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Assuming you have a standard SWR meter the switches should read as follows: REF or SWR, FWD, and there should be a slide switch marked “set” or “Adjust”. If different consult your meter’s user manual. When tuning co-phased antennas (dual), it is best to adjust both antennas an equal amount to maintain equality in their individual resonant frequency. Make sure that the antenna you are using is the right antenna for your application. Don’t use a TV antenna or an AM/FM antenna for your CB. Do not operate your CB without an antenna or dummy load.
How to read your results:If SWR on channels 1, 19 & 40 is below 2.0, your radio can be operated safely. Remove (unscrew) knurled barrel sleeve from main connector and drop over coax. Make sure that the internal threads are up (see Diagram D). Before measuring and setting SWR, it is helpful to know some of the things that can cause problems. Spend a few minutes to read this entire pamphlet and you will go into your project with valuable knowledge. It could save you a lot of time, effort and possibly, money. I don’t need to explain this one, do I? The reason why you are purchasing an amplifier is to amplify the sound. The more, the better! So, settle for the one that amplifies the sound as promised. C. Cooling Features Cables and antennas from standard & no-ground plane kits are not interchangeable. The “No Ground Plane” antennas from Firestik have a yellow band near the base.If budget is your concern, then buy MegaWatt S-350-12. Otherwise, it’s better to buy the MegaWatt S-450-12 model as it offers 450 watts output. John
It is a bad idea to use magnetic mounts and amplifiers together. Magnetic mounts rely on capacitance grounding. This situation can literally cause the paint under the mount to bubble or discolor due to excessive heat build up.FCC rules dictate that your CB radio should have a power output within 4 Watts and 12 Watts. This means that the input power of your CB linear amplifier should always be within that range. In almost every instance, once you get the same SWR reading on channels 1 and 40, further antenna tuning will not improve the readings. If the SWR is still over 2:1, you have other problems to conquer. Exception: There are rare occasions when the ground plane is so small or large that the system is way out of phase (especially with high-performance antennas). If you have high SWR on all channels and have confirmed that you have no opens or shorts in the feedline, try making a small tuning adjustment in the antenna. There are times when the SWR will drop equally across all channels under unusual ground plane conditions. If you find this to be the case, carefully adjust the antenna.
Without advocating the use of power amplifiers or unauthorized channels, take note that the Firestik II tunable tip antennas have a fairly large metal tip that broadens the bandwidth and dissipates a considerable amount of heat. Shopping for CB linear amplifiers is not an easy task. There are different factors that you need to consider. Here is what you should be looking for: A. Compatibility If you mount two or more antennas close to each other, you will alter the transmission patterns of each one. The affect may be either positive or negative. We recommend that a minimum of 12″ exist between your CB antenna and other types of antennas. Some people believe that co-phased antennas must be separated by a minimum of nine (9) feet. We have successfully used co-phase antenna systems with spacing as little as four (4) feet. Space alters the pattern and not always negatively. Each vehicle will be different. The shield on “no-ground-plane” kits is intentionally not used at the mount end of the coax. Leave as is.Coaxial cable with holes in the outer insulation, severe bends, or door, trunk or hood caused pinches will cause performance problems. Treat your coax with care. The “A” designation after RG-58 or RG-59 indicates a stranded center conductor, wire made up of numerous individual strands versus one solid wire. Remove 1/2″ (12 mm) of the center conductor insulation from both cables and dress each by twisting all strands together. Transmitting antennas are sensitive to objects in their “near field of radiation.” Tune your antennas in an open area. Never tune inside or next to a building, near or under trees, near or under power lines, and never with a person holding or standing next to the antenna. Try to simulate normal operating conditions. Beware of information from “experts” (real or self-proclaimed). There is antenna theory and there is antenna reality. We have yet to see a vehicle that simulates a lab. While theory is a good starting place…experience is the only place to end up. The best book on theory will produce the worst antenna you could own.
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