[Mobile-Portable] Prepping My Chevy Astro Van For Ham radio

Wed, 20 Feb 2002 21:12:04 -0500

THE SIZE IS WHAT MAKES IT UNCONFORTABLE, PREFER A COMET....
  ----- Original Message -----=20
  From: Trace Klassen=20
  To: [email protected] ; [email protected] ; =
[email protected]=20
  Sent: Mi=E9rcoles, 20 de Febrero de 2002 09:01 p.m.
  Subject: Re: [Mobile-Portable] Prepping My Chevy Astro Van For Ham =
radio

  Hmmm=20

  I can remember a story about a Ham tuning up into a dummy load only to =
be answered by another ham several miles away...... And a dummy load is =
the same size as a 1 Gallon paint can. Just because it is a 50 ohm load =
and a band width from dc to light does not make it a good antenna. Sure =
these fancy auto tuners will tune up a coat hanger on 80 m but how well =
does it radiate?=20

  Nothing beats a full size antenna for the band but its a little =
precarious to mount a 80m vertical on the back of a Pick-up truck.=20

  A screwdriver antenna has losses but then again what doesn't? But it =
makes the best of a bad situation. I have one and it works very well. =
When working mobiles ( both from home and from the Van ) the loudest =
mobiles are running 100 watts and screwdriver antennas. Yeah some run =
more power but the majority are barefoot. To get a NVIS arrangment, =
swing the antenna oner to 45 degrees or better and away you go. I have =
tried other mobile systems and a screwdriver is awfully nice when it's =
pouring rain and I want to change bands or just frequency within the =
band ( ie 80m )=20

  Just my 2 cents!

  Trace VE7RZ  http://ve7rz.tripod.com

  >why go through so much trouble? a Comet antenna fr all bands, a cheap =

  >Alinco DX 77 and a EDS2 manula tuner, will do the job! No need for =
diferent=20
  >antennas, switches, batteries ect ect..=20

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