[Mobile-Portable] Mobile antenna tuner questions

[Phil Atchley]

Hi all,

I'm looking at doing a mobile instllation of my Kenwood TS-130 HF rig into 
my Ford F-150 (yes I have room).  There IS a limited budget for the 
installation. Anyway, a few notes and questions.

1.  The TS-130 DOESN'T have an internal interface for auto-tuner.  It IS 
easy to put out a steady CW carrier by selecting CW mode and pressing the 
PTT on the mike.

2.  I've already discussed the installation with LDG autotuners and they 
don't have ANYTHING that will do what I want it to to and suggested either 
the Icom AH-4 or SGC tuner.

3.  I'm considering using an Icom AH-4 autotuner with a whip antenna mounted 
HIGH on the inside wall of the pickup bed.  YES, I realize they may be less 
efficient than a quality screwdriver, but the price meets my budget AND I 
have enough trouble "keeping it between the whitelines" without having to 
watch an SWR meter while tuning!

4.  I have located the plans for a very simple interface (pushbutton, LED, 
etc) to allow the use of the AH-4 with ANY radio putting out 10 or more 
Watts in CW mode.  Has anyone done this and if so, did it work reliably?

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73 de Phil,  KO6BB
DX begins at the noise floor!

THE BEACONEER'S LAIR:  http://www.geocities.com/ko6bb/
QSL GALLERY: http://photobucket.com/albums/y123/KO6BB/
Merced, Central California,    37.3N  120.48W  CM97sh

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