JokerOne

I'm assuming I don't have things bonded / grounded correctly.

Its a Yaesu FT-857D using an MFJ 20 meter ham stick on a Jeep JK.

I could hear Georgia, Colorado, New Zealand, Calgary from Illinois, but couldn't raise anybody.

I know Jeeps are not good ground planes, any suggestions?

thanks.

ShawnInPaso

Have you already checked the SWR (or maybe better, the fwd vs. reflected power)?

JokerOne

No, I was planning on doing this on Saturday at Field Day. My local Ham club guys have antenna analyzers, SWR meters, etc. I actually have an SWR meter that I could use but I ran out of time this week.

I know it needs grounding/ bonding. I did this with my 2008 Kia and it worked great. Bonded everything hood, doors, trunk, exhaust, engine, etc. All contacts said "Don't change a thing, it sounds great!".

That was with a 20 meter hamstick on a mag mount.

thanks.

Mark Doiron

Once you get this working I'm very interested in your final setup. I hope you provide details here (or in a new thread).

JokerOne

Will. do. It may be a few weeks. I got some good advice from Elmers at Field Day. Going to give it a shot and see what happens.

OnBelay

Bonding is the key. We bonded in about 30 places and our noise floor dropped substantially. Bonding the exhaust in 4 places was the most dramatic improvement. We welded bolts to the frame, put hose clamps around the exhaust, and bridged them with Electric Motion EM2080. Did the same between the frame and tub at several other locations.



One of the exhaust bond points. The copper paint is weld-through primer (Copperweld). We use it every time we expose bare metal and weld.


Four along each frame rail. The long cable is an air hose to the rear locker.


Tailgate


Example of a frame bonding point.


Tire carrier.

JokerOne

thanks. Thats the plan for this weekend. Once completed I'll post the results.

JokerOne

UPDATE :

I believe I have most of my issues resolved.

From Southern Illinois, I made 21 "Canada Day" contest contacts in Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba this weekend.
Also this weekend. One contact in Russia (Moscow area), and one in New Zealand (south island).

Equipment : Yaesu FT-857D, RG8x, Arizonia Rocky Road mount on the spare tire, a MFJ 20 meter Hamstick.

thanks to all who helped!

I plan on a detailed post as soon as I make some final tweaks and do some more testing.