12 best swr meter for cb radios

A SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) meter is an essential tool for CB radio enthusiasts and operators. It is used to measure the standing wave ratio of the antenna system, which helps ensure that the radio transmitter is effectively transferring power to the antenna and that minimal power is being reflected back towards the radio. Here are some key points about SWR meters in the context of CB radios and related equipment:

  1. Purpose: The primary purpose of a SWR meter is to ensure that the CB radio's transmitter is properly matched to the antenna. When the transmitter and antenna are mismatched, it can lead to inefficient power transfer, reduced signal strength, and potential damage to the radio.

  2. SWR Measurement: SWR is measured on a scale from 1 to infinity, with lower values indicating a better match between the transmitter and the antenna. A perfect match would result in an SWR of 1:1, meaning all power is being transferred to the antenna with no reflections.

  3. Installation: SWR meters are typically installed between the CB radio and the antenna. It acts as an intermediary device that allows you to measure the SWR without needing to make any changes to the radio or antenna itself.

  4. Tuning: The SWR meter is used for tuning the antenna system. By adjusting the antenna's length or other parameters, you can optimize the SWR for the best performance. A well-tuned antenna system maximizes the transmission range and signal quality.

  5. Antenna Maintenance: SWR meters are also useful for monitoring the health of your antenna system. A sudden increase in SWR can indicate a problem with the antenna, such as a damaged coaxial cable or a loose connection.

  6. Types of SWR Meters: There are different types of SWR meters available, including inline meters that are permanently installed in the antenna system and handheld meters that can be easily connected for temporary use. Some CB radios may also have built-in SWR meters.

  7. Calibration: It's important to calibrate your SWR meter regularly to ensure accurate measurements. Many SWR meters have a calibration knob or function that allows you to set them to a known reference point.

  8. Safety: Using a SWR meter helps protect your CB radio from excessive reflected power, which can damage the transmitter. It also ensures that you are operating within legal power limits set by regulatory authorities.

  9. CB Radio Performance: Properly tuning your antenna with a SWR meter can significantly improve the performance of your CB radio, allowing you to communicate over longer distances and with better clarity.

In summary, a SWR meter is a valuable tool for CB radio operators and enthusiasts, as it helps ensure the efficient transfer of power between the radio and the antenna, optimizing performance and protecting your equipment. Regular monitoring and tuning using an SWR meter are essential for a successful CB radio setup.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best swr meter for cb radios on the market
  

Astatic 302-01768 PDC7 Compact SWR Meter

Astatic

Based on 466 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The cost effective Astatic meter will help you set your SWRs on any 50 ohm antenna and coax by testing for SWR.

  • Compact 3 Function Test Meter
  • Indicates the Condition of Any 52 Ohm Antenna and Coax
  • Designed to be Used for Base Operations or Mobile Operations
  • Tests for SWR (Standing Wave Ratio), Field Strength and RF Power
  • Note: The number may not return to the default zero unless you disconnect the device from the radio
  • If you need a more robust SWR Meter, check out the Astatic 302-PDC2
  • Fit type: Universal Fit

User questions & answers

Question: Will this tuner work for a home made 2m (144-148mhz) 70cm (420-450mhz) antenna (intended to be connected to a baofeng gt3 mark ii transceiver
Answer: hello, for this baby monitor mount, it's fulfillment by amazon, it usually takes 2-7 days, it's up to your option: Expedited, Second Day, Standard
Question: does this work with metra magnetic antenna
Answer: No, on the contrary, I think it will give us a better perspective.
Question: does this come with a jumper cable
Answer: We ended up mounting to the wall. The view was way too close and made it difficult to see the baby.
Question: Is the instruction with this meter explicit enough to understand
Answer: Yes, it is removable and repositionable.

Product features

Astatic (302-01768) PDC7 Compact SWR Meter

This compact 3-function test meter indicates the condition of a 50-Ohm antenna and coax cable used for base operations or mobile operations. Tests for SWR, field strength and RF power.

