It is my third vehicle with the amateur transceiver and antennas installed. Diesel is a marvellouss car, as there is no noises or ignition-spark interferences heard on the radio. Electric power supply wires of the TRX are connected to the car battery directly.

Digital recorder is a must as it is difficult to write down QSO details while driving.

I can easily tune the main dial of the rig with one finger while driving without taking away my hand from the stering wheel. The lound-speaker is just behind the front panel of FT-857D. Both, the front panel and the lound-speaker, are attached by the holder to the windscreen. The same with the digital recorder. Therefore, the driver's view on the road is not obstructed. Layout of the equipment is very ergonomic and convenient.

Tuning of the antenna (ATAS-120 A) is a piece of cake. It is so easy to tune it to any amateur band (40m, 30m, 20m, 15m, 12m, 10m, 6m, 2m and 70 cm) with pressing just ONE button. You cannot imagine anything better. You need nothing else! FT-857D and ATAS-120A are linked together by Automatic Tuning Antenna System. You press the button and get what you need. Once the antenna is calibrated it takes a few seconds to have it tuned to the desired band. Of course, it takes longer if you are changing from the lowest band to the highest. It is quicker if you tune between adjacent bands. ATAS-120 A is a marvelous piece of technology. Robust, small and VERY efficient. There is only one detail I had changed in the factory antenna straightaway, i.e. the cylindrical radiator was replaced with conical shaped rod from and old 2m mobile antenna. After that, the rod is stiffer and remains vertical while driving. I drove my car with the speed of 90 miles per hour without any adverse effect.