Several questions about mobile HF antennas
 

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.

--

-----
Joe

Joe,
A word about the whip thingy. The ATAS-120 comes with a
whip which is adequate for it's stated band coverages. A
longer whip can allow it to cover lower frequencies. Just
how 'long' the whip gets depends on how much you are willing
to modify your driving habits - lol, as in forget the drive-
through windows, low trees, etc. (more or less typical for the
average 80 meter mobile'er). In general, the bigger, uglier,
and more inconvenient the HF mobile antenna, the 'better' it
works...
'Doc

'Doc wrote:
lol, as in forget the drive-
through windows, low trees, etc. (more or less typical for the
average 80 meter mobile'er).


I use a hustler quick disconnect. When I go through a drive through,
I take my antenna off, and lay it on the roof until I get through,
and then I get out and stick it back on. That disconnect also makes
it much faster to change bands...My coil is so high, there is no way
you can reach it without taking the antenna off.. Without the
disconnect, you have to screw em in and out...Takes a lot more
time. MK

Joe

I can deffinately recommend the ATAS-120, I use one with my 857 and am very
impressed. Have a look at the reviews on www.eham.net as it should help you
make your mind up. The ATAS is not the biggest screwdriver antenna around
but it does work, even on 40m. I have no problems working all around Europe
from the south coast of England on 40m. It is more efficient on the higher
bands like all mobile antennas, but like you I love the convenience of quick
band changes. I am able to work all that I hear on mine, I worked VK on
Saturday morning on it with a 5/9 report on 20m.

Jon G2FHF

"Joe S." wrote in message
...
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.

--

-----
Joe