problematic in that one of the knobs can be bumped and give you an abnormally high SWR reading. Much higher than the antenna itself. Or the antenna can hit a tree and fall off, or the coax could get jammed in the door, or the radio's power leads could be accidently shorted by a sharp edge under the dash....... You also will double the possibility of a loose coax connector, and don't forget that moving the setup will require more time and care. Oh, the turmoil of it all! So why even bother using the CB in the first place if there's going to be the possibility of a problem? If you want to discourage the guy from using a matching device then at least give him some -valid- reasons. Like, you probably won't notice any difference if the SWR is 3:1 and not 1:1, or that the importance of SWR is moot when compared to field strength, or that any matching device isn't going to accomplish squat with a cigarette-lighter radio and a mag-mount antenna. This isn't exactly a performance rig, and the fact is that SWR isn't going to tell you anything -- if you manage to get it to 1:1 you'll get a warm-fuzzy, but that's about it. Just plug it in and talk. If someone hears you, great. If they don't, there's probably nothing you can do short of a full and proper install that will get you heard. ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
Frank:
Yep. The good old "hair splitters" come crawling out now. Fact is, and he made them clear!, the company has the antenna and coax, it is a give, he will switching trucks, no time and doesn't wanna pay shop fees with every run, load, etc... The match box is fine, guarantees he will not generate a bunch of shop costs... Any sensible person knows it is a no brainer... He doesn't want to get a damn engineering degree, he wants to use it... John "Frank Gilliland" wrote in message ... On Sat, 30 Jul 2005 23:54:05 -0400, wrote in : If you move the radio from location to location just check the reading. If it's 2:1 or lower don't worry about it. Thanks, I have an SWR meter from radio shack that I've used in the past. I know how to use it. My problem is that I'll be in a different truck everyday and wont be able to set the SWR the way I want to. On Monday I'm gonna call the cb shop that I saw online and ask them about the SWR match box. Below is a cut and paste of this product. Let me know if this will set the SWR without having to mess with the antenna's. "Don't "Live with" High SWR Readings! This Matcher will tune your SWR very low, simply insert inline between radio & Antenna. Has 2 Adjustment knobs. Perfect for Radios with wide channel coverage, indoor antennas, non-tunable mobile antennas, or for using 10 thru 12 meters off 1 antenna. Handles 80w pep. Requires either an SWR meter built into radio, or an optional SWR meter between Radio & Matcher." This is a line flattener. ....oh brother, more voodoo CB terminology. If the line has standing waves on it then it isn't flat, and no matching device on the radio end can reduce or eliminate the line-load mismatch causing the standing waves. The only "line flattener" is a LOAD impedance that matches the LINE impedance. You can't do that at the radio. They can be problematic in that one of the knobs can be bumped and give you an abnormally high SWR reading. Much higher than the antenna itself. Or the antenna can hit a tree and fall off, or the coax could get jammed in the door, or the radio's power leads could be accidently shorted by a sharp edge under the dash....... You also will double the possibility of a loose coax connector, and don't forget that moving the setup will require more time and care. Oh, the turmoil of it all! So why even bother using the CB in the first place if there's going to be the possibility of a problem? If you want to discourage the guy from using a matching device then at least give him some -valid- reasons. Like, you probably won't notice any difference if the SWR is 3:1 and not 1:1, or that the importance of SWR is moot when compared to field strength, or that any matching device isn't going to accomplish squat with a cigarette-lighter radio and a mag-mount antenna. This isn't exactly a performance rig, and the fact is that SWR isn't going to tell you anything -- if you manage to get it to 1:1 you'll get a warm-fuzzy, but that's about it. Just plug it in and talk. If someone hears you, great. If they don't, there's probably nothing you can do short of a full and proper install that will get you heard. ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
On Sat, 30 Jul 2005 23:11:03 -0700, "John Smith"
wrote in : Frank: Yep. The good old "hair splitters" come crawling out now. Fact is, and he made them clear!, the company has the antenna and coax, it is a give, he will switching trucks, no time and doesn't wanna pay shop fees with every run, load, etc... The match box is fine, guarantees he will not generate a bunch of shop costs... It guarantees nothing of the sort, since any improvement is marginal at best..... more than likely he wouldn't notice the difference in a blind comparison. What he -will- notice is that his bandwidth is now more limited (actually -increasing- SWR on the high and low end of the band) because those matchboxes make pretty good preselectors. Any sensible person knows it is a no brainer... Any sensible person would want to know if he's wasting his money on a gimmick that sounds good in theory (and marketing) but does little or nothing for his intended application. He doesn't want to get a damn engineering degree, he wants to use it... Maybe you missed this part: .... Just plug it in and talk. If someone hears you, great. If they don't, there's probably nothing you can do short of a full and proper install that will get you heard. ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
I certainly agree with John... the matchbox is not a bad way to go.
