[ADXA] Mobile Success

[Trent Fleming]

About a year ago I began a serious effort to have mobile HF in my Tahoe.  I
have an 857D which I first purchased for VHF sideband purposes - roving and
etc - but I thought it would be fun while traveling to have HF available.

Receiving was easy, and for a while that satisfied me.  But the SWR was a
bugger when trying to transmit.  So I did more investigations and began to
learn a lot about grounding and etc.  Here is one site I found especially
helpful - http://www.k0bg.com/rfi.html

I'm happy to report that for about 6 months now, I have successfully
operated 40m from my vehicle.  I usually amuse myself by checking into some
of the awards nets - when I am traveling I'm often able to give out
counties that someone needs.  I consistently get good audio and signal
strength reports (sometimes guys don't believe I'm mobile so I roll down
the window!) I have worked stations from washington state to maine to
florida here in the US.

But of course, like most of you, my interest is DX.  Band conditions are
improving of course, but I am now able to work Europe and the Caribbean
relatively easily.  and last night, about 0930 central time, while mobile
on I-40 from east of Jackson, TN, I worked ZS6CCY at 57 both ways.  We were
able to carry on a brief conversation.  He was very complimentary of my
signal.  Of course, Bill's antennas were doing a lot of the work.

My setup is an 857D, barefoot, with a 40m hamstick.  Fully extended it is a
beast, I have a 3/8" thread mount so I only attach it when I'm going to be
mobile for a significant period.  I finally found a good ground by using an
under the hood mount (see photo).  I also grounded the body of the radio (I
have the head mounted remotely) to the frame of the vehicle.  I may explore
other bands - or even a tuner - but honestly it is working so well on 40m I
am afraid to mess with it!  Now I can't trade my vehicle!

Needless to say I am thrilled.

Just thought I'd share some success with you.

73,

Trent
N4DTF
EM55



[image: image.png]
Trent Fleming


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