Can you adjust a 'rubber duck' antenna? I have a rubber duck antenna on my car and the SWR reading is relatively high. How do I adjust this antenna to bring the SWR reading lower, as there are no obvious ways of altering the height of the antenna.

A standing wave ratio meter is rarely required to be accurate and isn't usually used with a dummy load.

Mostly if the correct antenna is used the SWR meter is placed in series with it so the antenna can be adjusted or tuned to produce the lowest reading, which is the smallest amount of energy being reflected back into the transmitter or in other words the combination of transmitter and antenna are working as efficiently as it can be.

Clearly the readings are merely relative but a degree of accuracy is needed when an inefficient or mismatched antenna is used and the SWR cannot be lowered to a safe limit. When the SWR is too high the transmitter can be damaged and so it is a good idea to know roughly the reading where the transmitter stops being safe.

A dummy load would typically be used for testing and setting up a transmitter without radiating a signal. Nonsense and spurious signals are considered antisocial and even ******* so tweaking the power, adjusting the modulation and checking for stray harmonics would be carried out using a dummy load.

The SWR is set by the antenna. It depends on the type of antenna you have as to the correct procedure. If the antenna has a stainless steel whip then a set screw is loosened so that the whip can be adjusted up and down. Most Fiberglass antennas have to be trimmed. Some of the fiberglass antennas have tuning adjustments under the rubber cap on the end. Check you SWR on channel 1 and on channel 40. If it is higher on 40 than it is on channel 1 then your antenna is too long and needs to be shortened. If your SWR is higher on 1 and lower on 40 then the antenna is too short. There are many articles on the web concerning SWR. I urge you to read up because having the SWR set on your rig will ensure many years of good operation and performance.

All CB radios use a loaded antenna to match impedance of 52ohms from radio to the antenna.

Mobile and home antennas with a meter (swr) are adjustable for the lowest possible reading----1 to one or up to 2 to one readings indicate a useable antenna.

Readings are adjusted by adjusting the antenna for the lowest reading in the middle of the channels (19 or 20) and some radios have the meter for this built into the radio and some do not.

Running a radio at high swr (standing wave ratio) of over 2 to one reflects the transmit back at the radio and can damage the radio.

let me know if more specific questions

Here is a basic instruction on how to adjust the SWR. When you adjust the SWR, you are not changing anything on the radio. You are actually tuning the antenna for best SWR. The lower the better. SWR stands for "Standing Wave Ratio" Or in layman's terms, SWR is energy that is reflected back into the radio. The higher your SWR reading, the more RF energy that is not leaving the antenna, and getting reflected back into the radio. This can cause damage to the transmit section of the radio. The length of the antenna is what will change this. The length of the antenna must match the length of the radio wave. The following instruction will explain how to take an SWR reading, and how to use that reading to ascertain weather the antenna is too long or too short.

Here is a quick explanation of the meter. There are 3 settings for the meter. SWR, MOD, and PWR. When you are not keying the radio the meter will show you your receive signal. How strong some ones signal is. When you have the switch on MOD and key, when you talk it shows you modulation. How much audio you are putting through the radio. When its on power, and you key the radio, it shows you your dead key wattage.

Tuning your antenna:

It is important to tune your CB radio antenna to the proper length. The length must exactly match the wavelength of the frequency you transmit on. Or be really really close.

All Cb antenna's have a way to adjust the length of the antenna. If it's a mag mount, the metal whip can be slid in and out of a metal collar. Usually a set screw. If its a fiberglass whip, the way to tune it is on top. It either has a small metal rod with a set screw to adjust the length, or it threads in and out to adjust length.

Either type you have it will need to be adjusted for proper length. Here is how to tune the antenna to lowest SWR.

Some radios have a built in SWR meter. Some do not. If yours doesn't have an SWR meter, then you have to use an external SWR meter. Radio shack carries one, and you can find them cheap on ebay.

If you have a built in SWR meter or external, the procedure is the same:

1. Turn the radio to CH 20.(This is the center of the band.)
2. Switch the meter switch to SWR
3. Key the radio. (Important. Do not talk while keying the radio.)

