Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
Open Roads Radio forum for Ham, Amateur Radio and RV camping


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 04-18-2012, 10:56 AM   #1
Off Pavement
ACØUS
 
Off Pavement's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Cambridge, Nebraska
Posts: 22
Default Up She Goes....

I wrapped up the initial install of my Antenna EZ lifter and Tarheel HP100 screwdriver antenna.



One of my requirements was that my antenna had to fit in the 12' garage door without being disassembled, it just fits. All DC power is provided by direct connection to the coach battery bank. All exposed wire runs are in split-loom. I've RF bonded much of the rig to the frame such as the trailer hitch, rear bumper and it's decorative aluminum skin, coach roof framework, wall, and flooring. I bonded the coach seat belt framework as well, but have not got into the cab, hood, door, or generator yet.



I had to shorten the EZ Lifter's ladder mounting brackets to fit the limited space I have between the ladder and a storage access door. I also picked up a different antenna mount that the one supplied by Tarheel as I was so space limited.

I decided my primary operating location will be at the RVs inside table, so I ran the control leads, radio power (FT 897D), and coax accordingly.



I initially ran into an unexpected RFI issue in the coach as I tuned up on 20 meters, the air conditioner sounded like it was trying to start. I was plugged into shore power and by tripping the AC 110v circuit breaker, it solved that problem. The problem is not there when off the grid. I'll be picking up some beads to see if that will cure my only known RFI problem so far.

As far as performance, it's a quiet antenna when on or off shore power, and seems to radiate pretty well... I hit Florida 1st and Poland 2nd. Antenna loads on 80 thru 10 meters, but I have not tried a QSO on 80 yet. I have had excellent success on 40, 30, 20, and 15. 10 hasn't been open when I've been on yet.

All in all, I'm pleased with the results.
__________________
Please Support Multiple Use of our Public Lands!

Brian & Margie
www.rv-camping.org
Sunseeker 2300 - Gozer II
Jeep Wrangler - Blackie

Off Pavement is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2012, 01:00 PM   #2
Radio
Administrator
 
Radio's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Fayetteville, GA, USA
Posts: 3,017
Default

That looks great!

I'd love at some point to spend a year on the road. Maybe then I'll get an antenna set up like that.
__________________

KU4OJ "Wade" Ships Captain, CFO, Chief Engineer
KG4DQQ "Kathy" 1st Officer, Navigator, Best Friend
2007 F-150 SuperCab - 2009 Rockwood 8280SS
Lot's of mostly Kenwood stuff

Radio is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2012, 03:54 PM   #3
WD8QBQ
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 279
Thumbs up

That install looks real nice. I didn't know about the lifter you used before now.
Did you make your own base coil or use the one supplied by Tarheel?
I wound one of my own, over a broom handle, somewhat larger than the one supplied and improved the antenna characteristics.
Now that your in picture mode, how about one of the base coil and its mount to the assembly. Her's a couple bucks for your trouble.

JIM
WD8QBQ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2012, 04:30 PM   #4
Radio
Administrator
 
Radio's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Fayetteville, GA, USA
Posts: 3,017
Default

Can you post a link to where you got all this?
__________________

KU4OJ "Wade" Ships Captain, CFO, Chief Engineer
KG4DQQ "Kathy" 1st Officer, Navigator, Best Friend
2007 F-150 SuperCab - 2009 Rockwood 8280SS
Lot's of mostly Kenwood stuff

Radio is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2012, 09:14 AM   #5
One Country Boy
Senior Member
 
One Country Boy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Wewahitchka, FL
Posts: 1,204
Default

Professional looking job for an amateur. Hi Hi...

Good job, I seriously like that !!




__________________
Jim ~ W4EWA
One Country Boy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2012, 09:22 PM   #6
Off Pavement
ACØUS
 
Off Pavement's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Cambridge, Nebraska
Posts: 22
Default

Sorry to respond slowly...

The antenna is a Tarheel HP100a and can be seen at Tarheel HP100a

The lift device is by Antenna EZ Lifter. It's a lousy web site, but a good product for me so far.

I used the stock Tarheel coil and have had good success without the need to try a different winding configuration. What improvements did you realize by rewinding the coil?

Here's the closeup...

Off Pavement is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2012, 12:02 PM   #7
WD8QBQ
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 279
Lightbulb

Brian, the custom coil gave me a better SWR across all bands.



K0BG, expresses it best here;

http://www.k0bg.com/match.html

JIM
WD8QBQ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2012, 07:52 PM   #8
Off Pavement
ACØUS
 
Off Pavement's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Cambridge, Nebraska
Posts: 22
Default

I appreciate the link Jim. I've spent more time than I care to admit at Alan's site but somehow missed that page... of the seemingly endless list of info he has published.

I've spent too much time on ths project already and have neglected my honey-do list, but I will get around to trying a rewound coil.
Off Pavement is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:34 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
×