  • Tests for SWR (Standing Wave Ratio), field strength and RF power
  • Designed to be used for base operations or mobile operations
  • Can be permanently installed

SWR METER for CB Radio Antennas with 3' Jumper cable - Workman SWR2T & CX-3-PL-PL

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

SWR Test Meter. CB Radio Frequency Range 27 MHZ. SWR 1:1 to 1:3. 52 ohm impedance. SO-239 Input and Output Connectors. Heavy Duty Metal Case Dimensions: 3 3/8 X 2 1/4 X 3 in. Includes: 3' Black Workman CX-3-PL-PL Coax Jumper

  • SWR Test Meter CB Radio Frequency Range 27 MHZ
  • SWR 1:1 to 1:3 / 52 ohm impedance
  • SO-239 Input and Output Connectors W/ Heavy Duty Metal Case
  • Dimensions: 3 3/8 X 2 1/4 X 3 in.
  • Includes: 3' Black Workman CX-3-PL-PL Coax Jumper

User questions & answers

Question: for a cb radio’s with no swr adjustment knob does this need to be hooked up at all times since you have to use this meters own swr calibration knob
Answer: I'm pretty sure it does. I don't have any bands to test with though.
Question: Does it work on 3-30mhz bands
Answer: Their PL259 connectors on both ends to fit the meter and antenna...
Question: Can i use the p1-259 connectors for the antenna part of the swr meter? even though it comes with the so-239? can they be two different sizes? is that
Answer: Field strength is the strength of the electric field (units of volts/meter) (or of the magnetic field) radiated by the radio and antenna combination. You are quite right: a calibrated antenna and receiver/meter are needed. Field strength depends on polarization and configuration of the antenna and its ground plane and on the location and orientation of the detector antenna. If the impedances of the antenna cable and antenna are not matched, then some of the signal is radiated, but some reflects back and forth between the radio and the antenna. this builds up energy in the cable that is partly radiated and partly absorbed by the radio power output transistors, which can damage the radio if the standing wave ratio is too high. How high depends on the design of the radio. SWR > 1.5 is generally bad. SWR of 1 is perfect (all the signal power goes out the antenna with none reflected. 1.1 is good, 1.2 is less good. So the SWR meter is connected between the radio and the antenna where is can observe the outgoing and reflected signals in the cable. Perhaps the FS scale is simply making assumptions about the antenna and ground plane to estimate what the field strength would be if the assumptions were correct. But it doesn't measure the field.
Question: The add states that this unit will check SWR/POWER/FIELD STRENGTH, but the directions don't mention Field Strength readings. I believe you would need a antenna on the meter to do that. The dial has a FS scale but no antenna. Anybody have any input on this subject
Answer: You might end up losing signal together when the connector falls off like mine did. The connector was not soldered and easily fell off when connecting to my antenna. Look to someone else and not MPD cables. RG-8U/RG-213 is probably overkill for CB frequencies. It is useful for hams in the VHF/UHF range. I suggest good quality RG-8X for your application; more flexible and will save you money.

Astatic (302-PDC2) SWR/RF/Field Strength Test Meter , Black

Astatic

Based on 549 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Designed to indicate the condition of any 50 ohm antenna and coax for cbs. 10 watts and 100 watts switches, forward and reverse switches.

  • 3 functions: tests for SWR, RF power and field strength
  • Designed to test any 50 ohm antenna and antenna coax used for CB operation
  • Mounting bracket and hardware included
  • Manufacturer: ASTATIC

User questions & answers

Question: Using my new meter as directed, i am going by the meter on the right for my swr after i adjust the knob, is this correct? both meters say swr on both
Answer: The barbell isn’t visible on mine.
Question: Does the transmitter need to be connected to the meter for the fwd/ref switches to work
Answer: As long as monitor has a hole slot style mount should work. The mount also has addition slots for other types of fasteners or base to be secured to
Question: will this work to tune a ham radio and a cb
Answer: Yes, if properly installed, it is easy to remove the camera from the mount to take it with you. On the base of the mount where the camera sits there is an adjustable screw that inserts into a slot on the bottom of the camera. The screw should be adjusted so the camera is held snuggly to the mount, but not so tight that it is difficult to remove. Mine comes off easily. I recently had to take it off to synch the camera to a new monitor and I had no issues.
Question: What is true frequency range. There are two different ranges listed. One shows HF and VHF and the other shows HF only
Answer: It for sure works with the HB65, but I'm not sure on the 32. It looks entirely different.

Product features

Astatic (302-PDC2) SWR/RF/Field Strength Test Meter

Description:

Power field strength test meter with 3 function tests for SWR.

