Well I’ve started the process to work towards having mobile HF (and VHF/UHF) in my daily driver.
The current daily driver is a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ – the one with the very cool engine that is a V8 when needed and settles back to a V4 when conditions allow.
This is my fourth Suburban, and complicating doing mobile HF is my usual driving pattern of 25,000-30,000 miles a year, and that I change the vehicle usually about every 2-2-1/2 years.
This means that any install will be yanked out and moved to the next vehicle 24 to 30 months after installation.
Also complicating my mobile efforts is my need to use all the space in the truck – we have a large family & travel together when used privately, and I often have equipment or materials in the truck when driving for work.
I also ferry my instruments when playing with various bands.
So the Radio Gear has to tuck away very well and not interfere.
Spending a good 1/4 of my time driving on the phone, using a Motorola T505 Bluetooth device providing a full hands-free setup.
The vehicle is also heavy on electronics – XM radio, GPS Navigation, Computerized Brakes/Stability/Traction (this system has saved my bacon several times over the years when people pulled out in front of me – HIGHLY recommend this option) and active safety gear.
The RF from the radios simply cannot interfere with the basic vehicle.
So I am examining my options. I did acquire a new IC-7000 a good friend had bought but ever used.
I want to pick an antenna that color matches, and can be re-painted to match the next truck. I also want to put the gear into a modular set-up that will come back out easy when it is time to move it to the next truck.
Very open to suggestions on how other people have solved this sort of problem.
73
Steve
K9ZW