Question:
hi there...my first post.
i'm a new driver (4 months)and just installed 2 3' 5/8 wave firestik top load antennas with a new 18' coax.
do i really need to spend 200 bucks on a radio or is my new maxon mcb 30 good enough?
when i get better funds i'll get a new radio if i need it. i just dun like getting stomped on all the time. thanks in advance for any advice i can get.

Answer:

Well, good antenna and co-axial cable are important, but, if your going to keep your radio, in my opinion, you should get the radio 'tuned up', and have your antenna and everything matched to your radio. Basically, getting your SWR set properly, so as to not overload your radio.
Once you do that, you may be very pleased with the results, for not having spent alot of cash.
RC
Proud to be a car Dweller!
I would rather laugh with the sinners, than to cry with the saints.

Answer:

thanks RC...my radio only has 4 buttons on it..
on/off/vol...up....dwn....squelch....i dun see a swr button..i'll keep reading the archives...maybe it will tell me what swr is and how to adjust it....thanks for the help.

Answer:

Well, with your radio, I believe that you will need to have a pro take it apart to tune it up. Some upscale radio's have SWR calibration on the face, some dont.
Basically, the antenna will have to be 'matched' to the radio. The antenna have 'resistence' in them, and they need to be matched so the radio operates at optimal perofrmance. If you have a bad match, you will burn up your radio.
Sorry I cant explain it better, Im new at this too!
RC
Proud to be a car Dweller!
I would rather laugh with the sinners, than to cry with the saints.