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1-10 of 14 messages
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Need HF mobile/antenna advice.
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by WB4M on November 9, 2001
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Hello.. I am thinking of installing a mobile HF station in my 1996 Honda Passport SUV. Not being familiar at all with mobile setups, I have a few questions. First of all, is there a reflector that deals with mobile antennas and XCVRs, or a similar site that is dedicated to this subject? ( I have much to learn!)
Any recommendations or warning about HF mobile rigs? I am considering the Yaesu FT-100d, the Icom 706GII, or the Kenwood TS50. Any advice greatly appreciated! 73 de WB4M, Buddy.. PS you can email me direct if you wish.
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RE: Need HF mobile/antenna advice.
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by WB2WIK on November 12, 2001
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Don't know of specific reflectors, although there probably are some; however, the "rig selection" issue has been dealt with (and re-dealt with, and re- and re- and re-, etc.) for months and months here on eham, and the consensus is definitely in favor of the IC706MkIIG over the FT100D or the now "old" TS50. This consensus, from what I've seen, heard and read is that the Icom is easier to use and works better in a broader range of mobile environments, so its cost:performance ratio is extremely favorable. I know I ditched the TS50 years ago as being much too difficult to use mobile.
Frankly, as an "old fashioned" operator, I really like having old-fashioned analog controls on the front panel for adjustments I tend to make frequently. Those adjustments include output power, mike gain, and operating mode -- and possibly CW keyer speed, since I do work mobile CW. On the TS50, IC706 family and FT100D those are "menu" items. Making an adjustment as simple as "cranking up or down" the power output, or the mike gain, or the keyer speed, is a menu item that involves pressing buttons and definitely taking one's eyes off the road for a dangerous period of time while operating a motor vehicle -- it's a "pull over and stop" operation, which I find inconvenient.
So, my personal preference for an HF mobile rig is something more like the old Yaesu FT900, which has a detachable front panel for easy mobile operating, but retains the analog controls (knobs!) which are easy to adjust and can be adjusted while driving, without taking one's eyes off the road to scroll through menus.
Antenna options abound. For the Passport, I'd seriously consider a roof-mounted 4-band HF whip from Comet, Diamond, et al, because it's a "tall" SUV type vehicle with a large rear door and a rear bumper or hitch-mounted antenna can be problematical for such vehicles. A side-mounted (on a "ball mount") HF antenna would be okay, especially if the ball is mounted up high above the ground so not too much of the Passport's vertical sheet metal is blocking it.
73 de Steve WB2WIK/6
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RE: Need HF mobile/antenna advice.
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by WB4M on November 13, 2001
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Hello Steve,
Thanks for your response. I have studied several of the most popular HF mobile rigs and like you, don't care for the menu-driven options. I would like to keep my eyes on the road and prefer the same analog type of xcvr that you describe. Matter of fact, I threw my FT-990 in the car and took it with me on a 3-hr trip this weekend, but the only antenna I had was an old CB mag-mount. I didn't make any contacts but did tune around on 10 meters and heard several stations.
Since I also like the old analog types and knobs, I just might go with an older rig like the FT-900. I want something that is pretty simple to use and don't need the confusing menus.
As for mounting an antenna, I have looked at my Passport and find that I can use a bumper clamp style or somehow clamp to my spare tire mount. Of course a roof mount would be the easiest, maybe a mag mount of some sort.
Thanks again for input,
Buddy, WB4M
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RE: Need HF mobile/antenna advice.
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by W7WV on November 14, 2001
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Yep, pick your radio so it will fit your needs for power and size. I used the IC-706 MK II but found that I liked a bigger radio with more direct control.I loved the radio but it was a little difficult to operate running down the road (in my opinion) without distracting your driving. And, from what I see, the smaller the radio, the more buttons you have to press to change something such as mike gain, power out, etc.
I use my IC 746 now. But I have the room and you may well not.
Follow the manufacturer's directions for wiring. Most of these little 100 watt radios need to be wired direct to the battery with #10 wire and fused for safety. Make sure that harness will not rub on anything when that car is moving. Smoke is really distracting at 70 MPH! Been there, done that.
And stay away from other wiring and your engine's contol computer when at all possible.
Ground properly. Read articles on grounding your car, antenna and radio. If you don't, you are wasting your time going mobile.
Antennas?? Depends on what you want to do. I have an Outbacker. Yes, if I want to change bands I have to stop, get out and change the plug to the right point on the antenna. But, I don't have to worry about a motor or contacts burning out in a screwdriver type either. If you want just one band you could go with the Ham Stick. Change them out to change bands and very reliable.
I went with the Outbacker to KISS (keep it simple stupid). It works for me and gives me all the bands in one compact package.
Read the reviews on Eham about rigs you are considering and antennas. They really help.
73's W7WV Ken
kelly@eaznet.com
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RE: Need HF mobile/antenna advice.
