Tuning CB and setting SWR
- waterslider65
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2015 8:46 pm
- Location: Summerdale, Al
- Motorcycle: 2008 Honda GL1800 Goldwing
Tuning CB and setting SWR
OK Guys, I need some help on this one. I need to tweak the power on my CB and set the SWR. I have a meter to so that, but the CB that is in the rear luggage compartment on my 2008 GL1800 does not fit the connections. I have a PL259 on the antenna that will fit one side, but the transmitter side has something different. All the CBs I ever used had two PL259 plugs on them to set the power and SWR.
Anyone have any idea where I can get some adapter plugs to fit my system?
Anyone have any idea where I can get some adapter plugs to fit my system?
- tfdeputydawg
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- waterslider65
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2015 8:46 pm
- Location: Summerdale, Al
- Motorcycle: 2008 Honda GL1800 Goldwing
Re: Tuning CB and setting SWR
The only thing wrong here is that my CB is an aftermarket that was installed by a shop that put a lot of Kuryakin accessories on my bike. The CB has Harley Davidson written on it and was made by Midland for Harley. Are there any connections anywhere that will fit a Midland radio?
- WingAdmin
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Re: Tuning CB and setting SWR
What kind of connectors does it have?waterslider65 wrote:The only thing wrong here is that my CB is an aftermarket that was installed by a shop that put a lot of Kuryakin accessories on my bike. The CB has Harley Davidson written on it and was made by Midland for Harley. Are there any connections anywhere that will fit a Midland radio?
- waterslider65
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2015 8:46 pm
- Location: Summerdale, Al
- Motorcycle: 2008 Honda GL1800 Goldwing
Re: Tuning CB and setting SWR
Don't really know what kind of connectors it has, but I'm headed to Radio Shack to find out! Will let you know. I do know it has one connector a bit smaller than a PL259.
I took a photo of it with my cell phone, but don't have a clue how to post it. Do you know how
I took a photo of it with my cell phone, but don't have a clue how to post it. Do you know how
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Re: Tuning CB and setting SWR
Waterslider65,
I realize you want to do this yourself but it sounds like you don't have the right equipment. Normally I would think a trip to Radio Shack and a service rep could look at what you have and sell you what you need. Just not sure Radio Shack is available.
You might also try the nearest truck stop. Many will have a CB shop on site that can either do it for you or tell you exactly what you need. Just make sure you are talking to the real tech and not someone just trying to sell you something.
I realize you want to do this yourself but it sounds like you don't have the right equipment. Normally I would think a trip to Radio Shack and a service rep could look at what you have and sell you what you need. Just not sure Radio Shack is available.
You might also try the nearest truck stop. Many will have a CB shop on site that can either do it for you or tell you exactly what you need. Just make sure you are talking to the real tech and not someone just trying to sell you something.
harvey
Ride Safe and Ride Often
Ride Safe and Ride Often
- WingAdmin
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2007 Aspen Sentry Trailer
Re: Tuning CB and setting SWR
If you call up a local HAM radio club, they would have someone who would be able to identify the connectors for you, and would probably be happy to help you measure the SWR as well.
- waterslider65
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- Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2015 8:46 pm
- Location: Summerdale, Al
- Motorcycle: 2008 Honda GL1800 Goldwing
Re: Tuning CB and setting SWR
Thanks for the suggestion about the Ham Radio Club. That's the best idea that I've heard so far.
- Steve F
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'03 GL1800
DARKSIDE RIDER
Re: Tuning CB and setting SWR
Contact Pete at BIKEMP3.COM and request an adapter. He makes the interface that uses the HARLEY cb radios (I have one) and all the cables to hook it up.
"To ride is the reason, the destination's the excuse."
- waterslider65
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Re: Tuning CB and setting SWR
Thanks Steve, but I got it all fixed this morning and it works great!!!!! Thanks to everyone who had a part in helping solve my problem with my CB. You got me back on the air again!!!!
Skyknight aka Waterslider65

Skyknight aka Waterslider65


- PastoT
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Re: Tuning CB and setting SWR
If you can solder you can make your SWR Meter adaptors using an FM antenna extension from an auto parts store. I cut the extension in half and soldered the PL259s in place and checked for shorts or opens with a VOM. My SWR meter worked great with the adaptors.
BTW my SWR measures 1.1-1.3 to 1 across the channels, I was happily shocked.
BTW my SWR measures 1.1-1.3 to 1 across the channels, I was happily shocked.
Tom, in Mountain Home, Idaho
2002 GL1800 (Illusion Red) Non-ABS, 128k miles
Retired Air Force
"Audentes Fortuna Juvat"
2002 GL1800 (Illusion Red) Non-ABS, 128k miles
Retired Air Force
"Audentes Fortuna Juvat"
- waterslider65
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2015 8:46 pm
- Location: Summerdale, Al
- Motorcycle: 2008 Honda GL1800 Goldwing
Re: Tuning CB and setting SWR
Thanks for the info pastoT. I got in touch with a ham radio man who is an expert on antennas and he fixed my SWR and everything else on my bike. All I needed was about a foot more antenna. 