Frank, as usual... you are unecessarily negative... and wrong. Professor www.telstar-electronics.com |
On Sat, 30 Jul 2005 22:56:21 -0700, Frank Gilliland
wrote: On Sat, 30 Jul 2005 23:54:05 -0400, wrote in : If you move the radio from location to location just check the reading. If it's 2:1 or lower don't worry about it. Thanks, I have an SWR meter from radio shack that I've used in the past. I know how to use it. My problem is that I'll be in a different truck everyday and wont be able to set the SWR the way I want to. On Monday I'm gonna call the cb shop that I saw online and ask them about the SWR match box. Below is a cut and paste of this product. Let me know if this will set the SWR without having to mess with the antenna's. "Don't "Live with" High SWR Readings! This Matcher will tune your SWR very low, simply insert inline between radio & Antenna. Has 2 Adjustment knobs. Perfect for Radios with wide channel coverage, indoor antennas, non-tunable mobile antennas, or for using 10 thru 12 meters off 1 antenna. Handles 80w pep. Requires either an SWR meter built into radio, or an optional SWR meter between Radio & Matcher." This is a line flattener. ....oh brother, more voodoo CB terminology. http://www.rockwellcollins.com/ecat/gs/LF-2040.html http://www.listserve.com/archives/co.../msg00270.html http://www.listserve.com/archives/co.../msg00270.html http://www.co.missoula.mt.us/acs/radios/HF-8040.htm http://www.valcom.ca/Guelph/products...-30_photo.html Yup. Sure looks like the term "Line Flattener" is "more voodoo CB terminology" |
tnom:
Yep, I always worry about terminology... It will allow you to tune the antenna/coax from a 5:1 to a 1:1 and run your transceiver into it--WITHOUT BURNING OUT THE FINALS. The fact that, that is better than replacing finals on a daily basis may not appeal to some--they can chose to NOT use one and burn out their finals, daily, if they chose... Better yet, he can drop into the radio shop on board a truck stop, explain he does not have time, or the permission of the truck owners to start revamping their antennas and coax--I am sure the tech will see it as a no-brainer--RUN A MATCH BOX! Hey, it is america, you can take your choice... John wrote in message ... On Sat, 30 Jul 2005 22:56:21 -0700, Frank Gilliland wrote: On Sat, 30 Jul 2005 23:54:05 -0400, wrote in : If you move the radio from location to location just check the reading. If it's 2:1 or lower don't worry about it. Thanks, I have an SWR meter from radio shack that I've used in the past. I know how to use it. My problem is that I'll be in a different truck everyday and wont be able to set the SWR the way I want to. On Monday I'm gonna call the cb shop that I saw online and ask them about the SWR match box. Below is a cut and paste of this product. Let me know if this will set the SWR without having to mess with the antenna's. "Don't "Live with" High SWR Readings! This Matcher will tune your SWR very low, simply insert inline between radio & Antenna. Has 2 Adjustment knobs. Perfect for Radios with wide channel coverage, indoor antennas, non-tunable mobile antennas, or for using 10 thru 12 meters off 1 antenna. Handles 80w pep. Requires either an SWR meter built into radio, or an optional SWR meter between Radio & Matcher." This is a line flattener. ....oh brother, more voodoo CB terminology. http://www.rockwellcollins.com/ecat/gs/LF-2040.html http://www.listserve.com/archives/co.../msg00270.html http://www.listserve.com/archives/co.../msg00270.html http://www.co.missoula.mt.us/acs/radios/HF-8040.htm http://www.valcom.ca/Guelph/products...-30_photo.html Yup. Sure looks like the term "Line Flattener" is "more voodoo CB terminology" |
On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 09:50:48 -0400, wrote in
: On Sat, 30 Jul 2005 22:56:21 -0700, Frank Gilliland wrote: On Sat, 30 Jul 2005 23:54:05 -0400, wrote in : If you move the radio from location to location just check the reading. If it's 2:1 or lower don't worry about it. Thanks, I have an SWR meter from radio shack that I've used in the past. I know how to use it. My problem is that I'll be in a different truck everyday and wont be able to set the SWR the way I want to. On Monday I'm gonna call the cb shop that I saw online and ask them about the SWR match box. Below is a cut and paste of this product. Let me know if this will set the SWR without having to mess with the antenna's. "Don't "Live with" High SWR Readings! This Matcher will tune your SWR very low, simply insert inline between radio & Antenna. Has 2 Adjustment knobs. Perfect for Radios with wide channel coverage, indoor antennas, non-tunable mobile antennas, or for using 10 thru 12 meters off 1 antenna. Handles 80w pep. Requires either an SWR meter built into radio, or an optional SWR meter between Radio & Matcher." This is a line flattener. ....oh brother, more voodoo CB terminology. http://www.rockwellcollins.com/ecat/gs/LF-2040.html http://www.listserve.com/archives/co.../msg00270.html http://www.listserve.com/archives/co.../msg00270.html http://www.co.missoula.mt.us/acs/radios/HF-8040.htm http://www.valcom.ca/Guelph/products...-30_photo.html Yup. Sure looks like the term "Line Flattener" is "more voodoo CB terminology" Why don't you google "bird watts"? You'll get more hits than "line flattener". ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