Where the meter falls after that point is you SWR reading. If its above 3, that is real bad. 2 is not gonna kill your radio but its not the greatest. 1.5 and under is a good place to be, but the lower the better.

If your SWR is high, Here is how to find out if your antenna is too long or too short.

1. Turn to CH 1
2. Repeat SWR procedure. You must calibrate every time you do it.
3. Remember the SWR reading.
4. Turn to CH 40.
5. Again repeat SWR procedure.
6. Compare the reading between CH 1 and CH 40.

Now if the SWR is higher on channel 1 then channel 40 your antenna is too short. You must make it longer.

If the SWR is longer on channel 40 then on channel 1, then the antenna is too long, you need to make it shorter.

Make height adjustments about an eight inch at a time, and take reading each time.

once the SWR is significantly lower and the reading on channel 1 and 40 are about the same, you a about matched. At this point turn the radio to the center of the band, channel 20 and take an SWR reading.

You should now have a low SWR reading, 1.5 or under. If you are 1.5 or under, you are good to go.

If you cannot get the SWR to an appropriate level, there may be an antenna problem.

Hi, my name is John. Welcome to FixYa. There are ways to adjust it. You have to remove the cover, let me know when you have done this. Thanks for choosing FixYa. ..John

Did you try adjusting the antenna for lowest SWR? If so, the problem could be your antenna. It might be a poor antenna.



It is important to tune your CB radio antenna to the proper length. The length must exactly match the wavelength of the frequency you transmit on. Or be really really close.

All Cb antenna's have a way to adjust the length of the antenna. If it's a mag mount, the metal whip can be slid in and out of a metal collar. Usually a set screw. If its a fiberglass whip, the way to tune it is on top. It either has a small metal rod with a set screw to adjust the length, or it threads in and out to adjust length.

Either type you have it will need to be adjusted for proper length. Here is how to tune the antenna to lowest SWR.

Some radios have a built in SWR meter. Some do not. If yours doesn't have an SWR meter, then you have to use an external SWR meter. Radio shack carries one, and you can find them cheap on ebay.

If you have a built in SWR meter or external, the procedure is the same:

1. Turn the radio to CH 20.(This is the center of the band.)
2. Switch the meter switch to CAL. (CAL stand for calibrate.
3. Key the radio. (Important. Do not talk while keying the radio.)
4. turn the CAL knob up until the meter hits the CAL mark.
5. Now while still keying the radio flip the meter switch to SWR.

Where the meter falls after that point is you SWR reading. If its above 3, that is real bad. 2 is not gonna kill your radio but its not the greatest. 1.5 and under is a good place to be, but the lower the better.

If your SWR is high, Here is how to find out if your antenna is too long or too short.

1. Turn to CH 1
2. Repeat SWR procedure. You must calibrate every time you do it.
3. Remember the SWR reading.
4. Turn to CH 40.
5. Again repeat SWR procedure.
6. Compare the reading between CH 1 and CH 40.

Now if the SWR is higher on channel 1 then channel 40 your antenna is too short. You must make it longer.

If the SWR is longer on channel 40 then on channel 1, then the antenna is too long, you need to make it shorter.

Make height adjustments about an eight inch at a time, and take reading each time.

once the SWR is significantly lower and the reading on channel 1 and 40 are about the same, you a about matched. At this point turn the radio to the center of the band, channel 20 and take an SWR reading.

You should now have a low SWR reading, 1.5 or under. If you are 1.5 or under, you are good to go.

If you cannot get the SWR to an appropriate level, there may be an antenna problem.

RX/TX light should change to red, however the ANT light is a bad light. This means that your antenna is not adjusted properly. Do not key the radio or talk on it for any other reason then to check the SWR and tune the antenna. If you have the manual that came with your cobra 29, there is a section that explains how to check the SWR. And the manual for the antenna, it will explain how to adjust it.

If not, here is how to do it.........

