[Mobile-Portable] Laptops Near Mobile Rigs

[doc]

Any experiences with a laptop 2-6 inches away from the gear?

I worry about RF noise, especially on HF.

> LAPTOP--PHYSICAL PLACEMENT
> Where are you going to operate the laptop from, the driver or passenger
> side?

Either.  I would probably mount the laptop on a
lazy susan and the lazy susan on top of the metal
console box.  Just so long as a cover for the
metal box would also cover the laptop and the
lazy susan and seal everything.

> I am considering mobile PSK-31, and etc., but for that operation my
> intention is to stop, get out, and operate from the passenger seat so I
> will have more room and comfort without the steering wheel on my way. Of
> course, strictly speaking this is Ham Portable Operation.

I also want to be able to run APRS and mapping, mobile SSTV,
DSSTV, and ATV, and voice-to-digital HF modes.

> And, laptops are OK on the lap, but off my lap laptop is better for me...
> Since seeing your console idea posted here I am now considering some kind
> of a small (perhaps slightly swiveling) platform atop a removable
> swing-arm ... on which to place the laptop for when I am operating from
> the passenger side. Also, the control head could be mounted on this set-up
> of ease of use.

I have a couple of pivoting computer mounts here
that I suppose could be modified and there are a
lot of them on the market for law enforcement apps.

I also have a heavy duty radio mount with a mic
clip that I was going to use but now will not in
favor of the box.  I suppose I should take some
pictures and post them rather than having them
collect dust here.

> (This same would also aid a passenger's use of a laptop for word
> processing, watching a DVD, or Hamming in the auto when the driving Ham
> was simply driving.

We found the drive back from NC to FL much more
peaceful when I broke out my laptop, popped in
a DVD, and sat it on one child's lap while the
others watched!

> I would select a spot on which to mount a base and then use heated plastic
> tubing to bend, fashion, and model just the right swing-arm shape...which
> could then be bent in metal pipe to the correct form by any pipe bender.

It can be a challenge to do it just-right.  One
does not want flying objects in an emergency stop
nor an avoidable serious injury in an accident.

The most common point used for securing the base
seems to be to lift one or two seat bolts and to
attach there.

-- 
Thanks! & 73, doc kd4e  http://bibleseven.com
Ham Links: http://bibleseven.com/hl.html