Features:

  • 3 functions tests for SWR, RF power and field strength
  • Designed to test any 50-Ohm antenna and antenna coax used for CB operation
  • Mounting bracket and hardware included

Workman SWR Meter for CB Radio Antennas SWR2T

Workman

Based on 372 reviews Check latest price

Product description

SWR METER to Test CB Radio Antennas Workman SWR2T

  • CB Radio SWR Test Meter
  • Frequency Range 27 MHZ
  • SWR 1:1 to 1:3
  • 52 ohm impedance
  • SO-239 Input and Output Connectors W/ Heavy Duty Metal Case

User questions & answers

Question: Greetings from new zealand. i note the bottom meter scale indicates f.s. so can antenna field strength tests be performed with this meter
Answer: No unless they are Gaged. I would say start smaller like 20 that would fit.
Question: i've never had to use an swr tuner before. does this need to stay connected to the handheld cb unit at all times and then disconnect
Answer: Dear Customer, Three stud earring can be interchangeable with two long stud earring. But the larbret rings can not be interchangeable with others. Thanks for the question.
Question: Is there a warranty on this
Answer: The climbers are. The others are smaller.
Question: Does it come with the "jumper" coax cable
Answer: Yes, I have both upper and middle cartilage pierced and fits on both my ears .

Astatic PDC1 100 Watt SWR Meter

Astatic

Based on 888 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Designed to indicate the condition of any 50 ohm antenna and coax for cbs, 10 watts and 100 watts switches, forward and reverse switches, radio and antenna connectors on the back function analog meter compact antenna and coax test device.

  • 3 function analog meter
  • Indicates the condition of a 50 ohm antenna and coax used for CB operation
  • Tests for SWR or relative power
  • 10 watt and 100 watt switches
  • Forward and reverse switches

User questions & answers

Question: I just built a 2 meter VHF J pole Base Antenna and I need to tune it what type meter do I use
Answer: You need one for the 2 meter band. Try MFJ enterprises.
Question: Does it read power of SSB
Answer: Yes and no... It only reads peak power and as a fluctuations of audio peaks. Usually used to set power in am or CW for measuring beer...
Question: Does it come with a Jumper Cable
Answer: Does not come with the jumper cable. Must purchase separately.
Question: When I rotate the knob, the needle jumps way right or stops short of the set line. No amount of finese helps. Any suggestions
Answer: These are cheap little Meters. Very finicky. Yours sounds like it is faulty. My suggestion would be to return it for a new one.

Product features

Astatic PDC1 100 Watt SWR Meter

This compact 2-function test meter indicates the condition of a 50-Ohm antenna and coax cable used for CB operations. Tests for SWR or relative power.

SWR METER for CB Radio with 3' Coax Jumper cable - Workman SWR2T & CX-3-PL-PL

Based on 63 reviews Check latest price

Product description

SWR Test Meter CB Radio Frequency Range 27 MHZ SWR 1:1 to 1:3 / 52 ohm impedance SO-239 Input and Output Connectors Heavy Duty Metal Case Dimensions: 3 3/8 X 2 1/4 X 3 in. Includes: 3' Black Workman CX-3-PL-PL Coax Jumper

  • SWR Test Meter CB Radio Frequency Range 27 MHZ
  • SWR 1:1 to 1:3 / 52 ohm impedance
  • SO-239 Input and Output Connectors W/ Heavy Duty Metal Case
  • Dimensions: 3 3/8 X 2 1/4 X 3 in.
  • Includes: 3' Black Workman CX-3-PL-PL Coax Jumper

User questions & answers

Question: Is it ok to leave this meter inline, Or just when calibrating
Answer: Color :silver;black;gold;rainbow;bule;rose gold. We use high standard electroplating process,My customer has no feedback on the fading problem;For Deith piercing,Please choose 6mm Set

Superbat UHF Male PL-259 to UHF Male PL-259 Low Loss Digital Coax UHF Jumper Cable (12" RG58) for HAM & CB Radio,Antenna Analyzer,Dummy Load,SWR Meter

Superbat

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • UHF Male PL-259 to UHF Male PL-259 coaxial cable (1 pcs)
  • Cable length:About 12 inches(30cm) | Cable type: Flexiable Coaxial Quality Low Loss RG58 | Impedance: 50 Ohm
  • Connector: UHF Male | Connector material: Brass (Not Alloy) Body Plating:Nickel | Contact Pin: Brass, Gold plating | Contact point: tin plating | >1000 Times Mating Life Time.
  • Used for Antennas, Antenna Analyzer,dummy load, Radio Scanner, Ham Radio Transceiver,SWR METER,CB Radio Handheld & Amateur Radio Equipment.
  • Never worry about any security problems. We are confident in the quality of our cable and willing to provide 1 MONTHS Replacement Warranty and 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you unfortunately get a defective one, please contact our customer support.

