HF mobile operation

[mrkane1952]

Greetings:

I recently upgraded my amateur radio license to Extra: Anybody
operating HF mobile from their coach? Any tips about antennas or other
issues such as conductive body panels?

Thanks--

M.R.Kane
KB1JTB
1985 PT40
currently Sanger, TX

[Bill Waller]

I too am an amateur operator and am in the process of restoring my 83 fc35 I am probably going to use a tarheel antenna with an icom 706 or an alinco dx70 for mobile use and i thought about putting a 5 band trapped vertical on the back and fold it over the top when not in use for stationary work. anyway that is my plan . With all of the steel in the bus it should work well We will see --- On Fri, 6/13/08, mrkane1952 <mrkane@...> wrote: From: mrkane1952 <mrkane@...> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] HF mobile operation To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, June 13, 2008, 9:37 PM Greetings: I recently upgraded my amateur radio license to Extra: Anybody operating HF mobile from their coach? Any tips about antennas or other issues such as conductive body panels? Thanks-- M.R.Kane KB1JTB 1985 PT40 currently Sanger, TX

[Marv & Jean]

Congratulations on upgrading to Extra Class.

There are a lot of mobile antennas being marketed today. I have had
good luck with the screw driver type antennas. They are available that
will tune 80 thru 6 meters with really low swr. Of course, dummy loads
have low swr. You could mount one of the screwdriver antennas on the
goat rail and raise it after stopping.

I have operated mobile over the years but I don't think I would try it
in while driving a bird. Driving while hamming is distracting and I
don't think I give adequate attention to either. I don't want to be
distracted while herding 16 tons down the road.

Just my two cents worth.

Marv - KG7V
2004 M380
Ocean Shores, WA

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mrkane1952" <mrkane@...>
wrote:
>
> Greetings:
>
> I recently upgraded my amateur radio license to Extra: Anybody
> operating HF mobile from their coach? Any tips about antennas or other
> issues such as conductive body panels?
>
> Thanks--
>
> M.R.Kane
> KB1JTB
> 1985 PT40
> currently Sanger, TX
>

[brad barton]

Marv, That's a pretty impressive call sign

Brad K5RLD

BradBarton00LXiDFW bbartonwx@...

---

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
From: marvwheeler@...
Date: Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:04:58 +0000
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: HF mobile operation

Congratulations on upgrading to Extra Class.

There are a lot of mobile antennas being marketed today. I have had
good luck with the screw driver type antennas. They are available that
will tune 80 thru 6 meters with really low swr. Of course, dummy loads
have low swr. You could mount one of the screwdriver antennas on the
goat rail and raise it after stopping.

I have operated mobile over the years but I don't think I would try it
in while driving a bird. Driving while hamming is distracting and I
don't think I give adequate attention to either. I don't want to be
distracted while herding 16 tons down the road.

Just my two cents worth.

Marv - KG7V
2004 M380
Ocean Shores, WA

--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", "mrkane1952" <mrkane@...>
wrote:
>
> Greetings:
>
> I recently upgraded my amateur radio license to Extra: Anybody
> operating HF mobile from their coach? Any tips about antennas or other
> issues such as conductive body panels?
>
> Thanks--
>
> M.R.Kane
> KB1JTB
> 1985 PT40
> currently Sanger, TX
>

---

Enjoy 5 GB of free, password-protected online storage. Get Windows Live SkyDrive.

[Donald Watson]

Congratulations as well on the upgrade!

Loading HF while in motion can be interesting with a lot of variables.
Years ago I ran HF from a Peterbilt tractor while hauling steel with a
flatbed. I used a Hustler mast with separate loading coils for each band.
When in motion, the wind would push the heavy spring mounted mast back at a
30 degree angle from the sleeper. Surprisingly, it worked and I would run
40 meter cw at night on long stretches of highway.

The newer automatic antenna tuners are reasonably priced and work extremely
well. I use two tuners in a marine installation, but plan to install one in
my bus. As Marv mentioned, an antenna mount and vertical antenna attached
to the goat rail would be an excellent choice for stationary use only due to
the height. In this application, a steel ¼ wave 108" CB antenna works well.
The screwdriver antenna Marv mentions does not require an antenna tuner, but
rather a close watch on a thru-line wattmeter to insure that the antenna is
manually tuned properly.

I have considered a horizontal long wire on top of the bus, supported by
several inch long spring loaded non-metallic stubs, but this is far from
ideal because of the close proximity to the metal coach roof and goat rail.
If you wanted to operate while moving, you certainly could attach a vertical
to a trailer hitch. If you plan on using an automatic tuner, it would be
best to mount the tuner as close to the antenna and feed it with either
GTO-15 high voltage wire or non-grounded RG213, RG-8 or 8X.

