Hiding a mobile ham

[guest01]

What kind of setups are available to effectively hide the ham equipment (in a car), but still be able to get clear reception? I assume one could mount the unit itself under the seat. What other kinds of covert mounting systems do they have? Would this cause any reception or interference issues? What about retractable antennas or something similar?

[5B4AJB]

Try disconnecting the rear windscreen heater (on an old car) and connect that up as an antenna, it won't take much power and it may not be very resonant, but you can't get much more invisible.

Mounting the radio inside the glove box without any wires showing isn't difficult if you don't mind taking the seats/carpet up...

[K7KBN]

Get a radio with a removeable faceplate and take it with you, or hide it. I've never had a problem with radios in cars in 50+ years.

[AB3NK]

This is kind of confusing because you did not say which band you wish to operate on.

Radio is a very generic term, it could mean HF, VHF, UHF, even a cell phone is a type of radio.

Antenna's needs to be a certain shape and size to work properly,
It has to be resonant on the frequency you desire to operate on.
You can't use a back window heater on 160 meters - no matter what type of matching network you use.

[Mac_]

Interseting thread.

How could you hide the antenna for a 2m mobile in a pickup with an 8' fiberglass cap on the bed?

Any other options if the truck also had heavy duty roof racks over the bed? Maybe an antenna inside an 8' section of 4" PVC pipe with a screw on cap on each end like people use to carry lengths of smaller pipe or conduit?

Thanks, Mac_