On 31 Jul 2005 06:12:17 -0700, "Professor"
wrote in .com: I certainly agree with John... the matchbox is not a bad way to go. Frank, as usual... you are unecessarily negative... and wrong. Such a remark doesn't mean much coming from someone who built and sold hacked amps that he claimed were "linear" but were biased Class C, then defends his ignorance by claiming that linearity isn't required. BTW, who let you out of your cage? ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 08:36:55 -0700, "John Smith"
wrote in : tnom: Yep, I always worry about terminology... It will allow you to tune the antenna/coax from a 5:1 to a 1:1 and run your transceiver into it--WITHOUT BURNING OUT THE FINALS. Guess what, John: Most of the finals used in CB radios today (and for the past 20+ years) can withstand SWR of 30:1 indefinitely. And that includes the power transistors used in amps, too. The fact that, that is better than replacing finals on a daily basis may not appeal to some--they can chose to NOT use one and burn out their finals, daily, if they chose... Resorting to scare tactics? Gee, I don't use a matchbox and the final in my rig is just fine. In fact, I've -never- blown a final except for once when the coax connector on the radio end was shorted, but I don't think a matchbox would have fixed that problem..... do you? Better yet, he can drop into the radio shop on board a truck stop, explain he does not have time, or the permission of the truck owners to start revamping their antennas and coax-- Why stop there? Tell him the -truth-, John: If he doesn't run a matchbox he'll have to hire an engineer at $200/hr to locate the optimum location on the truck for the antenna, reinstall the whole system, tune it up with his $20k HP comm analyzer, etc..... Judas Priest, it's just a CB radio! Just plug it in and talk! I am sure the tech will see it as a no-brainer--RUN A MATCH BOX! Once again there's that phrase most favored by those who can't make a logical argument: "It's a no-brainer". Well, since the CB was first established over 45 years ago the overwhelming majority of CBers have run their rigs -WITHOUT- a matchbox and they worked just fine. Sorry, it's not a "no-brainer", but it's about as close as you can get. And if -you- can't figure it out then apparently a "no-brainer" is beyond your level of comprehension. ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
This is a line flattener. ....oh brother, more voodoo CB terminology. http://www.rockwellcollins.com/ecat/gs/LF-2040.html http://www.listserve.com/archives/co.../msg00270.html http://www.listserve.com/archives/co.../msg00270.html http://www.co.missoula.mt.us/acs/radios/HF-8040.htm http://www.valcom.ca/Guelph/products...-30_photo.html Yup. Sure looks like the term "Line Flattener" is "more voodoo CB terminology" Why don't you google "bird watts"? You'll get more hits than "line flattener". Probably because I'm not very concerned with semantics..............You need to check your facts before you start posturing and posting. You end up looking like a fool when you're corrected. |
Frank:
With so many guys like you around, it may seem confusing... All he needs do is check with a tech... End of story... John "Frank Gilliland" wrote in message ... On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 08:36:55 -0700, "John Smith" wrote in : tnom: Yep, I always worry about terminology... It will allow you to tune the antenna/coax from a 5:1 to a 1:1 and run your transceiver into it--WITHOUT BURNING OUT THE FINALS. Guess what, John: Most of the finals used in CB radios today (and for the past 20+ years) can withstand SWR of 30:1 indefinitely. And that includes the power transistors used in amps, too. The fact that, that is better than replacing finals on a daily basis may not appeal to some--they can chose to NOT use one and burn out their finals, daily, if they chose... Resorting to scare tactics? Gee, I don't use a matchbox and the final in my rig is just fine. In fact, I've -never- blown a final except for once when the coax connector on the radio end was shorted, but I don't think a matchbox would have fixed that problem..... do you? Better yet, he can drop into the radio shop on board a truck stop, explain he does not have time, or the