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1-8 of 8 messages
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Ford vs. GMC vs. Chrysler, etc...
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by K8CRC on August 17, 2004
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I currently drive a 2000 Mercury Mountaineer (same as a Ford Explorer) that will be replaced soon, and I need advice on a replacement vehicle. I run an Icom 706MIIG with a High Sierra 1800 antenna, and would like to know if any of the newer SUV's (2002 and newer) are going to be a better choice for mobile operations. The Mountaineer is very noisy, even after bonding and liberal use of chokes, and I am hoping you folks can lead me to a more radio-friendly SUV. I would like to stay with the same size SUV (Explorer, Envoy, Trailblazer) but would also like to enjoy my mobile operations without S8 noise all the time on the HF bands. Thanks in advance for your help...
Craig K8CRC
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RE: Ford vs. GMC vs. Chrysler, etc...
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by K0BG on August 17, 2004
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There are a few things you have to keep in mind.
First, two otherwise identical vehicles can have vastly different noise levels and if I knew why, I'd be rich!
Purchasing a diesel isn't always the answer. The latest stuff out there uses electronic injection or an electronically controlled shuttle system and either one can be noisy. They can be suppressed, but again no two are alike.
COP (Coil over Plug) units aren't any better than the old fashion kind of ignition, and adding insult are noisy injection systems which sound just like ignition noise. Knowing which is which isn't easy unless you employ an O scope.
Some of the newer ferrites like mix 31 are superior to mix 43 and 77 for noise abatement. It takes more than a few and they are not cheap. Look at DX Engineering for these new mixes.
Bonding has to be methodical and so does the primary wiring for any mobile setup. The old adage about throwing a rig in the car and taking a vaction has no merit especially when it comes to safe vehicle operation.
I have a few suggestions about how to go about all of this on my web site.
Alan, KØBG
www.k0bg.com
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RE: Ford vs. GMC vs. Chrysler, etc...
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by WB5TEY on August 22, 2004
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I recently had the same challenge and solved it with the best $$ deal method. While this is admittedly not the best choice from a radio perspective, it turned out better than I could have hoped for!
I have a new 2004 Chevy Trailblazer. It has a new 706MK2G in it and I am using a temporarily trunklip mounted Superantennas MT-1 on it until I can afford a more permanent and appropriate antenna.
Two things are unusual about the Trailblazer. 1st, there is a #4 +DC cable running from the 125A breaker at the battery to the fuse block under the passenger side rear seat - I am connected there thru 40amp fuses until I can run directly to the battery if I even bother to do (as I say that, I feel Alan kringe!).
2nd thing - absolutely no noise appears in my 706 after starting the engine - which has coil on plug ignition. I have yet to hear any computer noise .. and the thing has several. However, I _do_ hear other cars noisy ignition and every bad power line insulator I pass on the way to work but there is not much that can be done about that.
I did test the Trailblazer for ignition noise with my FT-817 prior to purchasing it and found it unbelievably quite. I did not find the large size battery run until later which was a nice surprise.
Mounting the 706 in the Trailblazer has been more of an issue than anything else. I currently have the head on a pedestal mount from SMC Corp (http:www.smc-corp.com) bolted to the console in a cup holder hole. While it blocks the AC control a bit, I typically liave the AC set on automatic so it has not been an issue and I plan on using a longer extension arm in the future.
I hope my experience helps you with yours!
Randy - WB5TEY
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RE: Ford vs. GMC vs. Chrysler, etc...
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by K8CRC on August 30, 2004
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Thank you Alan and Randy for the replies. I will be purchasing some of the Mix 31 noise killers, and will carry my Yaesu 817 with me when test driving the newer SUVs. It seems that all autos are going to be noise producers to some degree, and that it will be a matter of luck and skill to get the most from the Icom 706 while on the road. Thanks again...
Craig K8CRC
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RE: Ford vs. GMC vs. Chrysler, etc...
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by WA4MJF on August 30, 2004
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A lotta law enforcement agencies use SUVs
now, so buy one with the "police package".
Not only will you get a RF friendly unit,
but sway bars, transmission cooler,
reinforced roof, etc. Great for towing, too.
73 de Ronnie
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RE: Ford vs. GMC vs. Chrysler, etc...
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by K8CRC on November 1, 2004
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Well, after much head scratching and soul searching, I purchased the GMC Envoy. I mounted the Icom 706MIIG under the back seat, right next to a main power distribution panel, so my power lead is only 1 foot long. The antenna cables from the High Sierra screwdriver were easy to hide in the side molding, and the radio is now operational. And the good news is... it works well! I now have no noise on the HF bands, as compared to the continuous S5-S7 noise when using the same radio and antenna on the Mercury Mountaineer. And, as an added bonus, the Envoy gets better gas mileage. Thanks to all for your tips and advice.
73
Craig Christilaw
K8CRC
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RE: Ford vs. GMC vs. Chrysler, etc...
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by KC0VAH on August 30, 2005
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Randy,
I am researching how to mount a 2/70 antenna on my 2005 Trailblazer.
You say you are using a lip mount. May I ask what brand and where is it mounted. Having a hard time finding a lip on the car other than the side doors and hood.
Paul
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