Simple / Cheap antenna for FT-857

[crabtreemp]

I have been supplied with an FT-857 radio for a short period of time. I would like to try it out Mobile, but do not want to go to the expense of a big / complex / ugly antenna.

This is the radio I would like to buy and know about the ATAS-120A antenna, which I believe to be an ideal match, but as I say, I don't yet own this rig and I don't want to spend any money if possible.

Is there an antenna that I can use that will get me on the air quickly / cheaply, etc.

I had heard that there is a way of using a 102" whip that will cover a certain amount of the bands. I also have access to an LDG Z-11 PRO antenna tuner.

I will be installing temporarily on a Toyota Sequoia which already has a mount for a 2M/70CM antenna using the rear door and a Comet mount. at its highest point. I do not want to drill holes or build special mounts.

I welcome your thoughts.

Regards,

Mike (VA3MCT/G1NAA)

[M3MSU]

Hi,

I have always had great results using a CB antenna (27MHZ). It tunes nicely on between 17m - 10m. I always use QRP 5w and have had some great DX. t's obviously not the best option but it's practical & cheap.

As far as mounts, the best mount I have ever had is the Diamond Boot-lip mount. It's really strong, gives a great earth via 4 fat grub screws and even has a stanless steel cover for the SO239!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/litwardle/DSC00533.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/litwardle/DSC00530.jpg

Regards

Lee

[va3mw]

Mike

There are a number of very inexpensive mobile antennas like Hamsticks that work just fine, even on a mag mount at least to get started. Head over to RadioWorld and you will have some excellent choices.

If you really like to HF mobile, you'll need to spend some time doing some grounding of hatches, doors, etc. Make sure you read all of http://www.k0bg.com/ as there are many excellent instructions to make sure your lower band signals get out.

I ran a hamstick for years on a triple magnet mount on 80M. As long as I tuned it (don't use any radio or external tuner), it worked really well.

Mike VA3MW

[m0bov]

I'll second the Comet hatch mounts, I use a K-33 which I think its a diamond. I use a Comet CA-UHV, this gets me on all bands from 80M to 70cms. I would second the hamsticks (or Pro-Am) whips, but also consider the Maldol range.

Also look at the LDG range of auto atus to help improve bandwidth.

Good luck!