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NEW: Mobile Antenna Testing Results Part 1

Updates:

Oct 2004: finishing up the mobile antenna shootout

July 2004: Added antenna testing and more photos

June 2004:
Laptop crash so I decided to completely redo the site..

WB2EWB Ham Radio

[Mobile Station] [Fixed] [Walkabout] [Other Hobbies] [Links]

Welcome! I was an active amateur operator in high school and college, but then with family and new job, I stopped operating. In early 2002, I rejoined active ranks building a number of stations and having fun ever since! I was able to acquire my “dream equipment”.. Hopefully, my experiences will help you with your station(s?).
Check out  mobile station, home station and “Walkabout” (Portable) for information on my antenna experiments, history with equipment and future plans

Mobile Station

A new (in 2002) F250 Diesel Truck, called for a new station. I wanted HF, 2m, 440. Over the years have finally found the right combination of equipment for me. (Check out the SWR Comparisons of Mobile Screwdriver antennas)

  • HF: I use a TS-B2000 for HF/VHF/UHF: nice radio: but...
  • Uniden 780XLT: great scanner: fast.. way more channels than I will ever use! (I dedicate to EMS)
  • ANC-4: noise canceling system
  • AMAC controller: automatically tunes the screwdriver (now a homebrew unit)
  • Switch Box from GALLS: okay not really a piece of equipment: They sell Fire/Police/EMS gear including radio mounting hardware: a must visit for the seriously overwired!
  • Icom F521: I use for Emergency Services: probably the perfect VHF radio. (Also back up on 2m)

Home (Fixed) Station

  • ICOM 756PRO: Awesome radio! You can get some great deals right now with the PROII being introduced.
  • LDG AT-11: Gee whiz I dont have to tune the grid and plate nor even the tuner. This gadget tunes the antenna automatically: very cool (but a bit loud!)
  • MFJ vertical: It works okie dokie but I am never satisfied with any antenna (except the Tarheel!)
  • G5RV dipole: I will probably replace it one day. it works but ....
  • Kenwood 9100S: Dates back many years, picked it up in a trade for a computer.
  • FT-2800M: used to be in the car but now my primary 2M radio at home.
  • Misc: A coax switch, ground rods etc

Walkabout: (cute term isnt it! Dundee can get away with it, why can’t I?! )

Now this is really silly: I often have to carry a Pager (for EMS service) and a cell phone. Then I find myself with:

  • Uniden BC245XLT: handheld scanner: great sensitivity, fast scanning, a bit bulky but works well (but I have way too many radios! Should I sell this one too?)
  • Kenwood THF6A: Best HT I have... awesome! I never leave home without it. (Still learning how to use it well) This is always alot of fun and if I ever expect to have some idle moments, I always have this in my pocket.
  • Vertex VX-900: My HT for EMS work. I have programmed amateur frequencies too: but have to swap antennas to make it work well.)

No I dont carry all of them! just one of them depending if I am “on call” or not...

[WB2EWB Ham Radio] [Mobile Station] [Fixed] [Walkabout] [Other Hobbies] [Links]

Copyright 2004 by Philip P. Thompson, All rights reserved.