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