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

Wed, 20 Feb 2002 18:01:57 -0800

Hmmm 

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? 
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. 

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 ) 

Just my 2 cents!

Trace VE7RZ  http://ve7rz.tripod.com
&nbsp;

&gt;why go through so much trouble? a Comet antenna fr all bands, a cheap 

&gt;Alinco DX 77 and a EDS2 manula tuner, will do the job! No need for diferent 

&gt;antennas, switches, batteries ect ect.. 

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