You got me thinking on this so I've ordered a Elecraft T1 which will let me use almost anything as an antenna. Will post up some results when I get round to trying it.

 

I have a MFJ 929 hooked up to the antenna. It's the first autotuner I have ever had. Nothing but 1.0 for SWR on most of my contacts yesterday. So easy it was like cheating. I built my last antenna tuner, it was a coil with an alligator clip and a big capacitor.

 

Well, the rig has now been installed and I'm really pleased with the way the Dual Lock shelf worked out. Absolutely spot on and the FT-817 fits mm perfect. I thought it might be fun to construct a blog for those interested in 4WD, HAM radio and their use together. I've literally just put it together in the last 24 hours so many of the pages are not yet populated but if anyone is interested it's here:

http://4wdx.com

and I've just dusted off the DSLR and took some half decent photos for a change. ;-)

 

Nice setup and very good pics! Have fun with that.

 

Nice setup and very good pics! Have fun with that!

 

Cheers PG!!!

 

Now with LDG Z817 Autotuner installed.

http://4wdx.com/yaesu-ft-817nd-with-ldg-z817-autotuner/

Was going to install an Elecraft T1 but the store I ordered from was back-ordered which gave me the chance to cancel and get one of these, instead.