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by KL7IPV on November 15, 2001
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My vote is for the IC-706. I am prejudiced though. I have had two and like enough to write about it. For more mobile info, you can try this site: http://www.k2bj.com
73
Frank
KL7IPV
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RE: Need HF mobile/antenna advice.
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by KB6RSY on November 20, 2001
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I have both the IC706MKIIG and the FT100D. For the Jeep Grand Cherokee I prefer the 706. The display was bigger, the green background is easier to look at and the buttons are easier to work. Having had the FT100D installed, I didn't like waiting for the ATAS-100 to retune when I changed frequencies even a little. The 706 has a companion AH4 tuner, which I mounted under the vehicle out of the way and out of site. It comes in a weather proof housing. It works really good. Changing freqs is easy just push the tuner button on the radio, and in less then a few seconds the antenna is tuned, plus I don't have to look at any meters to see if it tuned OK.
I don't like to drill holes in my sheet metal so I mounted the antenna on a receiver hitch. This arrangement lets me use a 102" SS whip and heavy duty spring. Works from 80 thru 6, but as you might expect 80 isn't so hot. 40 and up is pretty good though. When I need to open the hatch, I just bend the antenna back on the spring and no problem loading or unloading things. If I have to load something large, or don't want the antenna on, I can remove it without any hassles.
I use the FT100D in the truck because of the ATAS-100. Mounting the antenna was much easier.
Both have detachable faceplates, and I mounted them at the dash to the right of the steering wheel so when I want to look at the display I can also see traffic ahead.
One point: The FT100D requires at least two cable runs if you detach the faceplate. One for the faceplate and one for the microphone. A third wire run is required if you want an extension speaker. The 706 only requires ONE wire run from the body to the faceplate because the microphone plugs INTO the faceplate. If you want an extension speaker, then you either have to run another wire or plug it into the headphone jack in the faceplate.
Good luck with your installation.
KB6RSY
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RE: Need HF mobile/antenna advice.
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by WB4M on November 20, 2001
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Thanks input. You described the two setups that I have been considering - either an Icom 706/AH4/102-in whip combo, or the FT100d/ATAS combination. I have also been interested in a FT-900, but I see the asking prices of used ones are too high, at least the ones I see in here. I still have not made up my mind - it's a difficult choice!!
73, Buddy, WB4M
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RE: Need HF mobile/antenna advice.
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by KR4JA on November 21, 2001
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Either of the two setups you just listed will work fine if you plan to work mainly 20M and up, they'll work somewhat on 40M , but not too well at all on 75M (of course the ATAS does not work on 75M). However, if you plan on working 40M and 75M, I strongly suggest a good quality screwdriver antenna (see my review on k2bj.com concerning the Stealth II). Also, if you have a receiver hitch on your SUV, you can handle the larger and heavier screwdriver antennas like the Stealth II, HS1500, etc. Something else to think about, is that Amcominc.com now makes the ASAC (Automatic Screwdriver Antenna Controller) which is "plug & play" with the IC706 and most screwdriver antennas. Just input the freq on your radio, push the tune button and the screwdriver will go to the lowest SWR point. Pretty slick!! You might want to check it out, it's a new product but seems to work (I know of 3 guys who are using it, and I'll be setting my ASAC up this weekend).
Good luck your in your mobile setup decisions. By the way, the FT900 is a great radio too, for home or mobile operations, but I just sold mine since I won't need the built in tuner any more :-)
73s
Dave
Norcross, GA
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RE: Need HF mobile/antenna advice.
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by K3MP on November 24, 2001
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Fred, I have an Icom 706 (the original) in my Delta 88 Olds. Bought a Comet UHV-6 at Dayton this past May and it works like a charm. It comes with the 10, 15 and 40 mtr add ons. The antenna does 2mtrs, 440, 6mtrs without the resonators for HF. I keep just the 40mtr resonator on and have it tuned to ECARS 7.255. there is about a 30KC spread without the SWRS going to high. Have used other antennas but this one has given me the best reports. Definitely the best one on the market if you don't want a high profile antenna. It is about 72 inches total. Good luck in your choice. 73 de K3MP Mark
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RE: Need HF mobile/antenna advice.
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by W5AX on November 30, 2001
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I use the Icom 706MKIIG and the Yaseu ATAS100 antenna with a homebrew interface. This is installed in a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I find this to be an excellent combination. I am routinely on the highway throughout the Southwest and have worked many new countries and am closing in on DXCC mobile.
The 706 makes installation very easy with it's one wire installation. I have mounted the antenna on a homebrew mount that bolts to the inside area of the rear hatch about 1/2 way up from the bumper. this allows the antenna to be at a good heigth while still allowing minimum interference while pulling under drive thrus at banks, oil change bays and other locations.
Keep in mind that no matter which set up you decide on, GROUNDING, especially the antenna, is the one most inportant factor for a successful mobile installation.
Good luck on your installation. I KNOW that you will find HF mobiling to be a rewarding experience and will start looking for the "longer" route to places instead of the "shorter" one.
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