[Mobile-Portable] Mobile HF antenna

[Paul - VE3ZT]

99 percent of my operating in CW. I'm running an FT-100 and use a bencher 
paddle that sits on the passenger seat when the xyl isn't in the car, and 
between my legs when she's aboard.

I'm using a 10 foot whip mounted on the roof of my Ford Focus wagon, with 
the aid of 4 magnets. I'm using a Vectronics tuner and operate primarily on 
10 meters. I find that it's a killer especially on 10 and 17 meters, and 
works well down to 14 mHz.

I've got all the Hamsticks from through 6m and find that the 10-foot whip 
works as well, or better, from 14 mHz to 30 mHz.

I've been thinking of using one of those auto tuners right at the base of 
the antenna.

Anybody tried running about 30 feet of wire from the shield of the coax (at 
the antenna end) down and under the car, and routing it around under the 
chassis, as a counterpoise? Somebody told me this is effective.

73, Paul
VE3ZT