[Harc] Mobile (and antenna) ideas

[MJ Inabnit]

Hi Cliff,

Good questions.  First, why limit your antenna gain to an x50?  Do you
want to make sure your signal is marginal?

I'm on a very small lot, but I maximized my VHF/UHF signal by using a
very high gain vertical.  My point is, DON'T be afraid of gain!  It's a
little more money going in, but my god, the pay off is 10-20 years of
really great signals.  My antenna is a Diamond X510NJ.

We recently shared in a money pool to help one of our Net Control
stations get a better antenna up.  This stations signals were night and
day.  The new antenna is a moderate gain antenna <Diamond ZDM-X300A>.
Again, it was NIGHT and day difference from his old antenna to the new
antenna.

LMR400 is a good choice, however, a good RG213 or RG214 will also do
well for you (30' is a very short run of coax and signal losses will be
minimal.)  https://www.dxengineering.com can probably supply any length
of coax with factory connectors for you.

I use solar here.  I went through 3 power supplies the first year I was
on HF.  This made me angry, so I switched to an automotive battery, then
to larger deep cycle type batteries.  My entire radio shack is powered
by the sun today.  This is why my station and my UHF repeater were on
the air during all the blackouts.  But this is probably more than most
hams are willing to invest in.  So, I think a good LINEAR power supply
would serve you well.  If you buy a 30 amp supply, it will power both
your VHF/UHF rig plus an HF rig.  My advice here is to avoid the
cheaper/smaller switching power supplies.

I think your Kenwood suggestion is good.  I think that radio will serve
you well.

Good work asking all these questions Cliff.  Advice, once simmered, can
yield a fine cup of ham chocolate!

73


On 7/5/20 3:44 PM, Cliff VanCott via Harc wrote:
> Hello again!  
> 
> Thanks to all for the great recommendations and personal insights.  The
> experiences you've shared help me a lot and I've zeroed in on a Kenwood
> TM-V71A and either a Comet GP-3, or (most likely) the Diamond x50...
> mounted on the peak of the roof.
> 
> What I'd like to follow up with is this... What Power Supplies do you
> use?  I'm leaning towards something with power poles on the front (I do
> intend to move the radio from my house to the car often enough to make
> easy dis-re-connecting a consideration), and am not ready to build my
> 'ammo can' go-box yet, so a 120vac to 13.8vdc 30-amp (peak) power supply
> of some kind seems reasonable.  (vice the Bioenno with charger option) 
> (BTW... There are a couple of LARGE ammo cans listed on Craigslist today!)
> 
> What power supply do you use and what do you like/dislike about it? 
> Where do you find that you shop for things like this the most?  Am I
> missing something?... I encourage your input!
> 
> 
> Also... I figure I'm gonna need a ~30 foot feed line, and am leaning
> towards LMR 400.  Where do you find the best source for genuine coax
> (with fittings already attached)?  I realize this is one thing that some
> counterfeit poorly, so I don't want to substitute for a faulty product. 
> Any good ideas on how recognize the real thing... or what acceptable
> substitutes you've found effective?  This will be installed once and
> left in place, so I'm okay with a solid vice stranded core, not sure if
> there's other considerations I need to think about.
> 
> 
> So, thank you to all who have responded earlier, and to all who are
> willing to share your experiences.  I feel like I'm starting down a path
> MANY here have already traveled, and am always grateful for advice.  
> 
> Thank you... Cliff  KN6CEJ
> 


-- 

wishing you well
Jaye, ke6sls--via the toshiba w/thunderchicken