New Realistic RC-457--Do i need to reset SWRs?

[lyrsbnge]

Hello,just got a Realistic TRC-457 thats never been used!! I have been basically offthe key for about 3 to 4 yrs. Do i need to reset my SWRS. I had them as good as you can get when i quit. Plus--this Base Station has an SWR calibration knob. When i am talkin--i can turn it up/down. The radio came with no manual,weird considering the power supply cord and automobile cords were still sealed in plastic,but does that knob tell me my SWRs. Iv'e been keeping it at a hair above one and everybody says i sound great. Sure could use someone's advice!! Thanks Barry

[peterbiltwyo]

I'm not personally familiar with that radio, but I found this on a radio shack support website. I'm not sure if I can put link on here without violating the rules, but if you do a google search for trc 457, you will find it. Here is the instructions I found.
CAL push button - Press in when using the SWR CAL control to set
reference for SWR measurement. Press again to return
to normal.

SWR CAL control - Use when setting up the SWR Meter for checking the
Standing Wave Ratio of your antenna system. With an
antenna connected, press in CAL button and turn on the
Transmitter, then you adjust this control for a meter
reading to the red CAL mark. This sets the reference
for the SWR function; press CAL button again and you
will read SWR on the SWR meter.
[/b]

[causmik]

Let me see if I can tell you how to check your "SWR's". Your swr is a measurement..Standing Wave Ratio. It is a measurement (ratio) as to how much energy is being transmitted out compared to how much is being reflected back into your system due to an out of tune antenna with regards to the radio.

You should be able to push the button that says swr and then turn a knob that says Cal or Calibrate. You will want to watch the meter that reads swr. Turn the knob till it lines up with the very last line to the very right of the meter. Then depress the button for the SWR and the needle should drop back to the left. The reading you see will be the Ratio. Ideally it will drop flat hence the "flat match" everyone tries for. 1.5-1 or even 2-1 will work for CB as long as you are not running an amp. Turning the knob while transmitting will not do anything.

By the way, you have a very fine piece of equipment there....one of the very best ever sold by RS. That can be modified for many extra channels and the audio side can be opened for incredible, loud audio. You ever want to sell that, let me know.

Best wishes, Mike

[Gravedigger]

Hi, I have a trc-457 that I run as a base. I agree (with some prejudice) it is one of the better radios RS put out. I did do a check with a swr/power meter on mine just to make sure the swr meter was working on the radio and it was perfect. Press the CAL button, key up without talking, set the needle to cal on the meter. Release talk key and push the cal button so it is out. Key up again and it will tell you your swr. If you have doubts on it working, test it like I did.Hope you enjoy your radio as much as I do mine. Gravedigger. :D