Operating - HF, VHF & UHF - Mobile

In 2001 I suffered a spinal cord injury which resulted in the loss of feeling & use of both my legs. This obviously has not stopped me from my hobby of amateur radio, however those tasks I once took for granted (climbing ladders to put up antennas), sadly I could no longer do. For this reason I find that the majority of my contacts take place when I am mobile in the UK.

Thankfully my mobile setup is a bit more refined that this one. (sorry if this is yours!)

         

For a copy of the latest UK amateur radio band plan click here

For a copy of the latest USA amateur radio band plan click here

Mobile HF Log

While there is no requirement for UK amateurs to keep a log book for either base or mobile transmissions I still keep both as a record of the stations I have worked. They are also a valuable resource when trying to work out who you still need to send QSL cards to!

Below is a copy of my mobile contacts made on HF only. Feel free to flick through the contacts.

  

The log will be updated frequently

Mobile HF Antenna

I am frequently asked about the antennas I use when operating HF mobile.  After trying several different types and brands I have found the Maldol range of mono-band antennas to be ideal. The construction is good with well machined parts. They are all fitted with a PL259 fitting and require almost no tuning. Yes it is a slight pain to keep changing antennas when you change band but I normally find one band for the journey and stick to it, if I stop for fuel and the band is quiet I change the antenna - Simple. I have listed the antennas below:   

Maldol HMC-4 

  • TYPE:1/4λ(29/50MHz), 1/2λ( Non-radial (144MHz), 5/8λ×2Non-radial (430MHz)
  • GAIN：2.15dBi(144MHz), 5.5dBi(430MHz) 
  • MAX.POWER INPUT：80Ｗ F3E(29/50MHz), 120Ｗ F3E(144/430MHz)
  • OVER LENGTH：1190mm 
  • WEIGHT：390g

    Maldol HFC-80L

  • TYPE:1/4λ(3.5MHz)
  • MAX.POWER INPUT：120Ｗ J3E(3.5MHz)
  • OVER LENGTH：2110mm 
  • WEIGHT：530g

    Maldol HFC-40L

  • TYPE:1/4λ (7MHz)  
  • MAX.POWER INPUT：200Ｗ J3E(7MHz)
  • OVER LENGTH：1870mm 
  • WEIGHT：330g

    Maldol HFC-20L    

  • TYPE:1/4λ (14MHz)  
  • MAX.POWER INPUT：250Ｗ J3E(14MHz)
  • OVER LENGTH：1515mm 
  • WEIGHT：275g

    Maldol HFC-15L        

  • TYPE:1/4λ (21MHz)  
  • MAX.POWER INPUT：250Ｗ J3E(21MHz)
  • OVER LENGTH：1515mm 
  • WEIGHT：250g

    As well as the various Maldol antennas I also run a Pro-Am monoband antenna for 20 metres. This whip has produced some great mobile contacts, however the downside is its size. At over 2 metres, 40cm (8 feet, 1 inch) you get some strange looks driving down the roads in the UK where this is not common place. This antenna is fantastic as a static mobile antenna. Just so you know if you hear me on this antenna chances are that the XYL is not in the car as she refuses to be seen with such a large antenna on the car. Women hey, they just don't understand!!

                                                 

    I also use a MFJ-907 impedance transformer to improve the match between the resonant antenna and the transceiver feed. Some may argue that this isn't necessary but I have found that there does appear to be a difference. There are many articles published on the matching of antennas and antenna feed, and a search on the web will produce several good reviews and views on their use.

                                                        

    To improve audio I have replaced the standard Yaesu fist mic supplied with the radio, for a Heil HM-4 Handi Mic.

    I also run APRS from my Apple iPhone using iBCNU software. This provides realtime position reporting and text-messaging. When position reporting is enabled, the application will periodically send out the location of my iPhone using either 3G or WiFi network and iPhone's built in GPS receiver. Once the GPS information is in the APRS-IS system, it is shared between all users and can be seen using one of the many APRS mapping sites. When used as a text-messaging tool, iBCNU will let you send and receive messages using the APRS-IS system. Click the link on the home page to see my latest location.

  • Operating - HF, VHF & UHF - Home Station 

    From home when I have the time, I operate a Yaesu FT-1000MP Mk-V into a Hustler 4BTV multiband vertical at ground level for HF. I have also fitted all internal optional crystal IF filters along with the INRAD MP roofing filter modification. All of which give enhanced performance of this already excellent radio.

     I have again replaced the standard Yaesu microphone with a Heil Goldline mic with HC-4 & HC-5 inserts for good dynamic response 

    I also run a Yaesu FT-847 'Earth Station' mainly on 50MHz, 144/145MHz & 433/434MHz into a triband colinear antenna. Both radios are exceptional and I would not part with either.

    I operate all bands including SSB, FM, Data and CW. When operating CW I use either a Kent iambic keyer or Kent straight brass key. I am a member of FISTS (No: 14042) and welcome contacts with other FIST members. For data I operate Ham Radio Deluxe and Digital Master 780 on an AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 3800+, ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe motherboard. To interface the PC & the radio I use a ZLP Electronics DigiMaster MiniPRO, which works fine.

    Home Station HF/VHF/UHF Log

    The log will be updated frequently