I am considering purchasing an FT-857D and mobile antenna to install in/on
my old Nissan pickup. My work shift is 0400-1300 or 0500-1400 M-F with a
35-minute commute along an interstate highway and I would like to spend the
time operating HF from the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

While the rig is no problem, the antenna is. I have been reading the
postings to this NG about mobile HF antennas and the opinions and experience
are all over the map.

For simplicity, I'm looking at the Yaesu ATAS-120 -- I think that's the
model number -- screwdriver antenna for the 857D. I read a lot of
references to adding a whip to the top of the screwdriver antenna. Am I
correct that I will need to add a whip to the ATAS-120, or, am I misreading
something here?

If 75-meter operation results in an antenna that whips trees and bangs into
the overhead at gas stations, I would simply forego 75 and operate 40 and
up.

Would you folks be so kinds as to explain:
-- Your experience with the ATAS-120.
-- How did you mount your ATAS-120 or similar screwdriver antenna?
-- What's this business about a whip on top of the screwdriver antenna?

I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer so use simple sentences and short
words.

Thanks.

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Joe