[ILQSO] mobile antennas

[Jimk8mr at aol.com]

There was a piece on modeling mobile antennas in the NCJ a couple of years  
ago, and the conclusion that the size of the vehicle did not make a big  
difference (at least between a van and a compact car. Flatbed semis were not  
analyzed).

I've done mobile operations from full size minivans, Ford  Escorts, and 
Honda Fits.  I could not tell any difference in how I got  out.  Vehicle noise 
and comfort levels were more  variable.

Evaluations on my mobile signal will be much appreciated (i.e.  work me! - 
and others too) next Saturday (Aug 22) in the Ohio QSO Party.   1600z 
Saturday to 0400z Sunday. Full scoop at       www.ohqp.org

I will be running a 54" Hustler with resonators for 80 CW  (low power 
resonator), 40, 20, and 15 (all high power resonators), plus a  HamStick for 75 
SSB.  Vehicle will be a Honda Odyssey. Antennas mounted on  the roof. Radio 
is an IC-746.


73   -    Jim   K8MR



In a message dated 8/14/2009 12:12:24 A.M.  Eastern Daylight Time, 
jfunk at fossnorthamerica.com writes:

One huge plus is a lot of metal under the antennas.  Full-sized  van is 
good.  Large pickup is good.  Small sedan...not so good.   Antennas mounted 
near the center of the vehicle avoids directivity.  Ground  everything, then 
ground it again.  A balun of several loops of coax near  the radio helps keep 
down RF in the "shack". The more mast you can put under the  resonators, the 
better.