hs10

Hi Folks

I am planning to run HF ALE (Automatic Link Establishment) and need a setup that can rapidly scan and trasmiit on all (most) of the HF bands. My primary option is a Yasue FC-40 tuner and a whip antenna. Is there anyone with running a similar configuration on a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited?

Desert Fox

What is your HAM call sign?

W6PBR

hs10

My call is N0OQA ( General).

Desert Fox

N0OQA,
Seeing that you are a HAM, I won't go into too much detail.
- JKs are not good HF platforms. Little to no ground plane and are difficult to ground.
- Most folks who want to try mobile HF from a JK use a Yaesu FT-857D w/ the Yaesu ATAS 120A
screwdriver antenna (40m - 70cm), which requires no separate antenna tuner for automatic freq tuning.
- While some folks do try to use a "whip antenna," such as a Hamstick, they are very self limiting
because they are band specific.
- With the exception of the ATAS antenna, the FT-857D requires two antennas, one for HF and one for VHF/UHF. You will be able to get the 2m/70cm side of the radio up and running in short order, however, it will take weeks, to never, to make contact on the HF side. I never did make HF contact while the JK was moving and very seldom when stopped. My best HF results came when I was stopped with the engine turned off and using my Buddipole antenna outside of the vehicle on 20m.
- I finally sold the FT-857D and ATAS antenna and switched to VHF only, using a FT-2900, 2m, radio and Larsen mobile antenna. Couldn't be happier. If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a PM.
73, de W6PBR

MB_Pathfinder

Have you considered a quad-band Yaesu FT-8900? It's only 10m, 6m, 2m, and 70cm, so it doesn't have the frequency range as the 857 but it does give you more options if you want more than VHF and UHF. Diamond makes an antenna specially designed for the 8900 (http://www.diamondantenna.net/cr8900a.html), so you wouldn't need two separate antennas.

KG5DSB

JK-jeepit

Took me a bunch of ground straps and a period over about 6 months to get a good setup on my JK.
I made connections to Europe has well as the US on 20M, using a HAM stick at 100W.
I sold the JK and haven't grounded my JKU yet.
It's possible but not easy.

good luck.. seeing you other thread it appears you made a pretty nice setup.

73's
KD5SHR

hs10

I am giving consideration to installing an NMO mount on the center of the hood (winter only). This will provide a good ground plan and if I use a simple black wire antenna the impact on driver visibility will be minimal. This will also make winter entry into the garage easy (no broken antennas).

During the summer, when I have my roof rack ground plane, I just put an NMO cap on it.

jnr0104

I see you have a whip antenna mounted driver side rear, could you give some detail on what you have there.
Was running FT857 in my 2014 4d rubicon, only interested in 40m,17m HF mobile so was just using the diamond HF 40cl,and same antenna in 17m . Have done the bonding straps, and HF has worked fine for me . At present , I have removed the HF setup and only have 2m ( our group talks 95% 2m simplex in this area) FT 2900, and a diamond NR 22L 2m whip mounted on driverside tailgate. Does well mobile /mobile and mobile/base.

WarriorJeep

I realize this thread is a tad bit old, but had to chime in with my new solution.

Installed on my JKU

Currently testing this with an FT-857D and an MFJ tuner. So far in testing it works like a champ, and it kills the proverbial two birds with one stone. Needed a roof rack...

I'll upload an actual picture of it installed shortly, my JK is getting some engine mod work done at the moment

jnr0104

I have seen a version of that that I think is made over in one of the Persian gulf countries. Any chance of getting a report on it when you get time?