New member

[ajsales]

Hello everyone, I'm a new member, my call letters are kj4sts.

I just bought an rv and we are having a field day in June. I would like to use my unit during that weekend. However, I'm not sure what antenna to use with my ft897d. I would like to get an antenna that I can also use in the future when my wife and I hit the road. Suggestions welcomed. 73s

[NN5I]

Welcome! Antennas are always interesting, and I haven't solved the antenna problem on my RV either, so I'll be watching this thread.

[Andy N1ORK]

Welcome aboard Angel! Great group of folks here (YLs, XYLs and OMs) who will be glad to help out.
The antenna depends on how you want to use it. While moving (or camped), I suggest a screwdriver type. If you only operate while camped, a good single band wire dipole or vertical without radials (have done well with a Comet 250B) maybe the way to go. If you have an auto tuner, a G5RV is good too. There are all kinds of possibilities and I'm sure others will chime up. Take a look through the other posts too, plenty of info here.
73! and Good Luck!

[N3LYT]

I think there are more antenna options then people! I use a screw driver antenna on my camper it does a good job and does not require a tuner but for field day you'll want something bigger like Andy said a dipole or a vertical. At least during field day you won’t have to have the camp ground owner jumping on you from a great height about launching wire into his trees! If you have a lot of people during field day they often don't change bands and you may coordinate with them and just build a dipole for the one band you'll be using. Dipoles are great and can be thrown in a bag very simple to make. Ladder line can be used for two bands there are so many options that is what the fun is all about! Here is one I set up some times it a lot of fun and draws a good crowd (if you are lucky they often volunteer to help) it can be used on 10,12,15, and 17 meters by sliding the elements in and out.

[W5DOK]

I use a Tarheel screwdriver mounted to my rear ladder or a Comet CHA250 mounted on a modified telescoping pole attached to the rear ladder. I took a 20 foot telescoping pole and cut both ends off so it would fit in my bay. The Tarheel is a lot less trouble and works great. Obviously, none of this can be attached going down the road.
Welcome aboard.
Doc

[N8CXX]

Welcome.
I bought a Tarheel screwdriver antenna and ground mounted it in the backyard for the winter. Worked fine.

Now I'm looking to mount it on the ladder of the MH. I just need to find a screwdriver system to mount my screwdriver antenna too.

[KF5BET]

Welcome to our little slice of the internet Angel. Glad you found us.