VE6AB Mobile Ops
Log Periodic Stationary Mobile
If you have been following my goings on, and possibly checking out my antenna gallery, you are aware that I recently completed the building of a LPDA (Log Periodic Dipole Array) that covers the bands of 2 meters, 1 1/4 meters, and 3/4 meters, or 144 MHz, 220 MHz, and 440 MHz.
My intent in building the log periodic was to have it available for use with my Max-Gains system push up mast assembly when mounted on my mobile as pictured here, and eliminating the need for individual yagi antennas to cover the 3 bands covered with the LPDA, and freeing up space on the mast, and in the cargo bay of my mobile.
Once the final tuning of the antenna is completed, I plan on modifying the boom, turning the antenna in to a take down assembly, allowing for easier storage in the cargo bay.
Although on this day, I was making the initial adjustments to the antenna with my antenna analyzer, pulling the antenna into tune, and the LPDA was the lone antenna on the push up mast, the idea is to also have my Inverted U for the bands of 10- 20 meters mounted at the top of the mast , and my 6 meter DXing Halo also mounted in place on the mast at the same time.
When operating during a contest, or on Field day, and between my Kenwood TS-480HX, and my Yaesu FT-897D all mode transceiver, I've got everything pretty much covered.
Oh, I almost forgot the 220 MHz mobile radio mounted in my radio stack that takes care of the 1 1/4 meter band covered by my new Log Periodic.
As far as my gearmotor antenna, when things get serious, I change out the steel whip for the braid covered fiberglass whip with included cap hat located in the cargo bay, and that takes care of 40, 60, and 80 meters.
For the moment, I need to turn manually turn the mast, and although it turns easy, I am planning on building a 12 volt motorized mount for the hitch insert that will turn the complete mast with included antennas.
Oh....in case your wondering, the antenna is sitting at the 18 foot level in this photo.
On another note......if you are ever contemplating acquiring a hitch insert for a push up mast to mount on a pick up, make sure and build or purchase one that allows the tail gate to be opened as seen here.
When I built my hitch insert, this was by design, as it make it a breeze to set up the antennas on the mast assembly while standing on the tail gate, as it gives you the necessary step up to reach the top of the mast when mast is installed in place on the hitch insert adapter.
For the most part, the only ones I've seen commercially built, do not allow for opening the tail gate, and after using this one, I wouldn't want one that doesn't allow for an open tailgate.
Don't forget, it also allows for access to the cargo bay with the mast assembly in place, making it easy to access your other gear when you set up on Field Day, or just out for the week-end and set up in a location where your camped out and playing radio.
Click on the photo for a closer look.....
Another look at my LPDA.......
http://www.jerryclement.ca/MachineShop/Antenna-Werks/i-qdKbDxq
A closer look at the aluminum hitch insert lying in the cargo bay.....
http://www.jerryclement.ca/HamRadio/HamRadio/i-HhR637B
