My mini Marisol
This is the ‘Before’ pic of my car. I took this pic last July, and will take new ones as the MiniShack takes shape.
The current plan is to get 2 antennas on the back, one dual band 2M & 70cm, and one for all HF bands. I just got a Diamond NR770HNMO antenna (Pic to come soon) mounted on an NMO lip mount on my trunk. I just don’t know enough about mobile HF antennas to have a clue what mount I need for that one. Preferably, I’d like one I don’t have to keep taking down, so it can’t be so long I can’t pass through garage ports, but I don’t want a bellows so big it looks like I’ll tip over backwards. More research is needed on that one.
Currently I’m using my VX-6R connected to the 770, and that’s been working fairly well, except it’s hard to hear sometimes in the convertible. I’m working out how to get it plugged into my car stereo. I tell you what, that little radio is pretty good!
I also plan on getting my Elecraft KX3 mounted in there to handle HF. Good thing about that one is that it’s already got an antenna tuner built in. I will have to get an amplifier as it’s really a QRP rig. The only mounts I’ve seen use the paddle key slot to mount the radio, but I don’t like that. I want my keyer attached while mounted, so I’m still on the hunt for a mount that will work.
I may create the hookups to be able to set up the IC-7200 if I so desire, but we’ll see.
I’ll post pics as I get things installed, so stay dialed in.
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