Synopsis for the non-Ham audience (yes Denis, I'm looking at you!
)Bought the radio in February.
Picked up a motorized antenna with a controller that adjusts it for the frequency the radio is set to at a recent convention of Amateur Radio operators.
Just installed the whole thing in my truck.
Spoke with a couple of gentleman that act as moderators of folks that get together regularly on certain frequencies while on a trip to a nearby town.
I'm most happy and somewhat surprised on how easy it all went together, the result of much research and helpful friends. Ready for the summer vacation to the Badlands area in a little over a month.
Anyone with an appropriate Amateur license drop me a line and maybe we can set up some scheduled contacts.
WARNING: MASSIVE HAM GEEKERY TO FOLLOW!
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BT
Picked up a Little Tarheel II Screwdriver antenna and a Turbo Tuner controller at Hamvention earlier this month.
Finally installed it all with my IC-706MKIIG in the Trailblazer over the past couple of weekends.
Yesterday while on a trip to the local Radio Candy Store here in South West Ohio, I was able to make contacts on 40 meters. The 72 Rag Chew Net (7.272 MHz) and MidCars (7.285 MHz) . Both reported good copy and good audio. Was able to hear several stations in Louisiana, Texas, New York and Illinois, even though the common consensus was that the band was crappy yesterday (around Noon Eastern).
The 72 Net Control was near Atlanta Georgia. The MID CARS near Cincinnati, so must have had him in ground wave.
I was running 100 watts and had the long whip (56”) in the Tarheel. Tuned up to 1.5:1 or better. The built in Pre-Amp on the 706 was very helpful.
Turbo Tuner is slicker than snail snot. Just hit the Tune button on the 706, the tuner commands the Tarheel to start moving and then monitors for lowest SWR using the internal meter of the 706, and stops the antenna when the SWR dips. Really nice for mobile operations.
Still lots to learn and figure out, but I think I’m set for Mobile HF ops during the family trip South Dakota/Nebraska in July. I plan to check in daily on MidCars and then work whatever seems fun at the time. Will be monitoring 146.520 as well for local ops.
Anybody wants to try to set up some Skeds, drop me a private line.
Pictures to follow
