Another NOOB

[222FL]

Yes sir. The dummy load is something like this. Doesn't have to be this exact one but something like this for a dummy load.
And another swr meter is this one.
The radio shack ones you might be able to find on eBay, if not the workman HP201s will work. I like the diawa CN101. Both are pictures below. The workman meter will work fine, but the diawa meter is of better quality and is a cross reading needle which shows forward and reflected power which is good. Also cut about 1/4" off your whip. It's too long. Not by much, but if you cut in 1/8" pieces, and cut 1/4"-1/2" off, the antennas I'll most likely tune pretty flat. The way it's setup tells the antenna is too long if vswr is lower on ch1 than 40. You're close, might as well get it as best you can. And it can be better than it is. Not by much, but you want it to be as best as possible before adding any amps. Okay now for the swr meters. First is the workman then the diawa.
If you can find a radio shack meter for cheap. Like under $40 shipped new those will work as well. Just makes sure it's the swr/power meter. Or either of the 2 I posted will work as well as the dummy load I posted. If you look Around you can find good deals on the dummy loads and the watt meters. Buy new if possible. JMO. But if you find a good deal and the equipment looks to be in good working order and condition, grab it. Bird makes a great dummy load, but normally they cost the most. And most will require the use of an n-male to SO239 connector. This will be on the bird dummy loads more and you'll see more dummy loads with n-male Connectors. You want one with an SO239 connector. And you'll need a couple of coax jumpers. Coax jumpers like these. They don't have to be these exact ones. Just something like this. Can be mini 8, lmr240, lmr400. A mini 8 one would work fine.
With 2 coax jumpers, the dummy load and an swr/watt meter lime what I posted will be what you need for basic radio stuff. Enough for you to lower the dead key and get a reading of swr and power. We don't need military precision here. Like I said, but about 1/4-1/2" off that whip in 1/8" cuts and it will tune pretty well flat across the entire CB band. Don't settle for just okay. Make it the best it can be and when you add an amp, you'll most likely have less issues. Again JMO. You will make contact on SSB. Try SSB early am like 8am or so and listen throughout day as well. Dx comes and goes. You gotta catch it. 38lsb. You hang out there long enough you'll hear some dx. Anyway. Any more questions fell free to ask. I've given you the list of things needed to tune your radio, add to that a plastic electronic screwdriver. And if you already have an swr/power meter that works, just get a dummy load and a couple of coax jumpers. And then it's just a matter of hooking it all up and adjusting your dead key. Once done, it's done. The dummy load is also good for checking output on radios as well. Just don't stay keyed up long if you are using a small dummy load as they will get a warm. The larger 100 watt ones depending on who makes it can take some power. Here is my bird dummy load. I've put 400 watts into it and it just barely got warm. But this is not an el cheapo dummy load.
The last 3 photos of are a bird dummy load. If you can find a good used one of these grab it!!! Anyway, again hope all this helps and any more questions just ask. If I can help I will. Good day.