This past year, I have logged eleven Wanderlodge hams in a spreadsheet,
amateurs discovered via QST or Wanderlodge related forums. If anyone would
like to share and update this list, please email me.

Donn
KW2G
76FC33
South Kingstown, RI
dwatson(at)oceaninlay(dot)com

PS: I once knew a W1JTB


From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of mrkane1952
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 9:38 PM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] HF mobile operation

Greetings:

I recently upgraded my amateur radio license to Extra: Anybody
operating HF mobile from their coach? Any tips about antennas or other
issues such as conductive body panels?

Thanks--

M.R.Kane
KB1JTB
1985 PT40
currently Sanger, TX
_,_._,___

[Bill Waller]

Bill kc4ovy 83 FC-35 Gainesville/Atlanta Ga You can definatley put me on the list --- On Sat, 6/14/08, Donald Watson wrote: From: Donald Watson Subject: RE: [WanderlodgeForum] HF mobile operation To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Saturday, June 14, 2008, 4:51 PM Congratulations as well on the upgrade! Loading HF while in motion can be interesting with a lot of variables. Years ago I ran HF from a Peterbilt tractor while hauling steel with a flatbed. I used a Hustler mast with separate loading coils for each band. When in motion, the wind would push the heavy spring mounted mast back at a 30 degree angle from the sleeper. Surprisingly, it worked and I would run 40 meter cw at night on long stretches of highway. The newer automatic antenna tuners are reasonably priced and work extremely well. I use two tuners in a marine installation, but plan to install one in my bus. As Marv mentioned, an antenna mount and vertical antenna attached to the goat rail would be an excellent choice for stationary use only due to the height. In this application, a steel ¼ wave 108" CB antenna works well. The screwdriver antenna Marv mentions does not require an antenna tuner, but rather a close watch on a thru-line wattmeter to insure that the antenna is manually tuned properly. I have considered a horizontal long wire on top of the bus, supported by several inch long spring loaded non-metallic stubs, but this is far from ideal because of the close proximity to the metal coach roof and goat rail. If you wanted to operate while moving, you certainly could attach a vertical to a trailer hitch. If you plan on using an automatic tuner, it would be best to mount the tuner as close to the antenna and feed it with either GTO-15 high voltage wire or non-grounded RG213, RG-8 or 8X. This past year, I have logged eleven Wanderlodge hams in a spreadsheet, amateurs discovered via QST or Wanderlodge related forums. If anyone would like to share and update this list, please email me. Donn KW2G 76FC33 South Kingstown, RI dwatson(at)oceaninl ay(dot)com PS: I once knew a W1JTB From: "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com" [mailto:"WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com"] On Behalf Of mrkane1952 Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 9:38 PM To: "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com" Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] HF mobile operation Greetings: I recently upgraded my amateur radio license to Extra: Anybody operating HF mobile from their coach? Any tips about antennas or other issues such as conductive body panels? Thanks-- M.R.Kane KB1JTB 1985 PT40 currently Sanger, TX _,_._,___

[Marv & Jean]

Brad:

When I upgraded to Extra back in he 90's that is the call the FCC
issued to me. Since I am predominately a CW operator I was ecstatic
with with KG7V. It really flows off the key.

Talking about calls, one of my very best friends passed away last
month and he had one of the best call available. He was W4DX. There
will be a ton of applications when that one becomes available for
reissue.

Maybe I will run into you on the air sometime.

Marv - KG7V
2004 M380
Ocean Shores, WA


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, brad barton <bbartonwx@...>
wrote:
>
> Marv, That's a pretty impressive call sign
> Brad K5RLDBrad Barton 00LXiDFW bbartonwx@...
>
>
> To: WanderlodgeForum@...: marvwheeler@...: Sat, 14 Jun 2008
16:04:58 +0000Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: HF mobile operation
>
>
>
>
> Congratulations on upgrading to Extra Class.There are a lot of
mobile antennas being marketed today. I have had good luck with the
screw driver type antennas. They are available that will tune 80 thru
6 meters with really low swr. Of course, dummy loads have low swr.
You could mount one of the screwdriver antennas on the goat rail and
raise it after stopping.I have operated mobile over the years but I
don't think I would try it in while driving a bird. Driving while
hamming is distracting and I don't think I give adequate attention to
either. I don't want to be distracted while herding 16 tons down the
road.Just my two cents worth.Marv - KG7V2004 M380Ocean Shores, WA---
In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mrkane1952" <mrkane@> wrote:>>
Greetings:> > I recently upgraded my amateur radio license to Extra:
Anybody> operating HF mobile from their coach? Any tips about
antennas or other> issues such as conductive body panels?> > Thanks--
> > M.R.Kane> KB1JTB> 1985 PT40> currently Sanger, TX>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Enjoy 5 GB of free, password-protected online storage.
> http://www.windowslive.com/skydrive/overview.html?
ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_skydrive_062008
>

