Low output power
On the meter you are using, does it mesure Average power or peak envelope power?
This is very important to know when you are measuring.
AVG measures basically your dead key. It usually will very little if at all.
PEP measures your peak output, or swing. Modulation.
So even if you have a radio that has been peaked, on a meter that reads AVG, it will still read around 3 to 4 watts. And, if it has a swing kit in it, it will read even less. A swing kit lowers the dead key it increase modulation. Higher PEP.
For example. I peaked my cobra 29 and it does some where around 22 -25 watts PEP. I have variable power in it as well, but usually run the dead key at 2 watts because I have a linear. The Radio alone, when mesureing on PEP with key up at 2 watts, and then when you talk, swings to about 22 -25 watts.
If I flip the meter to AVG, it stays at 2 watts even with talking.
If you have one of those cheap pyramid meters, etc, they usually only read AVG.
Get a meter from radioshack. They have a fairly decent radio for the money. It reads both PEP and AVG and has SWR as well.
If the radio has been peaked and it has a swing mod, it will most likely be swinging to some where in the 20 watt range.
On a side note. According to FCC regulations, a CB radio is only allowed to transmit with 4 watts of final power. Most times the manufacturer will have it a hair under so that they are leagal.
Basically it is illegal to use a CB that puts out more then 4 Watts.
But its a free for all these days. There is no more funding to the FCC for monitoring CB radio, so they do not want anything to do with it. As long as you don't over do it, have over 50000 watts and terrorize a small community with RF, you can do what you want.
Now a days most cb radio's bought have already been peaked if you got it from a cb shop, or off a website that does it.
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