Looking for opinions on the performance of these mobile antennas.
I'm planning on going mobile, looking at the FT-100 or IC-706, but
I'd like to go with something designed as a well organized system. So
I could go with the FT-100 / ATAS 120, or the IC-706 / AH-4, or
maybe either one with one of the various screwdrivers. I've heard that
the screwdrivers perform much better than either ATAS or AH-4.
What's your experience? Do the matched systems really work well?
Do you think a screwdriver with external controller or even manual
tuning would be much better? How about guying? I see that most
screwdriver antennas require guying but not the Yaesu or Icom.
Are there any web sites I can go to with real measured data, not
just anecdotal stories?

Thanks for your time!

Dan, W9FCC

"Daniel C. Mckenzie" wrote in message
...
Looking for opinions on the performance of these mobile antennas.
I'm planning on going mobile, looking at the FT-100 or IC-706, but
I'd like to go with something designed as a well organized system. So
I could go with the FT-100 / ATAS 120, or the IC-706 / AH-4, or
maybe either one with one of the various screwdrivers. I've heard that
the screwdrivers perform much better than either ATAS or AH-4.
What's your experience? Do the matched systems really work well?
Do you think a screwdriver with external controller or even manual
tuning would be much better? How about guying? I see that most
screwdriver antennas require guying but not the Yaesu or Icom.
Are there any web sites I can go to with real measured data, not
just anecdotal stories?

Thanks for your time!

Dan, W9FCC


The screwdriver would get the nod in just about every case--particularly at
40 Meters and below. While I can't
point you in a particular direction on the spur of the moment, It is a known
fact that there is really no such thing as a "tuner". No matter what device
you use to "fool" the rig into thinking there is a resonant antenna out
there, there *really* is no substitute for a a resonant antenna. A properly
set up screwdriver will stomp on
a tuner or an ATAS and the ATAS would be simply because you are scrunching
the antenna down into a much smaller package. For the best results,
nothing beats
a BIG, UGLY antenna for HF--again where it concerns the lower bands. Of
course, I am sort of partial being that I make Screwdrivers (Carolina
Cyclone), but *I* would choose the SD and 706 combo. I also supply a
little tuning module with each antenna that allows you to
easily move your antenna coil into the right position. The
rig emits a tone and a 10-15 watt carrier. You then operate the screwdriver
motor up/down as needed to position your antenna correctly while observing
the SWR
on the 706's display. It is simple, quick, and beats the cost of those
auto-positioners all to pieces ($200 vs. about $15 for the module.)

Whatever antenna you choose, most people will agree that, while other
antennas can be quite satisfactory, no other antenna beats the SD or a large
center-loaded antenna. If you are satisfied with so-so performance, then
even hamsticks *work* (after a fashion). Me, I HATE a
puny HF mobile signal.


73

Jerry
K4KWH

www.qsl.net/k4kwh

"Daniel C. Mckenzie" wrote in message
...
Looking for opinions on the performance of these mobile antennas.
I'm planning on going mobile, looking at the FT-100 or IC-706, but
I'd like to go with something designed as a well organized system. So
I could go with the FT-100 / ATAS 120, or the IC-706 / AH-4, or
maybe either one with one of the various screwdrivers. I've heard that
the screwdrivers perform much better than either ATAS or AH-4.
What's your experience? Do the matched systems really work well?
Do you think a screwdriver with external controller or even manual
tuning would be much better? How about guying? I see that most
screwdriver antennas require guying but not the Yaesu or Icom.
Are there any web sites I can go to with real measured data, not
just anecdotal stories?

Thanks for your time!

