28 MHz has been open most days this solar cycle, and so it’s been my band of choice from the car. The antenna sizes are much more reasonable, so it’s easier to get an antenna mounted on the car that works well.
I have a few options, but if static I have a 1/4 wave whip that’s around 9ft tall. They are sometimes referred to as a “Tank Whip” and can be purchased very cheaply online. The antenna requires virtually no tunning, you simply mount these on a 3/8 mag mount base and they work.
Antenna performance is subjective, but it also can be measured in PSK reporter.
Operating from the car allows you to pick an RF-quiet location and experiment.
Hi Dave,
Just Wondering how you get on working portable from The Ionios?
I bought a Mini Countryman PHEV this year, I used to work mobile & portable from my old diesel Mini for the past few years & looking to start again with my temporary setup (FT-857D, Lithium battery & various antennas either mag mounted or portable on a spike in the ground.
How do you find the noise level from the car? is it possible to work mobile in the Ionios and do you get any interference while parked?
Best Regards.
Jim 2E0HKM
Hi James, the car makes virtually no noise. If the noise floor is very low, and the antenna is close you can sometimes detect a raise in the noise floor.
That is mostly insignificant compared to suburban noise, SMPS and the like. Its very good! Dave