http://rightchannelradios.com

I am preparing for an installation of a Uniden 520 with a Firefly FL4......
As I am waiting for a couple items on order, have been doing some research and found this on the Firestik website, a wealth of CB information...
Tech-Docs Index

True, there's lots of good information except where Firestik perpetuates the myth that 18' of coax cable is needed to obtain the lowest possible SWR. With the types of unbalanced antennas we install on our Jeeps, you only need to run the length of cable needed to connect the radio to the antenna with a few extra feet so you can install new connectors in the future if needed without the need to install new cable too. The coax cable length used truly has no effect on this type of antenna's SWR.

I understand that your CB needs to be tuned to your Antenna, which I will soon be doing with my Cobra DX IV and 3' Firestik (KW series). Ill need to take a hacksaw or dremel cutter and do 1/2" cuts correct? Now what ive also heard is that you can also tune your radio, is there any device we need to do this? I hear that the radio guy opens up the cb hooks up something, turns a screw and then is finished. The reason why im asking if I can do it myself is because I hear it costs $15-$20, my CB only cost $15 I dont think its really worth it to invest double the amount for such a cheap radio

back up two posts to thread # 32 and click on the link, there is tons of info here and elsewhere on the net......

I have a SWR meter, I tried tuning it today, no success. I have KW Firestik and I believe according to the Firestik website to unwind some coils by making a slit into the plastic rubber on the Antenna. But Jerry made it seem like I would have to actually cut part of the antenna.

Pull the cap off your antenna. There will be coiled wire under the cap.

Assuming that you plug the SWR meter into the radio and antenna connection to the radio and key to get your SWR, you'll have to shorten your antenna. Just by snipping a short amount of wire off and re-checking the SWR, you can tune the antenna to the radio.

The procedures for what channel to start with are there too.

Well that firestik website has the procedures, but I dont have all the same knobs. I got the manual off the website, but never really found out how to work it. Im coming to SD soon, want to help?

Sure, when you gonna be around?

2 months. Itll be a while= )

I still haven't fixed... I picked up a new Coax cable so I might go replace the one I have now.

Can anyone inform me what to do to test it? Go to channel 1 then what and all that? Please

Use a SWR meter to tune the antenna (set its length) for minimum SWR on channel 20 which is is the mid-point in the CB's band of frequencies. That will provide proper tuning for the antenna for the entire CB band from channels 1 to 40. Tuning the antenna for minimum SWR allows the antenna to transmit all of the power your CB is capable of producing.

call or go to this website, they may be able to help or refer you to someone in your area, they are the only people i let work on my radios, been in buisness 15yrs that i know of. i had similar problem try changing to an antenna that needs less ground, like a fransis 4' cb24b, thats what i had to do. Steel rod's cb shop
219-261-2201
Steel Rod's C.B. Shop - Home

Thanks, I finally got it to work... I have a new antenna, seems to be 4' long.. as you said. Thanks though.