Dan, W9FCC


The screwdriver would get the nod in just about every case--particularly at
40 Meters and below. While I can't
point you in a particular direction on the spur of the moment, It is a known
fact that there is really no such thing as a "tuner". No matter what device
you use to "fool" the rig into thinking there is a resonant antenna out
there, there *really* is no substitute for a a resonant antenna. A properly
set up screwdriver will stomp on
a tuner or an ATAS and the ATAS would be simply because you are scrunching
the antenna down into a much smaller package. For the best results,
nothing beats
a BIG, UGLY antenna for HF--again where it concerns the lower bands. Of
course, I am sort of partial being that I make Screwdrivers (Carolina
Cyclone), but *I* would choose the SD and 706 combo. I also supply a
little tuning module with each antenna that allows you to
easily move your antenna coil into the right position. The
rig emits a tone and a 10-15 watt carrier. You then operate the screwdriver
motor up/down as needed to position your antenna correctly while observing
the SWR
on the 706's display. It is simple, quick, and beats the cost of those
auto-positioners all to pieces ($200 vs. about $15 for the module.)

Whatever antenna you choose, most people will agree that, while other
antennas can be quite satisfactory, no other antenna beats the SD or a large
center-loaded antenna. If you are satisfied with so-so performance, then
even hamsticks *work* (after a fashion). Me, I HATE a
puny HF mobile signal.


73

Jerry
K4KWH

www.qsl.net/k4kwh

I'm planning on going mobile, looking at the FT-100 or IC-706, but
I'd like to go with something designed as a well organized system. So
I could go with the FT-100 / ATAS 120, or the IC-706 / AH-4, or
maybe either one with one of the various screwdrivers.

Dan-

The AH-4 is claimed to work from 40 to 6 Meters using a long whip. It may work
mobile as advertised, but that isn't where its strength lies. In my opinion,
it makes a better field day tuner, working into a random length long wire plus
a good ground. I believe most of the other alternatives will outperform it
while mobile, especially on 40 Meters!

I'm surprised you haven't received other comments supporting either Yaesu or
Icom. I have never worked with the FT-100. Reports have been mixed, with some
people being fanatic about it and a few needing repairs out of the box.
Apparently its a great radio if you get a good one. On the other hand, I have
read reports that its companion ATAS 120 may work, but is not exceptional in
mobile performance.

Reports on the screwdriver antenna performance is generally good. A friend has
a very solid one mounted on the rear of his pickup truck. There may be several
different ones on the market, so look for one that is a little more
substantial.

Although not as convenient as the automatic systems, the single-band antennas
work fairly well mobile, at least as well as they can, since they are short
compared to a full quarter wave. Examples are the HamStick and the Hustler.
Also, the Hustler has an option-bracket used to mount several resonator coils
at once, so you can work more than one band without changing.

73, Fred, K4DII

I'm planning on going mobile, looking at the FT-100 or IC-706, but
I'd like to go with something designed as a well organized system. So
I could go with the FT-100 / ATAS 120, or the IC-706 / AH-4, or
maybe either one with one of the various screwdrivers.

Dan-

The AH-4 is claimed to work from 40 to 6 Meters using a long whip. It may work
mobile as advertised, but that isn't where its strength lies. In my opinion,
it makes a better field day tuner, working into a random length long wire plus
a good ground. I believe most of the other alternatives will outperform it
while mobile, especially on 40 Meters!

I'm surprised you haven't received other comments supporting either Yaesu or
Icom. I have never worked with the FT-100. Reports have been mixed, with some
people being fanatic about it and a few needing repairs out of the box.
Apparently its a great radio if you get a good one. On the other hand, I have
read reports that its companion ATAS 120 may work, but is not exceptional in
mobile performance.

Reports on the screwdriver antenna performance is generally good. A friend has
a very solid one mounted on the rear of his pickup truck. There may be several
different ones on the market, so look for one that is a little more
substantial.

Although not as convenient as the automatic systems, the single-band antennas
work fairly well mobile, at least as well as they can, since they are short
compared to a full quarter wave. Examples are the HamStick and the Hustler.
Also, the Hustler has an option-bracket used to mount several resonator coils
at once, so you can work more than one band without changing.

73, Fred, K4DII