So don't laugh at me because this is my first cb, but for the past 3 months my cb has not been picking up any talk on the local channels. I did some research and I believe I need an swr meter to tune my firestick antenna. Is this correct? I don't feel like buying the meter so is there any other way?

 

How long is the antenna?
What model CB do you have?
Where is your antenna mounted?
Is the antenna mount itself grounded and is the antenna itself isolated from ground?
What type and how long is the cable from your CB to the antenna?


My best guess without information is the antenna is grounded.

 

Lol ops I totally forgot to add the information.

3' firestick with tunable tip.
Cobra 19DX cb
Its mounted on the left side of the hatch and I believe I used a 16' coax cable.
The mount should be grounded since it's mounted on the body correct?

 

Make sure the nylon washer is in the correct location. It isolates the antenna from ground. Common issue...

Tuning should be done to a system that is working. Even not tuned you should be able to receive.... for that matter are you sure there is radio traffic to receive?

 

Find all your CB answers here!
http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs.htm
and
http://www.rightchannelradios.com/pa...-pv-c0-20.html

 

I drove on highway for 1 hour a day for 3 weeks didn't hear a peep lol.

 

Thanks these are perfect.