User questions & answers

Question: Can I use this to connect my Xfinity modem/router to the wall jack without losing internet speed? I'm not technical
Answer: RG-8X is a 50 Ohm cable. Loss at 140 Mhz (VHF) is about 4.5db per 100 ft. That is more than half More than half your power. UHF will be a lot worse. This cable is not ideal for VHF/UHF unless you are running short cable lengths such as a in a car.
Question: Does this work on a uniden bc355n scanner
Answer: Yes, this cable uses a R0HS complaint, UV resistant and 60 Celsius PVC wire and cable compound.
Question: Am building a ammo can ham radio go-box. A 25watt tri-band in a 5.56mm can. Need short coax from radio to a bulkhead connector. Will this work well
Answer: Thank you for your question! This cable will work as you may just need to purchase different connectors. Typically, scanners require a coax RG58A with a SMA male to a UHF female connector.

Mcbazel SURECOM SW-111 100 Watt SWR/Power Meter for CB Radio Antenna

Based on 103 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Description:

Designed to indicate the condition of any 50 ohm antenna and coax for cbs, 10 watts and 100 watts switches, forward and reverse switches, radio and antenna connectors on the back function analog meter compact antenna and coax test device.



- 3 function analog meter

- indicates the condition of a 50 ohm antenna and coax used for CB operation

- tests for SWR or relative power

- 10 watt and 100 watt switches

- Forward and reverse switches



Specification:

- SWR :1:1 to 3:1

- RF Power : 0-10WATT / 0-100WATT

- Impedance : 52 ohms

- Product Dimensions 84(W)X 59(H) X52(D)mm



Package includes

: 1x SURECOM SW-111 SWR /POWER METER

1x English Manual

  • 3 function analog meter
  • indicates the condition of a 50 ohm antenna and coax used for CB operation
  • tests for SWR or relative power
  • 10 watt and 100 watt switches
  • Forward and reverse switches

CN-901HP Daiwa Original Cross-Needle SWR & Power Meter

Daiwa Industry Co., JP

Based on 58 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Daiwa CN-901HP Meters offer accurate readings, reliable performance, and great value. Daiwa's large, lighted and easy-to-read cross needle meters will provide your ham shack with consistent readings. CN-901 Series meters feature qualities that will make measuring SWR and power during an antenna test, as well as matching and tuning transmitters, an easy task. Their dual-needle meters have one scale that measures forward power while the other reads reflected power. The existing SWR is indicated at the crossing point of the two needles… so you can read all three of these important measurements at the same time! Their HP models can also measure P.E.P. That's peak power in SSB operation. There are also several frequency-ranges and power levels in the Daiwa CN-901 professional series family to choose from. Specifications: Meter Frequency Range:1.8-200 MHz Minimum Power Range:20 W Middle Power Range:200 W Maximum Power Range:2,000 W Meter Style:Cross needle Meter Illumination:Yes Peak Power Readout:Yes Peak Hold:Yes Built-In Frequency Counter:No Meter RF Connector Type:UHF female, SO-239 DC Power Required:Yes External Power Input Voltage:13.8 Vdc Remote Sensor Included:No SWR/Wattmeter Width:6.300 in. SWR/Wattmeter Height:4.300 in. SWR/Wattmeter Depth:4.800 in. SWR/Wattmeter Weight:2.20 lb

  • Frequency: 1.8-200 MHz
  • Power Range Forward: 20/200/2kW
  • Input / Output Connectors: SO-239
  • Dimensions & Weight: 6.25" x 4.3” x 4.8”
  • Note: This replaces the previous Model: CN-801HP

User questions & answers

Question: does this style self calibrate don't see a cal. adj. for swr
Answer: No they are not.
Question: Why is the wrong item (cn01l) is pictured, not cn-901hp
Answer: Externally
Question: What is the nation of origin for the daiwa cn-901hp meter? where is it made
Answer: I dont know sizes so I cant say if it true. But they fit in my ear
Question: Daiwa CN 901 come with a power cord
Answer: For nose and lip most people use 8mm or 10mm.
Question: Will a cb radio work with exixting radio antenna 88 dodge van
Answer: I ordered/use these for a septum piercing. I wouldn’t recommend using them for a bellybutton because the shape and length of the bar is too narrow. It will not only look odd compared to traditional bellybutton jewelry, but it will likely cause pain. Hope this helps.

