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CB Homemade Antennas

The acronym ̶0;CB̶1; usually refers to citizen bands̵1;the highest level of frequencies on the top end of the frequency band and the frequencies usually used to transmit radio signals. There are a vast range and selection of CB antennas available for purchase, all of different shapes and sizes. However, you may want to build your own antenna, possibly for financial reasons. You might also want to build one just to see how it works.

Construction
- The antenna you build must be both strong and light, therefore using normal antenna-building material like aluminum tubing with a 3/4- to 1-inch diameter will be perfect for your CB antenna.
  
  Your antenna will require three main components̵1;a reflector, director and driven element. In general, these three can be made by cutting aluminum tubing into lengths of 9.55 feet, 9.1 feet and 8.66 feet respectively. These three elements must then be attached to a boom of about 15 feet. The reflector and director should be mounted on the two ends and the driven element should be mounted in the center.
Tuning
- If you are making a homemade CB antenna, you will have to use an SWR meter to tune the antenna to certain wavelengths. The SWR meter measures the standing wave ratio at certain frequencies. This method can also be used with commercial CB antennas that don̵7;t come with their own automatic tuners.
  
  You want your SWR reading to be about 1.5 at all frequencies. Start with the lower frequencies and get progressively higher. If you aren̵7;t getting a reading of 1.5, you will have to adjust the length of your CB antenna. If you̵7;re getting a reading greater than 1.5, you will have to make the antenna longer and if you̵7;re getting a reading less than 1.5, you will have to shorten it.
Buying
- At some point when you̵7;re building your CB antenna, you may just find it too hard or realize that the cost of building it yourself is more than you̵7;d pay in the store, and you̵7;d be much better off just purchasing it from your electronics store.
  
  Before buying your antenna, consider a few criteria, including whether or not it is intended to be used on a mobile radio or at a base station and how far you want the signal from your antenna to reach. You should always do your research to find the best deal whether online or in a brick-and-mortar store. Also, getting professional advice from a salesperson can help with choosing the best antenna for your needs.

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