You are measuring this with a good external wattmeter, in say CW mode into a dummy load right?

Do you have the tools to work titanium?

It's extra strong and light, but it tends to spall and chip when drilled.

One thing to consider is using a higher quality coax. One that is specified with "Non-contaminating jacket".  This will help prevent compounds in the outer jacket from reacting with the copper braid.

73, Bill

I think one reason is that they are sensitive to installation conditions, probably because they depend on both the feedline and the supporting metal pole for matching and radiation.  Some people report that they can never get good swr, and reception.

www.k0bg.com

Everything you ever wanted to know about mobile installations.   If you still can't figure it out, Allan frequently responds to posts here.  

Good luck, Bill

I would suggest that you run the lowest possible power for the first couple months, e.g. 25 -30 watts.  Once any glitch happens, you'll be the "obvious" cause, whether real or not.  Another idea is to keep an an old fashioned logbook of your actual operations.  That way if a neighbor complains, make them provide the times and dates first. Then you can refute by showing your log.

Good luck!   Bill

Harumph.   Nothing is 'mandatory'.  Look, anything you put down is better than nothing. Be it 1,2,5, 120 radials/counterpoises/whatever you call it, of whatever guage you can get, cut to resonant wavelength or not.

Don't beat yourself up over the impossible.  You will get good advice for an ideal installation, but remember almost nobody has one.  Everything is trade-offs and compromises.

Good luck, and let us know how it works!

While I ponder the lengthy technical response, the first three books every ham should own are:
- ARRL Handbook
- ARRL Operators Manual
- ARRL Antenna Manual

There is a whole education in those three books, and over the years I go back to them over and over.

73, bill

Just think of all those years you switched on and pondered how quiet the band was.  LOL.

Just to be sure you aren't missing the boat here,
there are TWO settings to concern yourself with. First is the audio output from the sound card.  Second, and more importantly, is MIC GAIN on the radio. That is what primarily controls the ALC level.

73, Bill

Congratulations, welcome aboard!

Bill

How about using a regular TV wideband preamp?  They are available at Walmart and other stores selling TV's.

Bill

Nobody is suggesting radios, so I will.  The Icom IC-910.  

After years of using mobile rigs inside, by golly, it's nice to have a full size, full feature radio that doesn't require cue cards to operate.   I bought it for satellite work and it works nicely with the tracking programs.   It's also a genuine pleasure to work the local repeaters and emergency services nets. Great audio, and I get good reports unsolicited.

Now, it comes with 2m, 440. There is an optional module for 1.2G.  The Icom folks are easy on the wallet since they have a variety of add-ons, that you can get as the need occurs and money is available.  I wish it had 6m, but hey, maybe I'll find a transverter to go with it.

Jump in, the water's fine.  73, Bill

Try one of the real hardware stores like Ace.  They still carry the big Weller 80w & 100w irons in my area.

Bill

Do it!