Tenq RS-70 Digital SWR/Watt Meter HF 1.6-60MHz 200W for Two-Way Radio Testing SWR Power

Based on 14 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Features:

· 100% brand new, high qualtiy

· Brand: TENQ Power SWR Meter



100% new, factory packed and never been used.



Specifications:

Power range:0-200W +/- 5%

Frequency range: 1.6-60 Mhz

Impedance: 50 ohm

Connector: M-J(So-239 (M))

Dimension: 70W x 78H x 30D mm

Net Weight: 220g



Measurement:

1. Apply output of transceiver to "TX" and antenna or load to "ANT".

2. "POWER" on for ready to use.

3. LCD display show simultaneously "Fwd/Ref Power and SWR".

4. For back-light, please switch "LIGHT" to "ON".

5. No function in 30 seconds, the backlight will automatically off.

6. Once PTT launched, the backlight will be back.



Package Includes:



1 x TENQ Y002 Power SWR Meter



If you can't make sure this Power SWR Meter can work on your two way Radio,

please contact " TENQ" and tell us Brand and model of your two way Radio.

* TENQ --- Focus on Two Way Radio Accessories. TENQ is a Registered brand.

Welcome wholesale Walkie talkie Accessories - Earpiece/Headset/Speaker/Battery/case/Programming cable/Antenna From TENQ.

  • Forward/Reflected/VSWR ration in one push button
  • LCD backlight display for easy reading
  • Convenient control layout for easy operation
  • Powered by two AAA batteries/rechargeable batteries or external USB port
  • Low insertion loss(0.3dB or lower) structure allows it to be connected permanently

SWR / Power METER for CB Radio 100 Watts - Dual Meters - Workman SWR3P

Workman

Based on 124 reviews Check latest price

Product description

POWER / SWR METER CB Radio 100 Watts features: Metal case is 5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches. Measures power 0 -10 or 0 -100 watts. SO-239 UHF connector on each end to connect to radio and antenna. Field Strength antenna included.

  • Measures power 0 -10 or 0 -100 watts.
  • SO-239 UHF connector on each end to connect to radio (jumper required) and antenna.
  • Field Strength antenna included.
  • Metal case is 5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches.
  • Frequency range 1.7 to 30 MHz.

User questions & answers

Question: Does this test average power and peak pep power or only average power
Answer: Average power.
Question: does it give 100 watts or just meter
Answer: Yes it shows 100 whats. But it will only show 10. But this meter is not good. Don't buy it. Buy a better on. I used it for 5 min and it's been in the junk box, from then on. Cheep meter.
Question: Does this meter have the 3 foot jumper included
Answer: No. The "stinger" is 12-inches maximum length. I hope that helps.
Question: Can you use this for shortwave HF antennas
Answer: Hi Roger , I've used to adjust antennas at 27 MHz and VHF ( 2m) , also using dummy load to measure output cb and VHF equipment .

Mcbazel Surecom SW-114 SWR RF Field Strength Test Meter with SO-239 UHF Connector for CB Operation

Mcbazel

Based on 132 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Description:

- SWR/RF/Field Strength Test Meter

- 3 function analog meter for SWR , RF power and field strength

- Indicates the condition of a 50 ohm antenna and coax used for CB operation

- Tests for SWR or relative power

- 10 watt and 100 watt switches

- Forward and reverse switches



Specification:

- SWR :1:1 to 3:1

- RF Power : 0-10WATT / 0-100WATT

- Connector : SO239 (Jumper may required, not included)

- Impedance : 52 ohms

- Item Weight 410g

- Product Dimensions 120(W) X 60(H) X 65(D)mm



Package includes:

1 x SURECOM SW-114 SWR /POWER METER

1 x Field strength Antenna

1 x English Manual

  • SWR/RF/Field Strength Test Meter
  • 3 function analog meter for SWR , RF power and field strength
  • Indicates the condition of a 50 ohm antenna and coax used for CB operation
  • Tests for SWR or relative power
  • 10 watt and 100 watt switches. Forward and reverse switches.

User questions & answers

Question: Whats antenna for
Answer: No the tunnels that you leave in wont cause you’re ears to sag. You only use the tapers to stretch, not as jewelry, or you’re ears will sag
Question: Will it tell out put watt orf radio
Answer: Meaning how long they are?? Not sure I know what you mean about "depth"
Question: Will this work on Sideband
Answer: These gauges are 100% plastic other than the rubber o-rings that are used for the picks. I’m not sure if those o-rings have latex in them or not.
Question: is the item durable
Answer: No, only the backs.

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