permission of the truck owners to start revamping their antennas and coax-- Why stop there? Tell him the -truth-, John: If he doesn't run a matchbox he'll have to hire an engineer at $200/hr to locate the optimum location on the truck for the antenna, reinstall the whole system, tune it up with his $20k HP comm analyzer, etc..... Judas Priest, it's just a CB radio! Just plug it in and talk! I am sure the tech will see it as a no-brainer--RUN A MATCH BOX! Once again there's that phrase most favored by those who can't make a logical argument: "It's a no-brainer". Well, since the CB was first established over 45 years ago the overwhelming majority of CBers have run their rigs -WITHOUT- a matchbox and they worked just fine. Sorry, it's not a "no-brainer", but it's about as close as you can get. And if -you- can't figure it out then apparently a "no-brainer" is beyond your level of comprehension. ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 13:52:44 -0700, "John Smith"
wrote in : Frank: With so many guys like you around, it may seem confusing... All he needs do is check with a tech... He did, and as a tech I gave him my advice. I also gave him my advice as an EE. The advice is the same -- don't waste your time and money on gimmicks, just plug it in and start talking. End of story... I doubt it. ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
Frank:
If you were EVER a poor tech, you were a bad one, I know you are a damn liar! When he asked a real tech they are going to tell him he would be an idiot to key down on mere 5:1 and hope to not damage his radio in relative short order. When he asks a tech, he will also know for certain NEVER to bother with your advice again... How many other peoples radios have you burnt up with your poor advice, I just wonder... John "Frank Gilliland" wrote in message ... On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 13:52:44 -0700, "John Smith" wrote in : Frank: With so many guys like you around, it may seem confusing... All he needs do is check with a tech... He did, and as a tech I gave him my advice. I also gave him my advice as an EE. The advice is the same -- don't waste your time and money on gimmicks, just plug it in and start talking. End of story... I doubt it. ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 16:18:35 -0400, wrote in
: This is a line flattener. ....oh brother, more voodoo CB terminology. http://www.rockwellcollins.com/ecat/gs/LF-2040.html http://www.listserve.com/archives/co.../msg00270.html http://www.listserve.com/archives/co.../msg00270.html http://www.co.missoula.mt.us/acs/radios/HF-8040.htm http://www.valcom.ca/Guelph/products...-30_photo.html Yup. Sure looks like the term "Line Flattener" is "more voodoo CB terminology" Why don't you google "bird watts"? You'll get more hits than "line flattener". Probably because I'm not very concerned with semantics....... That much is obvious. .......You need to check your facts before you start posturing and posting. You end up looking like a fool when you're corrected. Where was I corrected? You posted links to devices that -are- line flatteners; i.e, they convert signal impedance to the characteristic impedance of the transmission line. But the topic of -this- discussion is a cheap little box that does nothing more than tune a conjugate match. The difference is that a line flattener eliminates standing waves on the line. This matchbox does nothing of the sort. It just tunes out any reactance in the signal so the radio doesn't notice the standing waves. Any line-load mismatch still exists, as does the reflected power on the line. By definition, it does -not- 'flatten' the line. It is not a line flattener. In your own words, "you need to check your facts before you start posturing and posting. You end up looking like a fool when you're corrected." ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 14:11:23 -0700, "John Smith"
wrote in : Frank: If you were EVER a poor tech, you were a bad one, I know you are a damn liar! Oh gee, another sooth-sayer. What else does your crystal ball tell you? When he asked a real tech they are going to tell him he would be an idiot to key down on mere 5:1 and hope to not damage his radio in relative short order. I didn't see any part of his posts where he said his SWR was 5:1. Is that something you divined from your crystal ball? When he asks a tech, he will also know for certain NEVER to bother with your advice again... How many other peoples radios have you burnt up with your poor advice, I just wonder... I have absolutely no doubt that you wonder about a lot of things. ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
Frank:
I will put it in simple words for you: "We don't give a damn what they call a "match box"/"line flattener."! Just think of it as a device to keep you from cooking the finals! They work well for that purpose! John "Frank Gilliland" wrote in message ... On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 16:18:35 -0400, wrote in : This is a line flattener. ....oh brother, more voodoo CB terminology. http://www.rockwellcollins.com/ecat/gs/LF-2040.html http://www.listserve.com/archives/co.../msg00270.html http://www.listserve.com/archives/co.../msg00270.html http://www.co.missoula.mt.us/acs/radios/HF-8040.htm http://www.valcom.ca/Guelph/products...-30_photo.html Yup. Sure looks like the term "Line Flattener" is "more voodoo CB terminology" Why don't you google "bird watts"? You'll get more hits than "line flattener". Probably because I'm not very concerned with semantics....... That much is obvious. .......You need to check your facts before you start posturing and posting. You end up looking like a fool when you're corrected. Where was I corrected? You posted links to devices that -are- line flatteners; i.e, they convert signal impedance to the characteristic impedance of the transmission line. But the topic of -this- discussion is a cheap little box that does nothing more than tune a conjugate match. The difference is that a line flattener eliminates standing waves on the line. This matchbox does nothing of the sort. It just tunes out any reactance in the signal so the radio doesn't notice the standing waves. Any line-load mismatch still exists, as does the reflected power on the line. By definition, it does -not- 'flatten' the line. It is not a line flattener. In your own words, "you need to check your facts before you start posturing and posting. You end up looking like a fool when you're corrected." ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
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On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 14:34:36 -0700, "John Smith"
wrote in : Frank: I will put it in simple words for you: "We don't give a damn what they call a "match box"/"line flattener."! And that's why there is so much CB mythology -- terminology born of ignorance -- floating around and confusing people that are new to the hobby. It's great for voodoo techs who make gobs of money by selling worthless gimmicks and trashing good radios with "swang" mods, but what do you care? You don't give a damn. Just think of it as a device to keep you from cooking the finals! They work well for that purpose! Hundreds of thousands (probably millions) of CB radios in circulation that work just fine without a matchbox and have never "cooked" their finals. I'm absolutely positive that many of them have been hooked up to antennas that weren't exactly perfect, have been run with high SWR, and generally well abused. Yet despite your assertion that this guy is going to blow his final without a matchbox, all of those radios still work. This concept is so simple it can be understood by an autistic turnip. So what's -your- excuse? John That's where your opinions belong. ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
Professor:
Frank is an idiot, and rather like a piece of used gum you step on, on a hot day--can't get it off yer shoe! ROFLOL!!!!!! John "Professor" wrote in message oups.com... Now you got Frank all upset...LOL Professor www.telstar-electronics.com |
Frank:
OK, you didn't get it the last time I tried, let me be a bit more blunt: If, at this time, any are left here which do not realize you are an idiot--they are a BIGGER IDIOT THAN YOU! John "Frank Gilliland" wrote in message ... On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 14:34:36 -0700, "John Smith" wrote in : Frank: I will put it in simple words for you: "We don't give a damn what they call a "match box"/"line flattener."! And that's why there is so much CB mythology -- terminology born of ignorance -- floating around and confusing people that are new to the hobby. It's great for voodoo techs who make gobs of money by selling worthless gimmicks and trashing good radios with "swang" mods, but what do you care? You don't give a damn. Just think of it as a device to keep you from cooking the finals! They work well for that purpose! Hundreds of thousands (probably millions) of CB radios in circulation that work just fine without a matchbox and have never "cooked" their finals. I'm absolutely positive that many of them have been hooked up to antennas that weren't exactly perfect, have been run with high SWR, and generally well abused. Yet despite your assertion that this guy is going to blow his final without a matchbox, all of those radios still work. This concept is so simple it can be understood by an autistic turnip. So what's -your- excuse? John That's where your opinions belong. ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
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