How to check the SWR on a Cobra 29

Step 1. Find out what your current SWR is on the center of the band.

1. Turn the radio to channel 20.
2. Set the S/RF SWR CAL switch to CAL.
3. Turn the CAL knob all the way counter clockwise.
4. Key the radio. Do not talk into the mic.
5. While holding the mic key, turn the CAL knob to the right until the needle reaches the CAL mark on the top right of the meter.
6. Now flip the S/RF SWR CAL switch to SWR while still holding the key on the mic.

The needle should fall. Where ever the needle is while holding the key is your SWR reading on channel 20. It should be as low as possible. If its a reading of 2, then its not gonna kill the radio but is border line. Any higher and its bad. Using the radio like this will damage the final output transistor. If its less then 2 this is better. You want it to be less then 1.5 or better.

The ANT light may come on with an SWR of 2. running the radio with an SWR of 2 shouldn't hurt the radio, but I don't like to mess around. Get it as low as possible.

How to adjust the antenna for SWR

The length of your antenna will change your SWR. SWR is basically how much RF energy is not leaving the antenna and getting reflected back into the radio. That's why it hurts the radio when its high. An antenna has to be the right length, matching the length of the radio waves in order for it to radiate all of the RF energy out of the antenna.

Most antennas have a way of lengthening or shortening the antenna. If its a mag mount antenna with a metal whip, there is probably a set screw that when loosened, will allow you to raise or lower the whip. If its a fiberglass antenna, under the rubber cap at the top is how you raise or lower the antenna.

Figuring out if your antenna is too long, or too short

Here is how to know weather or not you have to lengthen or shorten your antenna.

1. Take an SWR reading as explained in the first step on channel 1. Write down the SWR for reference.
2. Take another SWR reading on channel 40. Again write it down for reference.

Now if the SWR is higher on channel 1 then on channel 40, its too short. You need to make it longer.

If the SWR is higher on channel 40 then channel 1, then the antenna is too long. You need to shorten it.


Make small adjust ments about an 1/8th to a 1/4th inch at a time. each time checking the difference between channel 1 and 40.

You will know when you are a good match when there is little to no difference between channel 1 and 40's SWR. Once you are satisfied that the difference between 1 and 40 is about the same, and much lower, then turn the radio back to channel 20 and take an SWR reading.

You will now find that the SWR on channel 20 is really low. Most likely under 1.5 or better, Almost nothing on the meter.


Here is a Meter Key, so you know what you are looking at.

your not out of frequency. Your antenna is not tuned.

It is important to tune your CB radio antenna to the proper length. The length must exactly match the wavelength of the frequency you transmit on. Or be really really close.

All Cb antenna's have a way to adjust the length of the antenna. If it's a mag mount, the metal whip can be slid in and out of a metal collar. Usually a set screw. If its a fiberglass whip, the way to tune it is on top. It either has a small metal rod with a set screw to adjust the length, or it threads in and out to adjust length.

Either type you have it will need to be adjusted for proper length. Here is how to tune the antenna to lowest SWR.

Some radios have a built in SWR meter. Some do not. If yours doesn't have an SWR meter, then you have to use an external SWR meter. Radio shack carries one, and you can find them cheap on ebay.

If you have a built in SWR meter or external, the procedure is the same:

1. Turn the radio to CH 20.(This is the center of the band.)
   
2. Switch the meter switch to CAL. (CAL stand for calibrate.
3. Key the radio. (Important. Do not talk while keying the radio.)
4. turn the CAL knob up until the meter hits the CAL mark.
5. Now while still keying the radio flip the meter switch to SWR.

Where the meter falls after that point is you SWR reading. If its above 3, that is real bad. 2 is not gonna kill your radio but its not the greatest. 1.5 and under is a good place to be, but the lower the better.

If your SWR is high, Here is how to find out if your antenna is too long or too short.

1. Turn to CH 1
2. Repeat SWR procedure. You must calibrate every time you do it.
3. Remember the SWR reading.
4. Turn to CH 40.
5. Again repeat SWR procedure.
6. Compare the reading between CH 1 and CH 40.