[brad barton]

Marv,

I'm just a tech/meteorologist with a two-meter rig in the office and one at home, nothing mobile. You CW guys are the real hams.

BradBarton00LXiDFW bbartonwx@...

---

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
From: marvwheeler@...
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 2008 01:26:09 +0000
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: HF mobile operation

Brad:

When I upgraded to Extra back in he 90's that is the call the FCC
issued to me. Since I am predominately a CW operator I was ecstatic
with with KG7V. It really flows off the key.

Talking about calls, one of my very best friends passed away last
month and he had one of the best call available. He was W4DX. There
will be a ton of applications when that one becomes available for
reissue.

Maybe I will run into you on the air sometime.

Marv - KG7V
2004 M380
Ocean Shores, WA

--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", brad barton <bbartonwx@.<WBR>..>
wrote:
>
> Marv, That's a pretty impressive call sign
> Brad K5RLDBrad Barton 00LXiDFW bbartonwx@...
>
>
> To: WanderlodgeForum@...: marvwheeler@...: Sat, 14 Jun 2008
16:04:58 +0000Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: HF mobile operation
>
>
>
>
> Congratulations on upgrading to Extra Class.There are a lot of
mobile antennas being marketed today. I have had good luck with the
screw driver type antennas. They are available that will tune 80 thru
6 meters with really low swr. Of course, dummy loads have low swr.
You could mount one of the screwdriver antennas on the goat rail and
raise it after stopping.I have operated mobile over the years but I
don't think I would try it in while driving a bird. Driving while
hamming is distracting and I don't think I give adequate attention to
either. I don't want to be distracted while herding 16 tons down the
road.Just my two cents worth.Marv - KG7V2004 M380Ocean Shores, WA---
In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", "mrkane1952" <mrkane@> wrote:>>
Greetings:> > I recently upgraded my amateur radio license to Extra:
Anybody> operating HF mobile from their coach? Any tips about
antennas or other> issues such as conductive body panels?> > Thanks--
> > M.R.Kane> KB1JTB> 1985 PT40> currently Sanger, TX>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________________
> Enjoy 5 GB of free, password-protected online storage.
> http://www.windowslive.com/skydrive/overview.html?
ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_skydrive_062008
>

---

Enjoy 5 GB of free, password-protected online storage. Get Windows Live SkyDrive.

[krminyl@...]

Donn,

Add another.....

N6PSY (Amateur Extrra)

Kevin McKeown

Yorba Linda, CA

1986 38' PT

---

Vote for your city's best dining and nightlife. City's Best 2008.

[mrkane1952]

Thanks for the replies.

Attended the Plano hamfest yesterday---won a 2008 ARRL Handbook as
door prize---and was able to talk to the fellow from Tarheel Antennas.
He said the bottom of the exposed coil section should be above the
roof line for best function on a metal-bodied vehicle. That rules out
mobile operations from a BB due to the resulting excessive overall
height. He had scrapbooks picturing customers' installations, which
included a late-80's FC in Tennesee. It was using a motorized tip-up
mount inside the goat rail on the street side near the back.

Most of the places my travels have taken me in the coach have no trees
suitable for a long wire antenna--lots of mesquite in TX and NM, but
they only get about shoulder high. Up 'til now, I've been using a
Buddipole on a tripod or push-pole with my Ten-Tec Jupiter, in
combination with an amplified vertical receiving antenna with my Drake
R8B. I could search for signals with the R8 omni-directional
vertical, then hand orient the Buddipole for the transceiver.

Set-up with the Buddipole was tiresome when I was driving more often,
and susceptible to misadventure from winds and neighbors. Seems a
roof-mount tilting vertical or a push-up mast make the most sense.
Portable (stationary) operation eliminates issues with engine noise
and rf interference with onboard systems, I guess, although a purely
mechanical non-DDEC DD ought to be just about bullet proof.



M.R.Kane
KB1JTB
1985 PT40
currently Sanger, TX