How to maximize your HF mobilling pleasure... Last updated on: 9-7-2004-c
A work in progress, more to be added...
This applies to the installation of any of your radios
(HF, VHF, and RF AMP's, Speakers, etc.), mic, and antennas:
Think about, how you will drive the vehicle. Remember, safely
driving, is job one.
And how, maybe, others, like a none HAM will use your vehicle
(your child, partner, or the mechanic, etc.)?
Where will you have to look (away from the road), in order
to use you (HF) radios.
Mount control head above the rear view mirror, as an example.
An unused upper dash board location, in view of the road.
Think ahead, How many radios? HF, VHF, Amps, where will the
"HAM fuse box" go? Other equipment (Cell phone, CB, etc.)...
Think about where you, and your legs, are going, if in a
vehicle accident.
How low, is the lowest bridge, or drive though restraint,
parking Garage, or other low hanging things (like trees) that you will
normally encounter (do you go off-road?),
Remember that, none HAM's, who will drive the vehicle).
Don't mount the antenna's, none movable parts, above this
point.
These people, wont know to, remove or lower, HF antenna before
going in the garage..
If you have a tall vehicle, and thare is any chance, that
something, is goibng to come in contact with the antennas, use antennas,
that have a spring, or add one.
For VHF/UHF: Antennax, MaxRad, etc.
Good springs, are not lossy...
Operation of the radios:
I find that, on 160-40M that, reception is better, if the
Attenuator is ON, the Preamp is OFF, and AGC is set to Slow.
Experiment, find what works best for you and your radio.
Expect:
That the NB will need to be ON.
That you will need an external speaker.
That you will need to use a (the) DSP.
Thare are good DSP speakers made.
Electronic noise mitigation, some vehicles are quiet some
are not...