Now if the SWR is higher on channel 1 then channel 40 your antenna is too short. You must make it longer.

If the SWR is longer on channel 40 then on channel 1, then the antenna is too long, you need to make it shorter.

Make height adjustments about an eight inch at a time, and take reading each time.

once the SWR is significantly lower and the reading on channel 1 and 40 are about the same, you a about matched. At this point turn the radio to the center of the band, channel 20 and take an SWR reading.

You should now have a low SWR reading, 1.5 or under. If you are 1.5 or under, you are good to go.

If you cannot get the SWR to an appropriate level, there may be an antenna problem.

Its the antenna. it is not tuned correctly for the radio. First, stop transmitting. You can burn out the final transistor. If the antenna light is coming on, that means your SWR is too high,


first. Check to make sure that the antenna coax is securely attached and fastened tightly to both the radio and antenna.

Next inspect the coax. Make sure there is no damage to it. If there is a slice in it, it is kinked really bad, that could be the problem.

Now, if the coax looks good and is connected tightly, now its on to tuning the antenna. Your antenna is either too long or too short. Antenna's usually have a way to adjust this. Most common is where a metal whip sits in a collar. You loosen the collar, and you can move the whip up and down in it. That is how you adjust the length of your antenna. Fiberglas whips usually have an adjustment at the tip that you can adjust usually by screwing it in or out.

Now here is how to check your SWR.

Make sure you are in an open area like a parking lot as structures such as buildings and trees can cause reflection and give you a false reading. Always take an SWR reading with your doors and windows shut as not doing so can also cause a false reading.

Now that you are in an open area, turn on the radio and turn to channel 20. flip the switch located all the way to the left by the signal meter to CAL. Now turn the knob all the way to the right just before the channel selector marked SWR CAL all the way down to the left before you start. Now key the mic without talking into it and turn the SWR CAL knob up until the needle on the meter is all the way to the right to the mark for CAL. its a little upside down triangle with the letters CAL next to it. You want the needle to be on that triangle. Now while still holding the key in, flip the switch all the way to the left next to the signal meter up once to SWR.

The needle should swing back giving you your SWR reading. Ideally you want this reading to be as low as possible, but 1.5 and under is acceptable. If it is higher then 3 and in the RED stop transmitting. Try to do the steps quickly so you can un key as soon as possible to avoid damage to the final resistor if the SWR is higher then 3.

If the reading is 1.5 or under and the ant light is going on, it could be something else. I will go more into this at the end.

Now we have to figure out if the antenna is too long or too short. Here is how to do this.

Turn to channel 1 and repeat the steps to take an SWR reading. Make note of the reading.

Turn to channel 40 and repeat the steps again to take an SWR reading. Not that number.

If the SWR is higher on channel 40 then channel 1, then your antenna is too long and you need to adjust your antenna so it is lower.

If the SWR is higher on channel 1 then on channel 40, then the antenna is too short, and you need to adjust the antenna higher.

If the signal is over 3 on both channels, then there is something wrong with either your coax, antenna or both, and you should replace the coax, and if its still high, the antenna.

If your antenna is too long or too short, make adjustments to correct. Raise or lower the antenna a 1/4 inch at a time. each time taking a measurement to see if it is still to long or too short. You want to try to get the SWR the same on 1 as on 40. And channel 20 will have the lowest reading.

If your SWR reads low, under 1.5, or even a 2, the light should not come on. If you have had the radio worked on at a radio shop, or purchased it from some where that modifies the radio to put out more power before they sell it, then that can cause that light to go on falsely. Purchase an external SWR meter. You can get one off ebay, or from radioshack. Check the SWR with the meter, and if the SWR is still good, then you can do 1 of the following.

1. ignore the light because it is not right.

2. go in the radio and try to adjust VR6 so that the light doesn't go on. Not recommended if you don't know what you are doing.
3. take it to a cb shop and have them adjust VR6 for you.

I would leave it alone.

Most likely your antenna is not tuned properly.