The Gun Counter

Chris how much for the radio?

HF/VHF/UHF transciever:

Yaesu FT-857-D

Thanks, it is a rugged looking unit. $800 a bit expensive but it should last a very long time.

Chris, just remember that that if using a single antenna per unit, the direction of greatest ground plane will help determine the antenna direction pattern.

I made the mistake of mounting a stubby roof whip on the front roof of my station wagon and wound up with all kinds of great reception from the rear and allmost nothing from the direction I was going. Next time, I used the mid rear of the roof, and everything worked fine.

Gonna send you back to Stu's website again.

He adds radios, CB & Ham to his jeeps. Air Compressors, winches, etc. Check out the website. You could spend way too much time there.

You probably answered the question elsewhere, but will you be putting in a second or third battery and isolator???

First, remember that "Antenna" is a synonym for "compromise".

For VHF/UHF on my Trailblazer, I use a Comet Z750 on a Comet RS 730mount on a day to day basis. The antenna mount is set so that the antenna just clears the garage door, and is on the tailgate at the right rear.

In my area, with lots of repeaters and good APRS Digipeater coverage, this works just fine.

For public service events in the country and traveling cross country when I use a Comet SBB-7 when clearance of the garage and carport is not an issue.

Yes, theoretically, it would be better in the center of my roof, but the practical considerations outweigh the theoretical gain (in all senses of the word). Good enough is good enough.

If I really need more range and a better radiation pattern (such as running simplex net control or acting as a relay point on a large public service event), I have a drive over mount and 15 feet of mast. Instead of NMO, I use PL-259/SO239 connections on the antenna mount and antenna, so I can easily stick the antenna in the air and hook up with standard coax and connectors.

Both of my antennas are at least 5/8 wave, so no need for a ground plane kit or radials. I spoke with some of the Comet engineers at Hamvention one year when looking for a bicycle mobile antenna, checking into a radial kit, and was told by them I didn't need it, so they don't make one. My experience over the past 10 years with these antennas bears this out.

Again, good enough for what I do, FM communications locally or through repeaters. If I was a SSB contester I'd probably have a different set up.

There's a QD mount on the left side where my Father-in-law had a CB antenna when he had the vehicle and before he got licensed. If the band ever opens up my immediate plan is to throw my old Radio Shack 10 meter in and a Hamstick on the mount.

Nothing HF is going to clear the garage/carport obstacle course, so I don't see doing it on a daily basis.

If I ever get an DC-Daylight mobile, I'll be looking at a Tarheel with a trailer hitch mount for HF mobile, with some Hamsticks for more casual/contingency use. And of course, when parked, any kind of dipole etc. I can throw up.

My CB is a 20+ year old RS 40 channel and it rides in the rear storage compartment along with a cheap mag mount. Which is where it will probably stay 99%+ of the time as I have not found any utility for that band in the 20+ years I've had the radio. I could buy an antenna for the second mount (FIL kept his), but it's on my priority list right below my contribution to the Obama 12 campaign.

OBTW, when doing the electrical installation, 2 words, "Power Poles". They're the defacto standard for 12v DC power connections in emergency operations (and dejure in the ARRL ARES documentation). All of my gear (and the gear in Wife's car, and FILs truck) have been converted, or have adapters, and all radio power connections in all vehicles and shack are power poles. For power distribution I use a RIGrunner under the back seat. Handles the TM-D700, GPS, Weather Radio, and spare run for a second mobile when I run one during events. If you go this route (HIGHLY recommended), the crimper tool is worth every penny, and I say that after buying one at almost 1/3 again the price a few years ago.

I'll try to dig out pictures and post them later.

OK, Here's the pics

Long shot of back of vehicle Close up of mount
Radio body mounted under back seat. RIGrunner in lower left
Control head mounted just below air vents, GPS on dash

Not surprised, but I figure that at least 1/2 our "conversations" on here are for the other folks listening.

CByrneIV wrote:

randy wrote:Not surprised, but I figure that at least 1/2 our "conversations" on here are for the other folks listening.

That's true. It's more fun that way though.

Would ya speak up a bit, I am a bit deaf...

Randy, how did you attach the antenna to your truck. Is it screwed to the rear light side and how? Any clearance issues. And how is the ground plane at this location?
Note, I am reading the information for getting my Tech for Ham, can this stuff be more boring???