how much info do you get via CB overnight?

[brasstownbald]

Just outfitted my ride with one.
Lot's of professional bag pipes chattering but that one save is worth it IMO.

Anyone know a good way to test it without buying a SWR meter?

[Arvetus]

Just outfitted my ride with one.
Lot's of professional bag pipes chattering but that one save is worth it IMO.

Anyone know a good way to test it without buying a SWR meter?

You cannot properly tune your antenna without minimum of an SWR meter. Sure, you probably won't hurt the transmitter if you're running "barefoot" as you are only putting out 4w anyway, but you will not be transmitting efficiently as most of the signal will be reflected back into the transmitter rather than going "forward."

Sure, you could get an antenna analyzer and that would tell you what the resonant frequency is of the antenna, and then you know whether you need to lengthen or shorten it to get it resonant on the frequency you want it to be, but they are around ~$300. Just buy an SWR meter for <$50 at Rat Shack...