[Mobile-Portable] Question about HF mobile

[AD5PE]

Do you have a metal garage door that was close to the antenna when you tuned
it?

Jay
AD5PE 

-----Original Message-----
From: mobile-portable-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:mobile-portable-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Arthur F.
Clemons
Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 19:16
To: Mobile-Portable Reflector
Subject: Re: [Mobile-Portable] Question about HF mobile


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