Looking for ideas on Jeep Cherokee Installs

[Mudfoot]

I have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ. I want to put an Alinco DX-SR8 in the Jeep for mobile HF use.

I have a few ideas, but am looking for additional input as far as antennas, mounts, tuners and common pitfalls to HF mobile. I have never had anything more than your typical CB or import using a magnet or roof mount. The whole mobile HF thing is new to me. I'd like to operate 10-160, but would settle for 10-80.

Drilling/punching holes is no problem. The Jeep currently has 1-1/4" tow hitch.

The Alinco has a remote head for mobile mounting. I want to secure the RF deck in the rear of the Jeep and the head up between the visors. I have no plans for an amplifier in this install. I would also like to keep budget below $600.00 (I already have the radio).

Anyways, I would appreciate any input, pictures, links and advice.

here's some pics of the vehicle for reference:

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk119/m42duster/photobucket-1771-1314747470120.jpg

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk119/m42duster/photobucket-4370-1314747505255.jpg

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk119/m42duster/photobucket-3232-1314747543510.jpg

Thanks,

mark~AC8EO

Crap, I should have posted this in installation section. Can a mod move it for me? Thanks!

 

[W5LZ]

What antenna, or type of antenna, single band, multi-band, are you planning on using? The weight of that HF antenna has a lot to do with how/where you -can- mount it. Height is a factor too, but one that can be 'skootched' a bit by loading.
All HF mobile antennas are compromises. The amount of 'compromise' and in what area or facet of the antenna, is what's going to determine what's going to work for you.
Convenience and efficiency are almost direct opposites when talking about mobile HF antennas. Increase one and you decrease the other. Or throw money at it!
Good luck.
- 'Doc

 

[Mudfoot]

I guess I should walk around and check out different installs at the next hamfest to get some ideas.

I would like a multiband antenna, but would settle for a 40 meter monoband. I can use my Wilson 1000 for 10, 11 and 12 meters.

What about a long whip and a good autotuner??

There is just so many options....makes my head swim.

Just looking for a simple uncomplicated setup.

I would like to mount something on the right rear side. Heavy duty ball mount and spring.


Any ideas on using a whip and an Alinco EDX-2 Tuner ???

 

[Mudfoot]

Found this power point presentation. Got some ideas from it.

www.n4lcd.com/hfmobileoperation.ppt

 

[ab4d]

Check out Alan's K0BG's site. Many consider him to be a mobile ham radio Guru. Tons of good information on his site. The information he presents is very informative, if you keep in mind that some of the information is based on trying to squeeze out every last drop of performance, no matter what, as long as its safe.

Most installs do not approach the number of steps he implies are required to have a respectable signal, yet many perform quite well.

KØBG.COM

 

[Mudfoot]

Thanks for input so far... Very helpful.

After some research and a little head scratching, I am looking favorably towards the Little Tarheel II and a tuner controller.

I may pass on putting the Alinco in and instead, install my ICOM 7000 or pick up a beater ICOM 706 or Yaesu 857. I have had many rigs over the past 35 years, but none tickle me as much as my 7000. I'd be all kinds of pissed off if'in it got stole. The other radios mentioned... not so much.

If I go this route... All I need to do is decide on the antenna mounting location. Rear hatch with a Diamond 400c mount or up front drivers side.

Anybody running a similar setup?

Sent from my phone.

 

[Moleculo]

I had a Little Tarheel II for a bit. It will work on a ball mount. It's a well built antenna but I ultimately decided to go with a larger antenna. You might also look at the Hi-Q 2.5/80 if you want a smaller antenna. The Hi-Q antennas are made really well, also.

Hi-Q Amateur Radio Products - Antennas

I would think that antenna would work pretty well mounted up front on some type of hood mount.

 

[Dave_W6DPS]

You might try an automatic tuner like the Alinco EDX-2 or one of the LDG models, with a whip.

"The Alinco EDX-2 is an automatic antenna tuner principally designed for the DX70T and DX77T. It can operate over 3.5 to 30 MHz with a 10 foot (3 m) or larger antenna. It can operate from 1.8 to 30 MHz with a 40 foot (12 m) or larger element. Maximum input power is 200 watts PEP. Input impedance is 50 ohms. It requires 13.8 VDC. Size: 9 x 4 x 16 inches 8 Lbs. "

You can mount a whip with a spring either at the top rear of the roof or from a hitch mount. Either way you should make provision to keep the whip from whipping while in motion. A six to eight foot whip will usually get you 7 to 30 MHz.

Any antenna is a set of compromises--HF mobile is some big compromises.

I use my Cherokee more for portable operation rather than actual mobile. That is, I have things set up to go to the spot I want to operate from, say a mountian top with wide vistas or a Field Day site, and put up a mast with a dipole or smal directional antenna.

When actually mobile I stick to VHF/UHF and CB (for the 4x4 folks who don't have ham gear). I also have a CB antenna that I cut down for 10 meter mobile operation, which works about as well as CB. I have a 25 watt Radio Shack HTX-10 which does AM/FM/SSB.

Dave_W6DPS

 

[ElectronTubesRule]

The hitch is perfect for temp mounting of a base station antenna. You can also mount a screw driver set up their as well. Years ago in college I would toss up an Omni Direction antenna for the evening and then take it down when I was going to go back inside.

Also do not forget about the Outbacker series with auto tuning!!! I almost bought one years ago.