Ken, I had the same problem with my mobile antennas- I have several antennas mounted on the hood on either side of the windshield. A couple are mag-mount for scanners, and there's a dual-band with a clip-on mount (Diamond- no trouble at all). I had a collection of hustler coils and a foldover mast, so that was the default choice for my Dodge Ram pickup. But in order to work well on HF, they're all too high for garages and such. Honestly, I just wasn't interested in getting out of the truck to raise the foldover mast, then reversing when I arrived at my workplace garage. So despite the warnings of Alan, K0BG (guru-level and nice guy) I went with the short Hustler mast, which placed the coils right at the level of my pickup bed. I am glad I spent the bucks for a bumper mount from Breedlove Machine Shop. 80 Meters brushes the low garage spots a bit, all the other coils are much lower than the garages and fit just fine. I normally leave 20 on. I can report that while I'm not optimum, (and I don't know what all I am NOT hearing) I can be heard very well during openings on 20, with contacts all over Europe, Croatia and elsewhere. So in overcoming the "tall mast" problems, I've been very pleased with the results.   

You might look at http://www.k8es.org, Delaware Ohio

Garry, thanks for your insight!  I agree with our county's 911 Director, who has the same approach for his comm truck- lock the doors and nobody gets in.  I do have a white board inside, but I've created a problem outside. There was no awning, and I used the bottom awning swivel mounts to hold two masts. I'll need to scrounge some self-supporting canopies for that idea, but it makes good sense.  While we activated for the big ice storm at the first of the month, Canned Ham wasn't required- so it sat covered with ice like everything else. 

Great comments, thanks! I honestly didn't give the power requirements for a laser printer much thought; I really don't expect to use it all that often. I went with laser because of the extremely bad luck I've had with inkjet supplies going dry- this printer will probably sit for months before being used, so I am positive it would not function when needed. Laser avoids that, and it was free :-) I'll try the printer next time I'm on a generator to see what happens. I noticed the coffeemaker caused the speed to drop momentarily, but we have to keep our operating priorities!  I understand the 'generator monitor' light concept. I have two auxiliary desk lamps on 110, so there's a default monitor in place.

A couple issues for further discussion- first, laptops. I have two Dells, but they use that strange 3rd-wire power connector. So at the moment they're limited to running on AC power. I have an older Sony in my tow vehicle that runs great on vehicle 12VDC. I may proceed to switch out the two on-board laptops, but finances are limited. I just haven't had a chance to apply the bypass that I remember seeing on the Internet. Anyone have luck with that? I would think that running a PC on battery during a typical two to four hour event wouldn't add that much of a load.

The discussion of battery vs. generator power is interesting. I've found that the deep-cycle battery will run radios within reason and inside lighting for over 6 hours, at which point I shut everything down from boredom. For a typical 2-meter public service event, "dry camping" should be sufficient.  We have tossed around the idea of running everything on 12VDC inside the trailer (no 110), and merely applying generator power to the charger/inverter unit to both charge the batteries and inverter. However, with a different vehicle that caused some problems with RF getting back into the inverter (we let the smoke out of the inverter) so I'm a little reluctant. We've had good luck running the trailer as it was designed - just plugging it into generator and running 3 HF stations, computers, coffee, additional lights for 8-10 hours.

I'm with you on the military masts. I have two mounted to the trailer- they swivel on the original awning mounts, and are latched in place at the top of the trailer. We've had 6 and 2 meter beams up about 30' on one unguyed mast successfully. I carry a number of hose clamps, guyrope and hardware to hopefully adapt as needed. I'm using both metal and fiberglass masts.

Robert, I am part of that 'reality' you mention- after our youngest got her cell phone, I gave myself a $50 a month raise by dumping the wireline service. No more political ads!  The trouble is not with the cell phones. The problem is that currently a large portion of the US does not have "Phase 2" information accompanying the cellular call. Large metropolitan areas are catching up but not all are there yet. Outside the larger cities, the call only offers the location of the cell tower, if that.  It's easy to say something like, "If they had been able to receive text messages, they would have been able to act faster," but the technology is not ubiquitous. It doesn't matter that the cellphone knows where it is. I have no doubt it would be nice, should be nice, and could be nice. My point is that it's NOT nice now- because it's not there yet.

The reality is that well-intentioned 'cell phone warriors' can really mess things up by providing inaccurate locations and improper information. It's normal for one accident on the Interstate to generate two, three or more reported locations that are miles apart - which results in multiple assignments being dispatched to make sure they're covered. GPS locating the phone only works when the phone is at the incident location.  We dispatchers still need to be able to ask questions, confirm the actual location, and be in a position to provide pre and post dispatch assistance while units are still responding. I live by email and texting - and I have no doubt that a productive exchange could take place under certain specific circumstances. I just don't think the hype presents an accurate or workable situation.

