Jimbo's Amateur Radio HF Mobile Blog

All about my mobile Hf (VHF) activities and outings with my radio chums

Sunday, September 10, 2006

My mobile radio season is almost at an end, this is when I start to think more about the new Pike fishing season. Also with the cooler weather, shorter days, xmas and everything else I never seem to get "out" much. So, looking ahead to next spring when I'll start more regular outings again, what plans do I have.

Well, before the end of my current season I would still like to get down to Devils Dyke at least once to try out my halo! But over the winter months I hope to make at least one dipole to give me 20M band access.

Other plans for next year will be a 2M beam, prolly a Tonna 4 ele. Also, maybe, and its a BIG maybe, an IC-7000. If Icom can make the rig work properly, buy the time I've saved enougn, it should be cheaper and more common. The 706 I have is doing just fine although it seems to be drifting on 2M somewhat and I'm sure the 2M output is a bit "up and down" sometimes. But not bad since its been in the boot of a car since 1998 and done about 40,000 miles!

The band(s) to be on seem to be 20M and 2M FM, so that's where I need to work on, I already have a pukka 2M amp, so I need a decent antenna. Come Nov and the West London Rally, I hope to get something there. But... should it be a Tonna? And what about 20M, do I make a dipole????? Your comments please...........