[Harc] Mobile (and antenna) ideas

Mon Jun 29 21:40:16 CDT 2020

 Yeah... the whole antenna thing is another issue I will be addressing soon.  Now I rely on my dual band mag-mount (Comet brand?) which is a noticeable improvement over the rubber ducky... but still is a big limiting factor.  My initial drive was to communicate while on my feet in a disaster (active in CERT and SCOP) which is why I went to the HT as my first.  I know most recommend a good mobile first... but that's just the way I did it.  
I will eventually ammo-can/lunch-box my mobile, so am looking forward to the antenna presentation on the 16th for some insight into the portable one he builds/sells.  I can cut wires and solder... but see no reason to reinvent the wheel if someone can do it for me RIGHT the first time. His antennas are well thought of, and I'll probably get one of the portables for the ammo-can set-up... but also want the best I can do as a permanent antenna setup here at the house.  Couple some good permanent antenna with a nice power supply (or maybe bioenno on charger, to carry out the door in ammo-can mode) for my home shack, but still be grab and go ready if the need arises.
Tell me more about your dipole when you get some time... I hear that term a lot, and must admit I have a visual, but am unclear on the concept.  SO many things to learn! 
No covenants here... but do want to stay away from the antenna farm look!  Subtle but effective will prevail.  Two story house with a nice south facing roof should provide me with many effective options.
I know next to nothing re antennas (except to 'get the best you can afford' seems to by the main mantra!) but intend to research that more once I get the issue of which mobile worked out first.
Lot's of bla-bla-bla there... but once I get going it's hard to stop!  NOW I hear dinner calling! Bye.. Cliff  KN6CEJ

    On Monday, June 29, 2020, 10:51:00 AM PDT, Richard Kern KN6FXK via Harc <harc at humboldt-arc.org> wrote:  

 Hello Cliff.
We're going through similar issues with which way to go with equipment.
What are you planning to do for an antenna?  Outside?  Inside?  Does your housing put limitations on what you can do?
I've been playing with home made antennas mounted inside almost since I got my Tech license, and tell you that a good dipole hung on your wall is a huge leap forward for your ht.  I went from having to "aim between the trees" to trip the repeater to having what I have been told is a clear signal.  Same handheld, real antenna.
I like the mobile rigs (I got a cheap one I wouldn't recommend) which works well, but remember you'll have to power it.  It doesn't plug into the wall, so you'll need to also get a power supply.
You can email me at rdkern at reninet.com if you wish to hear about my attempts at antenna design. 

Richard

--- harc at humboldt-arc.org wrote:

From: Kevin Bayless via Harc <harc at humboldt-arc.org>
To: HARC email reflector <harc at humboldt-arc.org>
Cc: Kevin Bayless <kk6mpt at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Harc] Mobile (and antenna) ideas
Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2020 20:57:46 -0700

I ran into the same problem. My HT just wasn't powerful enough. I ended up buying a Yaesu FTM-400dr.  Ive need extremely happy with it. Love the touchscreen with built in APRS.  It is dual band with dual receive. It does digital but i haven't even tried figuring it out yet.  Another feature I enjoy is the ability to program it via computer and set up different programming profiles on different micro SD cards.  My intent was to install it in my truck but I like it so much I have been keeping it in my shack. 
On Sun, Jun 28, 2020, 20:39 Cliff VanCott via Harc <harc at humboldt-arc.org> wrote:

Hi all, 
One of the lessons I learned today (Field Day) is this... my HT isn't gonna cut it for the transmit power and versatility I want!  My Yaesu FT60R is a fine work horse... but a limited one.  

I hope to add a mobile to my inventory... and would like YOUR inputs as to best features to look for, the things to watch out for and any suggestions on questions I should answer before I hit the order button!  I am very interested in your opinions about your rig... and I may come back to local owners with more questions once I buy my own.
I am a new Technician... but will eventually upgrade to General.  I currently only hit v-and-uhf via voice... most likely won't chase cw.  I will eventually get into digital, and understand that 40 meter IS something I want to access, because it's useful here in Humboldt.  I'll also want to do emergency message-ing... my primary motivation for radio is supporting emergency communications when things go sideways (...but I enjoy the social aspect of the club too.)
I also like the idea of being able to access the world via a link to my mobile, while i'm carrying my HT down in the canyon.
So... if you have some info to share, I am open.  Suggestions, comments, pitfalls to avoid and 'don't get one without xxxxx' all will help me figure it out.  What do you have that you like? What do you wish you'd done different.  

Thanks... I appreciate your help and WILL see you someday! (... and we'll chat on the air!)   Cliff-- 
Harc mailing list
Harc at humboldt-arc.org
http://mail.humboldt-arc.org/mailman/listinfo/harc_humboldt-arc.org

-- Harc mailing listHarc at humboldt-arc.orghttp://mail.humboldt-arc.org/mailman/listinfo/harc_humboldt-arc.org-- 
Harc mailing list
Harc at humboldt-arc.org
http://mail.humboldt-arc.org/mailman/listinfo/harc_humboldt-arc.org

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mail.humboldt-arc.org/pipermail/harc_reflector.humboldt-arc.org/attachments/20200630/4e967691/attachment.html>