Rayster

I have ordered a Yaesu FT-857d. Plan is to use a lip mount nmo for VHF/UHF , then a lip mount 3/8-24 for the HF. Of course they will have to be mounted on the hood for the best performance. One on each side, won't be pretty. I can just swap antennas when wheeling with the club, flip a switch to use the cb.

How many HAMs here are running a HF rig in the wrangler?

Desert Fox

I will save you having to read a four page reply with the following summary:
- I used one for about 18 months.
- VHF/UHF worked just fine using a Larsen through the glass antenna.
- HF never worked unless I was stopped with the engine off.
- I finally gave up on mobile HF and sold the 857D and replaced it with a FT-2900,
2 meter rig.
- Then I purchased a FT-897D for my shack and added an automatic antenna tuner.
So far - so good.
W6PBR

Rayster

Thanks for the heads up. The HF side does not sound good.

JK-jeepit

I had HF in my last JK, did a lot a bonding so that the body and frame made up an ok ground plane. Without that I had RFI at 40-50watts. After I did the bonding I was able to transmit 100W on 20M did pretty good.. Used A ham stick. I was using a ICOM 706. Made a few contacts into Europe. Antenna was mounted off the tailgate.
Still need to do all that to the new JKU.
Did just install the ICOM 2720

TWGeary

I am installing my 857 with an ATAS-120 this weekend.
Tim

PG-JKU

No plans to actually try to run HF in the jeep, but am putting together a portable setup with my IC745, MFJ autotuner and a car battery. Big question is what to do for an antenna. Trying to decide between some kind of vertical or just a portable dipole of some kind that I can set up.

Rayster

Antennas; 2m/70 on the hood lip mount, HF "shark" ham stick for the tailgate mount.

I used the remote kit and mounted the radio behind the passenger seat. It's a 2 door with no rear seat. I found a head mount on eBay for $20 that works pretty well. I use the 2m/70cm and 6m while mobile. I normally use the 10m band while stationary and engine off. I have been pleased with the performance.

UKCRD

Yep, running an FT-817ND with an LDG Z817H auto tuner, Microwave Modules 100w 2m amp, MX-P817 50w HF amp and a Palstar 2000AM meter, all hardwired and set up in the rear of the JK. Pics here.

arjeeper

I had an Icom 706MKIIG in the Jeep with a full UHF/VHF/HF setup. Sold it after a couple months. Mobile HF Just wasn't worth it. No enjoyment and weak performance.

Just have a Kenwood VHF setup in the Jeep now and leave my HF enjoyment for the home station or portable work.

jpnutz

I just installed Yaesu FT-857D on my JKU and everytime I key up in HF bands my dash lights up. In 20 meters the swaybar disco lights comes on, and in 40 meters, my air bags lights comes one. I bonded both sides of the engine to the frame, bonded the radio to the body, bonded the tail gate to the body. I bonded the exhaust to the frame to no avail. I even ferrite beads everywhere including all the spark plug wires. The only thing I have not bonded is the trans to the body. I figure trans is connected to the engine so in theory it should be gounded too. So before considering using HF in your JKU be ready to do lots of bonding time with your Jeep to get rid of RFI. I still havent figured out how to fix this issue in my JKU. This is a loosing battle for me. :(