[Icom] AH-4 & Hamstick

[Kim Bottles]

Martin (& others)

I don't have any pictures yet as I just finished the installation
Sunday, but basically all I did was strap the tuner to a four magnet
roof mount where the output insulator is right next to the bottom of the
whip. I have a one inch piece of heavy (#12) wire connecting the tuner
to the bottom of the whip. Then I have a 15 inch piece of RG-8 coax
braid running from the tuner ground to one of the bolts holding the roof
rack on the VW Passat Wagon.

I used a SS hose clamp around the body of the tuner and mag mount. It is
not very pretty, but it is only a temporary mount as I bought the tuner
for my boat. I have a trip to make this weekend to California in the car
and wanted to try out the new AH-4.

I would say your idea of an aluminum plate bolted to the roof rack is a
good one. I did take some care to make sure my roof rack was a low
resistance connection to the rest of the car body for grounding. My
guess is that many people skimp on the grounding connection, but past
experiences with sailboat installations have convinced me to pay much
attention to the ground connection. Heavy wire is not enough, use strap
or braid.

Cheers!

Kim - K7IM


My real question to you is concerning the installation of the tuner and
whip. I have an AH-2 that I use with my IC706 MkII. I would like to use
it mobile but just can't figure the best way to mount it. I have a 98
model Jeep Cherokee and I was thinking of fixing the tuner to an
aluminium plate, along with the whip, and bolting the whole lot to the
roof bars.

I would be very interested to see what you have done to mount the tuner
and whip. If you have any pictures that could be emailed or seen on a
web site that would be great.

73's
Martin, HS0ZED