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How to Use a Micronta SWR Meter

Citizen band (CB) radios allow communication between people over the range of approximately 5 miles with a suitable aerial. In order to successfully transmit over large distances, it is important to minimize the reflected power. The standing wave ratio (SWR) measures the ratio of transmitted to reflected power and hence is an important metric in determining CB radio performance. A Micronta SWR meter is a device for measuring the SWR in a given CB radio-aerial system and is connected in between the CB radio and aerial.

Things You'll Need

CB radio
Aerial
Micronta SWR meter
Coaxial cables

Instructions

- 1
  Connect the Micronta SWR meter in between the CB radio and aerial. A small piece of coaxial cable should be plugged into the "Trans" terminal on the SWR meter and the other side should be connected to the CB radio antenna output. Connect the coaxial cable from the aerial into the "ANT" terminal on the Micronta SWR meter.
- 2
  Turn on the CB radio and calibrate the meter. In order to calibrate the meter, switch it to "CAL" and use the microphone to transmit a signal. The SWR meter needle should go up. Using the "Calibration" knob, adjust the needle until it aligns with the "CAL" mark.
- 3
  Measure the SWR by switching the Micronta SWR meter to the "SWR" setting and transmitting. The meter needle should rise and the value reading it shows is the current SWR value.

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