hey, I called a Radio Services store in Denver and they said since my cb and antenna are brand new I need to get both of them tuned which costs 35 bucks and takes a few hours. As far as I can recall, people on here say it costs 10 bucks and is only a few minutes with a SWR meter. Do I only need to get my antenna tuned or what? Thanks! Larry

 

If you want a range of more than a mile on the highway for convoying. In the woods wheeling with a group, nah. Just go ahead and do it righ!

 

Yes the antenna needs to be tuned when installed with an SWR meter. Not only for the best signal but also to protect your radio from damage. It only took me about 20 minutes to tune mine. You can buy the meters at radio shack for about $35 and do it yourself. Anytime you move your antenna or something around the antenna changes (like adding a roof rack) it may need to be tuned again.

You can also have your radio tuned and peaked for extra performance, I had mine peaked, freqed, tweaked and roger beeped at the CB shop where I bought it for free. They opened up the case and cut something and adjusted something else, I think it is slightly illegal now, but I didn't ask.

 

Larry,

Go to Radio Service Center at 918 S. Sheridan in Lakewood/Denver (303) 922-8107. Its run by two great radio guys and will tune your system in about 10 minutes for $15-$20. I always used them when I lived there for antennas, repairs and equipment. They're a little pricey on equipment, but I like the guys and they're honest. They'll also peak & tweak your radio for $40.

 

If they are going to tune the antenna and tweek/peak the radio for $35, that could be a OK deal. Ask them.

 

hey, thanks guys! That actually is the place I called and they gave me the estimate of 35. I will more than likely go see them tommorrow!

 

Why not buy an SWR meter and do it yourself?
I think the local electronics superstore (Fry's) had it for about $10.

Here you go:
http://shop1.outpost.com/product/3415093