HF mobile operation

[Glenn Allen]

Glenn Allen
KF4MZQ
Marietta, GA
1986 PT40
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Donald Watson" wrote:
>
> 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
> _,_._,___
>