The CB transceiver came back from Thunderpole (Northampton), having needed to new transistors. The SWR meter that I had previously been using was tested by Thunderpole when I took the transceiver there last week and was found to be serviceable but with the FWD/REF switch wired up in reverse. With that in mind, I was able to tune my antenna to achieve a 1.3 SWR reading on all UK channels, and then repeat the procedure for the EU channels (again achieving a 1.3 reading), marking the antenna at the two set lengths. The UK length has the black paint stripped to meet the end of the adjustment housing, while the EU length is 8mm longer and has a red band of marker around the steel inner core of the antenna, so tuning the antenna for use on either band will now just take seconds using the visual alignment marks rather than having to SWR test it.
The transceiver is fitted to the dash below the stereo, using a two position double-pole switch on the upper right corner of the dash panel to connect either the stereo or CB to the front right speaker. The hand mic bracket has been screwed to the dash near the steering column, but the mic will normally be stowed in the cubby box to prevent damage to the cable. The antenna was fitted with a quick-release bayonet catch (before tuning) so that it too can be removed for normal road use and quickly reattached for convoy trips.
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