[Mobile-Portable] Mobile antenna tuner questions

[joel hallas]

Phil,

I do a similar thing with my mobile set-up. In my case I use an 
IC-706Mk2 and Hustler with coils driven by an SG-237 auto tuner. What I 
do is use a particular coil for its design band and an octave lower. For 
example, I usually have the 20 meter coil installed and use it on 20, 30 
and 40 meters (it also works on 6 m with any coil, if that does anything 
for you). It works well, although not as well as the 40 m coil on 40, 
for example.

The SGC doesn't require any kind of interface to work, just hit if with 
RF and it tunes. I happen to use the BetterRF gizmo that lets the 706 
put out 20 W when I push the TUNE button, but it's not necessary. Before 
I had that I used to switch to AM and hit the PTT to tune, it puts out 
40 W there, so less QRM and easier on the relays in the tuner.

One thing about the LDG tuners that I've looked at, they seem to require 
that you reduce power when tuning, the SGC doesn't have that 
requirement. I'm not sure about the Icom, but it's normal operation with 
the TUNE button is at reduced power.

BTW, if you use coax between the antenna and tuner keep it very short. 
In my installation I have about 2 ft and the capacitance restricts the 
tuning range somewhat, although so far I've found a combination whip 
length and tuner operation that works everywhere I want to.

GL & 73, Joel
Joel Hallas, W1ZR

Phil Atchley wrote:

> 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?
>
> ******************************************************
> 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
>
> ******************************************************
> ----
> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC, mobile-portable-owner at mailman.qth.net
>