InterceptRadio.com Forums

Thinking I might do some weird grid square traveling in my van. Getting ready to be able to put my 746 (non-pro) in the van. Wondering about antennas. Thinking about a screw antenna maybe mounted to the trailer receiver. I don't want something perminant as I still hope to date some day:) Also thinking of a thing on the luggage rack that will lift antennas from laying on the roof to vertical with the flip of a button, but pricey and my step-son is a welder so got me thinking about the hitch as the mount.
First time I transmit with 100w will my Sienna cease to function?

Putting your feedpoint that close to ground is a bad idea, not to mention you could have near-field problems with the coil and whip that close to the vehicle body. Here is a good explanation as to why: http://www.k0bg.com/gpnotes.html

With the hitch I was thinking that I could have the antenna start at the hight of the van roof mounted on a bar that 90's into the hitch??

That could work but might make for some strange grounding issues without the feedpoint being strapped to the body.

So no option. I go mobile HF, or date...

Curious what contests/awards deal with Maidenhead Grids on HF? Now 6 meters and up, that's a whole different story 8)

Antenna mounting is not really an issue if you obtain a "QST" vehicle (devoted entirely to amateur radio) and drive whatever else on the "dates"...

Eric
KB7DQH

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That is how the people at DARPA think. they take things and use them in unconventional ways, to see what happens.

Here's a link to Tarheel Antennas. They sell the screwdriver type antenna and all the stuff needed to mount them to vehicles. This link specifically has pictures of van installations. There are other types of installation photos available also.

http://www.tarheelantennas.com/van_photos

Jeff KB7AIL CN88