More Ham Radio Questions

[CDN_Cruiser]

Yes, I realize that an autotuning antenna is really sub-optimal, but I think it should serve me for the majority of my mobile needs. My plan is to make a few diploes or long wire with tuner for home and 'up north' where I can run a real loooooonnnnngggggg wire!

A few questions on the HF antenna position and RF grounding. How far down the hatch have you been able to mount the antenna and still open the hatch? Is your groudning plan to ground to the hinge and then continue to run a strap down to the frame? I'm also wondering if I need to run additional ground straps from the muffler to frame, etc?

My plan is to run the box to the back of the truck. I will either mount it low down on my cargo barrier or in one of the side locations (which would make it harder to remove for home use).

I also plan to use the PowerPole connections so I can quickly swap the unit from the truck to home to 'up north' to battery operation etc. So I will need to do is unplug the power and antennas and I'm off.

I plan to take advantage of running a line for the remote operating mike and a mobile speaker. Did you run an external speaker - where is it and what kind?

With all the operators coming on board I think it's high time that we do a trial 2M IRLP IH8MUD net!

Cheers, Hugh

 

[ParadiseCruiser]

H -

>> How far down the hatch have you been able to mount the antenna and still open the hatch?

For a fixed antenna, just a couple of inches lower than you see in the pix. In practice though, I use a fold-over base so it's just a matter of turning a knurled knob and tipping the antenna out of the way... so it becomes a non-issue.

>> Is your groudning plan to ground to the hinge and then continue to run a strap down to the frame?

Yes.

>> I'm also wondering if I need to run additional ground straps from the muffler to frame, etc?

I'm finding that even when you do everything right (or think that you have...), you still end up with noise, especially on VHF SSB. So, yes on this one too.

>> I also plan to use the PowerPole connections...

All of my radios have PowerPoles, and am considering a few non-radio accessories as well. I will always have a couple of cigarette lighter plugs, though. Always come in handy for something or another.

>> Did you run an external speaker...

Yes, but just a Radio Shack special thrown on the floor in the back. Need to do something about that

>> With all the operators coming on board I think it's high time that we do a trial 2M IRLP IH8MUD net!

Although I'm not much for ham radio VoIPs, I think trying to get the ham radio Mudders on a net would be worth pursuing. That was one of the compelling reasons to get a list of the licensed hams in the first place - to see who they are, where they are located, etc. There are quite a few who, for some reason though, have not spoken up.

There is a small pocket - ever growing - of new licensees here within about a 150km radius of Sacramento, so we might try something locally as a trial balloon. I've had several contacts with Andy (CruiserDrew) on one of the local repeaters, so it's workable... at least to see how it might play.

Cheers, R -