So Far, very pleased...install by Truck Gear in Silverdale was perfect!

Hi Dan! Its KJ7PIL. Just joined the Puget Sound Repeater Group (PGSR) and the Western Washington Ham Group...here comes the learning! Monday was first QSO with the radio on the net conference with the PGSR (Great Group!). Pulled in folks from all over the country. Today we did the same but I used EchoLink for the first time. Eventually will get that APRS figured out!

Thanks much...very pleased.

Yes! We are installing a Yaesu 400FTM DXR with Comet 38" fold down antenna on the rack. The radio will be able to quick disconnect and be of use in the trailer with a duplicate controller / speaker installed there...we will run a Chameleon MPAS 2.0 from the rig. Thanks! (KJ7PIL)

@Nathan Poplawski Epic!

@Nathan Poplawski Ha!

Thanks!

It does look awesome...but man that is a whopper. The mount on the truck starts at 10 feet!

I know this post is old, but still very helpful. Thanks!

Thanks very much! These are all good thoughts. My truck builder is going to fab a solid ground plane for the Yakima Lock n Load rack base. I spent the morning on the phone with the GigaParts guys (very helpful) to go through the best options. The Comet CA-2x4SR was discussed extensively with the spring being key as an advantage. Ultimately, we decided on the Comet ZCM-SBB-5NMO and the matching Lip Mount CP-5NMO. This folds down when not in use and provides very nice gain at 38" without getting crazy on length. We discussed APRS access to the net via iOS on a MacBook Pro which should allow for pretty reliable email here in the Northwest. I will have the install complete by end of May with a field test in mid June -- near Glacier National Montana. Will report back but I can't say enough about the time Gigaparts took just to sell $100.00 in parts...good folks.

In for a penny... We bought it this morning. Full review will come after we use it on next trip.

Sounds great! Sent you an email. Best, Blaine

Hi Aaron, I missed the reply. Apologies. Still needing to get the general done. Having fun in the meantime playing with my Yaesu FT3DR. I also have an RTL-SDR dongle to use with SDR#. I have a few antennas that I am tinkering with. I have the Chamelion MPAS 2.0 (looking to stay mobile) and a Tecsun 48x which works well to receive HF at home. I also have the Quirky slinky DiPole but need to get more comfortable measuring distance to band desired. Still not certain about unintended damage from SWR ranges that are too high, or power to unit. The dummy load idea for expensive rig setups makes a lot of sense. The education is enjoyable and will be helpful for Overlanding and Sailing!

Thanks much! Will start there.

Thanks!

Thanks very much for the warm welcome!

We moved to Bainbrdige...building a company here. Eventually we will build on land we have in Coeur D'Alene.