Although the post has nothing to do with Amateur Radio, what may at first seem rational can easily turn into an unmanageable monster. "OMG like help!"  "what is your location?" "My room duh?" 

In most areas, people who bypass their wire-line telephone (the one with all the address information for us poor 911 folks!) and grab their cell phone are already building in a delay for service. First problem- people see an unrealistic portrayal of cellular emergency calls on TV. In most areas of the country we 911 dispatchers do NOT know where you are, who you are, or where you're going. We are not watching you on a video map. Second problem- an embarrassing number of people have no idea where they are actually located. If we are not able to successfully ask you questions, we may not be able to send help efficiently. Third problem- somebody sends an unexplained picture of a motor vehicle accident. What are we supposed to do with that? 

These are not unrealistic. It is already happening: "What's the location of your emergency?" Derisively, "My living room!"  As adjunct sources of information these might all be great. Opening these modes up as primary sources of reporting an emergency creates even more chaos and delayed assistance, rather than enhanced response.  The emergency calling czars need to proceed with extreme caution here.

Yow! That's gonna leave a mark. Quick way to end a discussion. The two of you put down the flame-throwers and go to your rooms. 

I neither dispute nor accept the concept of a pandemic event being the ultimate catastrophe...it's certainly possible. However this would probably not involve an immediate failure of a communications system, or any other part of the infrastructure. However enthusiastic I might be for emcomm, I don't see where an additional communications system would be required. People aren't going to use the NTS to call off work. At least in the inception stages there would be no shelters. Phone systems and data networks would continue. We'd all be able to whine on Facebook. So while it is a serious consideration, I don't see it as communications related. Help me with that?

Chris, spoken like someone who's done the RV thing. Thanks- excellent thinking. But my $700 got an RV trailer with all the stuff in place, so I'll just have to watch the usage part of the equation. I am not an RV'er, so I'm learning about gray and black tanks, pumps and leaving the valves shut until after you connect the hose (I read that somewhere.)

Power supply is a mix at present. I have a smaller generator for AC if needed. I have a nice little distribution block with PowerPole connectors (wish I could remember the guy who made it- nice, inexpensive, small. Purchased at Dayton.)  I can feed power from the AC 12V supply, or switch over to power from the battery. That way the whole block is energized as needed. Battery use means I can't run the PC's (Dell Laptops have a goofy power setup).

We're thinking exactly alike on antenna mounts. I have two of the military mast mounts/brackets. So far, we've run 6 and 2 meter beams, and it worked well. My Chief Engineer fabricated from clear plastic blocks, an arrangement that holds the masts at the roofline. They release to rotate down on the old awning brackets to mount the antennas.

I have pictures:  http://www.k8es.org/html/canned_ham.html

Paul, I have found in the 'new world' of emergency preparedness a much stronger stance on the part of government: "We got dis!"  There is an insistence that ONLY government agencies and systems be deeply involved in an operation- and millions of federal dollars have been spent to buy equipment to do just that. In this new world, to government agencies the ham radio operator is regarded as a well-intentioned volunteer who can be told, "Thanks, you wait just outside the door. If we need you, we'll call."  Fortunately, in my own area we're welcomed inside the EOC doors. I don't mean placing a radio, but rather ham radio being truly integrated into the agency's planning (um - before the flames start - as a ~backup~ but necessary component.)

Ken- [smacking hand to forehead] Why didn't I think of that??? I have my EMT kit in the support truck. So what happens when the towing truck drops the trailer and leaves? I'll get right on that! Thanks!

David, excellent!  There would be a great amount of clear space for desks, etc. and I like having the on-board generator. I like the way you think. Next version, I'll have all of  these on the checklist. -Stan

Here's an update/followup after a couple month's operation. This old girl seems to be happy in her new life.  Our debut was also a full-blown test, operating three HF stations at the "Ohio State Parks on the Air" event.  Placing a fullsized TenTec Omni, tuner and laptop on one side, and a Yaesu rig, tuner, laptop and 20" monitor at the second position gobbled up the operating desk...but it fit and worked. With the normal Icom 706 and a dual-band rig on the other side there's plenty of room. I used the repeater cabinet at the 'overflow' third position near the door. A healthy generator powered the event. Later I wanted to see what battery life I had with interior lights and radios turned on. I shut everything down after 8 hours with plenty of battery left. I was surprised at that. In subsequent operations, mostly aimed at demonstrating the trailer to potential users, Cub Scouts and Red Cross, I have run "dry" just using the battery power. That eliminates the laptops (Dells have strange power arrangements - the old Sanyo in my pickup works fine on 12 volts.) but everything else is works fine.

