[Mobile-Portable] Question about HF mobile

[Arthur F. Clemons]

ka5bkg:
> Hello all, I'm new to the list here and also new to HF mobile and I'm having a problem that has me stumped.
> 
> I'm running a Icom 706MKII with a Hustler 40m ant on my truck.
> 
> I can be in front of my house and I get full output on 40m and everything works great...
> 
> I check into a 40m traffic net during my lunch break and my power out is abt 50 watts, and swr is 2.3-1...
> 
> I just stumped and what could be happening and need some advice, suggestions, on what I'm doing wrong...
> 
> Or better yet, what happens to my HF mobile from the time I leave my house and why it acts like it does once I get to work.


There are several possible explanations, first, you somehow could have a
great ground at home, or something at home like an HF antenna is
reacting in a favorable manner with your Hustler.  In fact, I suspect
you likely tuned up your antenna in front of your house.

When you're at work, you could have something, any of a variety of
things detuning your radiating system.  Other cars, overhead wires and
the like could be the cause.  Alternatively if you tuned correctly at
home, the two environments could be entirely different.

Do you have an RF analyzer similar to the MFJ259B or some similar tool?
 If so, you can check you setup easily and quickly at work, at some spot
well away from anything ala a nice deserted parking lot not near
overhead wires and then on the job.  I suspect you want to tune up where
you most use your mobile rig, if you mostly use it at lunch hour, then
tune up there for a fast solution.  Mobile antennas detune all the time,
it's not surprising you've discovered this problem, but once again, the
best solution might be something like a screwdriver which can be easily
tuned.  73 de n8blk/3