CB Radio?
We had a small Cobra CB radio in our previous coach and it was rarely used. DW thinks we should have one in our current rig to get info on traffic issues ahead, etc. So I am thinking maybe but have a ...
Forum Discussion
For your fiberglass coach, there are "no ground plane" antennas available. You won't find them at truck stops, you will have to do a google search to find someplace to order one. IIRC, Wilson Antenna is one of the manufacturers.
However, if you can ground the antenna to the metal frame of the coach, and you can get the SWR lower than 2:1, that may be adequate.
The SWR Adjust knob does not have any effect on the antenna system SWR. It is only to set the meter for SWR tests; you select "FWD" on the selector switch, then key the mic. Use the "Adjust" knob to align the needle with the "Set" mark on the dial. Unkey the mic, then select "REF" or SWR on the selector, then key the mic again. The meter reading on the SWR scale is your system SWR. It MUST be below 3:1. If it is below 2:1 you won't gain much by messing with it to get it lower. If it is 1.5:1 or lower it is wonderful!
IMO, CB is still a useful tool. Even though I have an Amateur Radio license, I still have a CB in my pickup, and I have one to be installed in the motorhome. I would like to see more people use CB, and more RVs using the Channel 13 unofficial RV Channel.
But then, I would like to see more people get their Amateur Radio (Ham) license, too. Morse code is not required now.
However, if you can ground the antenna to the metal frame of the coach, and you can get the SWR lower than 2:1, that may be adequate.
The SWR Adjust knob does not have any effect on the antenna system SWR. It is only to set the meter for SWR tests; you select "FWD" on the selector switch, then key the mic. Use the "Adjust" knob to align the needle with the "Set" mark on the dial. Unkey the mic, then select "REF" or SWR on the selector, then key the mic again. The meter reading on the SWR scale is your system SWR. It MUST be below 3:1. If it is below 2:1 you won't gain much by messing with it to get it lower. If it is 1.5:1 or lower it is wonderful!
IMO, CB is still a useful tool. Even though I have an Amateur Radio license, I still have a CB in my pickup, and I have one to be installed in the motorhome. I would like to see more people use CB, and more RVs using the Channel 13 unofficial RV Channel.
But then, I would like to see more people get their Amateur Radio (Ham) license, too. Morse code is not required now.
