CB Antenna Length – How does an antenna size affect my CB radio?

CB Antenna Length
How does an antenna size affect my CB radio?  

  • If you put 4 watts into a four-foot antenna, you will get the same power out of that antenna as if you were putting 2 watts into a 102-inch whip.

  • If you put 4 watts into a 3-foot antenna you will get the same power out as if you wre putting about 1.5 watts into a 102-inch whip.

  • If you put 4 watts into a 7.5 inch antenna on a hand held CB, it would put out as much power as a third of a watt into a 102-whip.

  • If you put 4 watts into a 102-inch whip antenna, it is the same output as if you put 11 watts into a 3-foot whip.

  • If you put 4 watts into a 102-inch whip antenna,, it is the same as if you put 14 watts into a 28-inch antenna.

  • If you put 4 watts into a 102-inch whip antenna, it is the same as if you put 54 watts into a 7.5 antenna.

If the SWR on channel 40 is greater than that on channel 1, your antenna is considered to be “LONG” and reduction of physical height and/or conductor length will correct this situation.  

 

3 Comments

  1. I own a Uniden CMX 760 CB radio and a Browning # BR-140 NMO antenna.
    For a full range of CB channels, what would be the best length for my whip?

  2. really like your web page. it helped me pic a whip instead of a 5′ stick for the back of my jeep. My question is how to you adjust a whip antenna to match the antenna and the radio?I know how to use the swr meter but I’m not sure how to adjust the whip. thank you so much

  3. Due to a shortage of 102 inch whips ( stainless steel) what is the diameter of the standard model top to bottom. How does the diameter affect performance?

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