What HF Aerial for caravan travel ?
Submitted: Monday, Apr 25, 2011 at 10:59
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hazo
Hi
I am a (new to HF) licenced amateur, wondering what multi band antennae's anyone may be using whilst travelling in a caravan, and obviously moving around fairly regularly.
I have a mobile multi-tapped whip on the Troopy, which I can run a cable into the caravan, but find having to go outside to change bands a pain (especially if raining !)
Just wondered what any other amateurs may use ? I have looked at the G5RV, but unsure if it would be suitable in my situation.
I have a Yaesu FT 897D with separate LDG 897 antennae tuner.
A screwdriver type auto tune antennae would not be suitable as it would require power from the vehicle whilst tuning.
Sorry if this is OT, but I know lots of 4WD travellers are amateurs too.
Reply By: Member - Steve M1 - Monday, Apr 25, 2011 at 16:36
Monday, Apr 25, 2011 at 16:36
hazo,
Try out an old AN/GRC-106 or AN/GRC-47. Reel out ant.( horizontal 1/2 wave bi-pole whilst in 1 spot to cover 2.0MHZ to 40.0 MHZ . If wishing to use finner Freq,s reel out antenna wire to specific freq. ranges.
The same can be used with a whip antennae , whist driving.
Just tunning in antennae is important.
No need for for the newer gagets of pre-tuned antennas.
Regards member 6832
Steve Murray.
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Reply By: PeteS - Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 at 07:29
Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 at 07:29
Hi hazo
I don't use HF within our van however I use a 10 metre squid pole when camped. This set-up uses tape measures to assist as the ground plane. Works a treat on 40 & 80 metres and it's so easy. Even better you don't need a tuner.
I have a Yaesu FT-857D with a small multi-tapped HF Outbacker Stealth mounted on my bull bar but it does not get out that
well. Also run a dual band 70cm/2m antenna.
There's plenty of details on squid pole set-up on the Internet. If you PM me I'll be happy to send you the model I based
mine on.
73's
PeteS
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: hazo - Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 at 17:29
Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 at 17:29
Pete
Could you post details here as I cannot send a pm.?
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Follow Up By: brownie - Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 at 17:32
Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 at 17:32
I have a sgc type antenna tuner mounted on the spare wheel carrier, & a long stainless whip. Seems to work
well , and can tune any random wire if needed.
Its simple to use - just press the TUNE button, wait for the clicking to stop (1 to 5 seconds),then talk...........
Cheers, Brownie
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Follow Up By: Bravo 191 - Sunday, May 01, 2011 at 23:01
Sunday, May 01, 2011 at 23:01
I agree, squid poles are the way to go. Cheap, light, take up bugger all space packed away, will fit in a 1.5 metre lenght of 50 mm poly pipe. Anybody who can't build a squid pole based antenna for less than $70 is probably spending too much. I have a 20-40 metre antenna from a design in AR (Wireless Institute of Australia magazine)from a couple of months back, worked first time with no cutting of wire.
Squid pole, $32.95
http://tinyurl.com/3fmz3l8
Heavy duty hookup wire from Jaycar, buy a 100 metre rool, $0.40 per metre CAT. NO. WH3042 and plenty of wire spare your next antenna.
Some nuts and bolts, a few bits of aliminium an SO239 socket, some pop rivets, and some tools. Tha's all it takes to do the job.
Have a look at this one. Both amateur and 4X4 traveller. He seems to have things
well sorted -
http://www.perite.com/perite/index.html
Regards, VK4WAL
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