[ICOM] IC-7000 and Better RF antenna controller

[D C *Mac* Macdonald]

Hi, Gary (and all).
 
We will ALL be surprised at how many things we
believe are "grounded" together really are not!

Hi Sierra sells lengths of good flattened,
tinned, shield braid with a grommet every
six inches. Flat copper strap should also be
good.
 
I would suggest making a ground "bridge" with
braid or strap between ANY part of what you
think is grounded by being BOLTED together.
 
Star washers (stainless at Ace Hardware or
equiv?) and whatever gooey and messy black or
grey stuff you prefer for anti-corrosion grease.
Not a bad idea to run through the procedure
every six to 12 months, either!

Mobile HF ain't for sissies, as you have discovered!

* * * * * * * * * * *
* 73 - Mac, K2GKK/5 *
* (Since 30 Nov 53) *
* Oklahoma City, OK *
* USAF, Ret (61-81) *
* * * * * * * * * * *



> Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:50:11 -0700
> From: gfiber at comcast.net
> To: icom at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [ICOM] IC-7000 and Better RF antenna controller
> 
> Mac,
> 
> Maybe a HS-1800 issue. I just about 2 months ago installed a new tuning 
> spring and disassembled the bottom, cleaned it up an the coil, , coated 
> with new anti corrosion grease and reassembled the HS-1800. I'll get to 
> it this weekend. The antenna mount is welded to te trailer draw hitch 
> but maybe it also needs a ground strap, would not think so but i have 
> some 1.5 inch wide copper flat strap and I will add a piece to see if 
> that makes any difference. Also give the rest of the instillation a good 
> look over. Just seems funny it works fine for a few days then seems not 
> to achieve a good SWR, then works fine again. Does sound like RFI or a 
> ground problem. Noting on the vehicle is being affected though, 
> shifting, ABS brakes, throttle control, even the BC band radio works 
> very well.
> 
> Came home and there was a power outage, now the esktop will not boot, it 
> was on while I was at work. Another weekend project it would seem.
> 
> Thanks for your reply
> 
> Gary K8IZ
> 
> On 6/16/2011 9:23 AM, D C *Mac* Macdonald wrote:
> > It's probably the HS-1800 itself that has
> > gone intermittent on you. I have an HS-1500
> > with my 706 Mk II and the base connection
> > seems to lose good contact after a few months
> > of operation. No automatic stuff here, but
> > my symptoms are the same. Clean ALL of the
> > connections involving the antenna and make
> > sure you have a REALLY GOOD connection to
> > the vehicle chassis at the antenna base.
> > The grounding strap there is another likely
> > problem area.
> >
> > * * * * * * * * * * *
> > * 73 - Mac, K2GKK/5 *
> > * (Since 30 Nov 53) *
> > * Oklahoma City, OK *
> > * USAF, Ret (61-81) *
> > * * * * * * * * * * *
> >
> >
> > ----------------------------------------
> > 
> >> Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2011 09:04:46 -0700
> >> From: gfiber at comcast.net
> >> To: icom at mailman.qth.net
> >> Subject: [ICOM] IC-7000 and Better RF antenna controller
> >>
> >> Any one running the combination of IC-7000 and the 2 piece Better RF
> >> Screwdriver antenna controller combination along with one of the
> >> screwdriver antennas?
> >> I have it operating my HS-1800/PRO antenna. It works fine some days and
> >> some days is seems to have lost its mind and will not find a low SWR point.
> >> Yesterday I turned it off hitting the tune button and in a few moments
> >> it turned back on and put the rig into transmit and moved the antenna to
> >> one end of its travel.
> >> I will do a reset this weekend and go after it again. Likely I need to
> >> do more bonding on my 2009 Tacoma but sure seems to be apparently
> >> bothered by any possible RFI and I don't notice any in my other equipment.
> >>
> >> Another question have any of you used a similar combination using the
> >> N2VZ turbo Tuner? Are you happy with either?
> >>
> >> I actually got spoiled using the IC-706MKII non G model with the
> >> HS-1800/PRO and the AN-COMM controller it mostly never missed a beat
> >> unless I hosed it up a few times.
> >> Then a quick reset and I was back in business and I did not have every
> >> piece of the vehicle bonded when using that combination.
> >> Had that combination for probably 9 years running on 3 different vehicles.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Gary P. Fiber K8IZ
> >>
> >> General Radio Telephone Operators License PG-19-6691,
> >> with Shipboard Radar Endorsement.
> >> Washington State Resident.
> >>
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> >>
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> > Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.316 MHz
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> Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.316 MHz
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