Community Forums

vsheetz · 04-17-2014, 11:09 AM

On their RV, anyone used a CB type long stainless whip with antenna tuner near the antenna? Such as MFJ-1966.

If so please share experiences.

Thx
Vince, W6CD

wa8yxm · 04-17-2014, 01:11 PM

On 10 meters you can likely use that whip without the tuner. (I do not have one) yes they have been done.

I use about 83 feet (I am going to have to measure it one of these days) of 14ga wire with a weight on the end, (Well about 30 feet of nylon and a weight) and a Kenwood KAT-1 Marine rated auto tuner with my TS-2000 for 20-80 meters, For some reason my success on 10 is very limited.

A good auto tuner should be able to handle your 9 footer.

Wb2IVU · 05-09-2014, 07:30 AM

Actually I use a CB antenna that has this fairly large helical coil on it, which is about the size of a beer can. I am able to use it on 10, 12 and 15 meters with the help of a tuner.

vsheetz · 06-16-2014, 06:18 PM

Thanks for the replies. Picked up a MFJ 108" solid stainless steel whip and installed at the rear ladder. Grounded to the motorhome chassis. Kenwood 480 with LDG tuner near the antenna. Have not had occasion to use it much, but have made a few contacts a few state away on 20m, a couple net check-ins, etc.

vsheetz · 11-21-2014, 08:23 AM

Update. Tried it for awhile during the November SSB Sweepstakes last weekend. Worked rather well on 10m, 15m, 20m. Especially 10m of course, with contacts to Florida from SoCal.

JohnT · 11-21-2014, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Update. Tried it for awhile during the November SSB Sweepstakes last weekend.

I loved that contest. I miss it now that my Icom doesn't tx on 40m.

My biggest concern is RFI in the cg. Especially on 10m. Anybody considered grounding the transmitter to a separate earth ground?

Ray,IN · 11-21-2014, 01:06 PM

Actually the CB SST whip antenna is 102".

Drivesmopars · 12-02-2014, 03:05 PM

Vince I use a two foot extension screwed to 102 whip on bottom need double femile connector 3:8 24 thread. Mfj at Aes has them. They r actually bottom whip extensions. I have a four foot and a two foot use a 237 tuner in a wood box on side of pu bed. S g c 237 tuner I use it on 10 20 meters. 40 will work but not using it. 80. May need to go longer to work this band. If Rv mount tuner on top rack depends if u want to operate on road or not. If parked IDE put tuner on roof in a box quick disconnector on bottom. 4 foot extension on bottom of 102 inch whip

wa8yxm · 12-02-2014, 03:20 PM

For 80 I use (Currently) 50 feet of wire, A fishing pole on the back of the Motor home (Telescoping aroudn 20-25 feet long) another "amidships" actually the pole is "Set" in a rod holder which consists of a proper size PVC pipe, the bottom of the pipe is slotted to fit over the cable that pulls the slide in and there is a bolt through it to hold the bottom of the pole up a bit higher, A tie holds it at the upper cable, and the antenna wire keeps it properly slanted.

The "Far" end of the antenna is connected to a large O-Ring that is dropped over the bolt on the ball at the top of a flagpole (park on base, other side of MH from side pole)

I would rather toss an 80 someting foot wire over a tree limb, but alas, NO TREES here.

vsheetz · 12-02-2014, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Actually the CB SST whip antenna is 102".

this 108" whip is what I have
MFJ Enterprises Inc.

vsheetz · 12-02-2014, 07:58 PM

Longer via extensions or a long wire would be better, but would likely get hung up on stuff when driving down the road.

I have a 31' telescoping vertical I use most often when stationary. Also a wire dipole that sometimes get used if something is available to hang it from. And yet also a end fed Zepp that I put up sometimes.

Joecubana · 12-09-2014, 06:14 AM

Hey VSHEETS,

I am looking at bringing my rig on our trip south. I am thinking about bringing my 31' vertical.
Do you use radials with that setup? Also, what type of base do you use to support the antenna?

Thanks

Joe
KB3FKP

87Rockwood · 12-14-2014, 01:09 PM

Mobile I use a screwdriver ant with a long as I can find whip (about 110"). I can get down to 80M on it. Parked I like to use a discone or a vert military ant. Was thinking of making a small discone for the vhf/uhf to go on top as there is no metal on the roof.

vsheetz · 12-14-2014, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joecubana

Hey VSHEETS,

I am looking at bringing my rig on our trip south. I am thinking about bringing my 31' vertical.
Do you use radials with that setup? Also, what type of base do you use to support the antenna?

Thanks

Joe
KB3FKP

My 31' vertical is from Eagle One. Brackets mount it to the ladder and it stays there. One just has to extend it when desired. Takes a couple three minutes to go up/ down. It grounded to the frame of the coach. No radials.

Another fiberglass telescoping mast I have stores in a storage bin and mounts to the ladder via a Flagpole Buddy for use. Usually have it holding up a end fed Zepp. The wire goes up the mast and then angles down and anchored at the front of the coach.