I have a problem with the Hustler HF antenna on the rear bumper: swr is sky high and won't come down. I think it's the metal mass of the trailer- perhaps I need to re-mount the antenna mast higher to get the coil above the roof?   I need to get some work done in the bathroom -winter project - but the rest of the trailer seems fine.  I have applied signs to the unit, and have amassed supplies (networked printer, wifi, extra 'stuff' and maps) but that's an ongoing project in itself. I have tried to amass a collection of tools, clamps, brackets and pulleys that might be needed for strange antenna operations.

EMA/911/Fire agencies have all been very encouraging and I hope they'll make use of "Canned Ham."  It will be ready and waiting.

Tim, I've been puzzling over the power aspect of this since day one.  Following the 'keep it simple' formula, I've so far elected to rely on 110AC for the majority of radio power. Some of that is because I had the 110V power supplies on hand, and it was simple just to plug them in and go. They are redundant in case of failure so that would not be a fatal problem. Of course, that requires a generator...still working on the permanent version of the plan. For our shakedown operation from a state park, I carried a generator in the tow vehicle to be set up on arrival. While the trailer does have the standard RV power converter, we had some trouble with RF backing into a converter ("toast!") in another vehicle so that isn't at the top of my list. I am planning on running one feed direct from the RV's battery which would power one rig for at least several hours- making a parade or public service event possible without the effort of setting up a generator.

PS- anybody know if a solar panel will still work after the cover has been cracked? (Important note- make sure ~everything~ is secure inside trailer prior to towing. Sigh.)

No disrespect, Kent, but we come from different environments I guess. This is not so much operations as communications (fewer people and limited physical activity), and the criteria above was aimed at being completely self-sufficient. I'd like to come in with our own supplies and not deplete those available for, say, disaster victims. In the 911 Fire/EMS center I work for, we routinely eat and drink at our positions (over 12 hour shifts) without mishap. But I do value your opinion and experience.

For those interested, we've launched the old girl on a shakedown event. Saturday we participated in "Ohio State Parks on the Air".  We were able to operate three HF/VHF stations for the event, and she didn't even breathe hard. That would be the load projected for the "big one," normally I would expect 1 or perhaps 2 operators for typical runs, parades, etc. especially since we'll be operating in concert with the county's van. 

This is a low-budget project, so don't expect a $30K castle with four slides and a fireplace.  I have posted pictures here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Vintage_Trailers_USA_Network/photos/album/1731797829/pic/list  and on my Facebook page (Stan Broadway). 

There's a genre of old small travel trailers with an obviously distinctive shape. In our case, when you put a bunch of Ham Radio inside this can, we can put a new slant on the phrase: "Canned Ham". 

John, good idea. I will have a wifi router and laser printer (no liquid ink to dry up) available- thinking that anyone with a laptop can be nearby and get on to print (the county bus, for example, would theoretically be sitting next to us.)  But routing a message to us- that's further than I'd thought. What a step-saver. Thanks. I may have to come up with an internal email system or something for that to happen. I also am getting my hands on a cellular wifi router, which gives access to the Internet as well. That has some possibilities! Thanks for the ideas.  We're trying it out Saturday in a "Ohio State Parks on the Air" event- 2 HF's plus a 6 and 2 rig. That should give us a test.

Thanks to NA4IT for some good suggestions offline (power converters, etc.) Top notch stuff!

SDY- I'm used to fire trucks and diesel engines, but opted for no motor for less maintenance especially since this will be parked for longer periods. This will be dedicated to ham radio. No lights, but tasteful lettering. Thanks to volunteer effort from K8TBN and donations from several others the total budget is still under a grand.  One other aspect- If an ARES or ham group somewhere nearby needs it, I can drop the trailer and come back later making delivery more convenient.

RUL- excellent viewpoint, your experience comes through as common sense, Dennis. I had discussions with the county EMA director and 911 Director (both hams) and of course our EC prior to launching this. In the proverbial large-scale event, I envision parking this next to the 911 mobile van for coordination (at his suggestion.) There aren't other ham trailers nearby so it will fill the unlikely need. I honestly expect this to be used 1) at Field Day 2) at local public service events like parades 3) infrequent drills.  Our club does some work with scouts, that's a good idea, Guy.  I really hope we can use this frequently because we are very active at public service events.