new jeep owner

[KG6VVO]

Hi all my name is Steve KG6VVO. I am the proud owner of a 2010 Jeep Wrangler. I am planing what radios to put in. I would like to see some pictures of people HF rigs. I am trying to get ideas for a screw driver instal. Any help would be great . 73 all take care Steve KG6VVO

[KC0NNT]

Welcome Steve! What HF rig are you running?

[KG6VVO]

Hi there
I am planing on a Yaesu-7000. still need ideas on a screw driver. take care all 73 Steve KG6VVO

[K1UR]

Are you willing to drill holes or not? Some people seem reluctant to do that in a new vehicle!

Wranglers are somewhat challenging when it comes to install points but there are quite a few options. For a screwdriver you need a pretty solid base since the antenna is quite heavy. A ball mount is one option. For a different solution, something mounted in place of a trailer hitch can work too.

[KD8NNU]

I think you mean an Icom_7000 not Yasau-7000 as that rig does not look like a portable unit and its pretty old from what I found with a google search.

I also have a 2008 Wrangle 2 door and it was a lot of work to get the radio to work in the Jeep you can read my tale at the following link http://www.jk-forum.com/showthread.php?126803-ESP-BAS-and-Traction-Control-plus-dings-when-transmitting-HF

I am also looking for a screwdriver to purchase but I am not sure what to get.

When I do get one I plan on making a mount that will tie to the tailgate and use the existing bolts that hold the rear hinge. This way I believe that I can get the antenna higher up.

[KC0NNT]

I do not know that a screwdriver can stand up to the rigors of off roading. I can however see bringing one along to use while stationary.
One HF antenna that will hold up is a ham stick. BTW, I have an IC-7000 and I love it!

[K1UR]

I do not know that a screwdriver can stand up to the rigors of off roading. I can however see bringing one along to use while stationary.
One HF antenna that will hold up is a ham stick. BTW, I have an IC-7000 and I love it!

That is an issue...I broke the plastic enclosure on my High Sierra screwdriver offroading from brush hitting it. On the other hand, if I had been thinking, the antenna could have been easily removed and stowed in the truck. The High Sierra antenna is held to its mount in a way that offers quick removal, simply by loosing a screw on a hose clamp.

[ZL3OOC]

Hi guys,
Check out some of the Australian Jeep and 4x4 sites. HF is big biz there as the place is kinda large with not many people out of the cities! There are PLENTY using HF there off road. They (and we in New Zealand) usually use Codan radios and some have self tuning antennae so give them a go.

My 10c

Oliver
ZL3OOC

[KD8NNU]

Hi guys,
Check out some of the Australian Jeep and 4x4 sites. HF is big biz there as the place is kinda large with not many people out of the cities! There are PLENTY using HF there off road. They (and we in New Zealand) usually use Codan radios and some have self tuning antennae so give them a go.

My 10c

Oliver
ZL3OOC

Whats a self tuning antenna?

[KG6VVO]

Hi all and yes I did mean a Icom IC-7000. I am thinking of trying a Alpine screwdriver. I live 20 minutes away from the man that makes them and the price is the best of all the screwdrivers out there. Pleas if anyone has some pictures i would like to see them . Thanks ans 73 all Steve KG6VVO

[AC0VH]

On the other hand, if I had been thinking, the antenna could have been easily removed and stowed in the truck. The High Sierra antenna is held to its mount in a way that offers quick removal, simply by loosing a screw on a hose clamp.
I just take off the HF antenna if it's particularly rough. There is no reason to leave it attached if the road or trail is that difficult, it's not like I'm going to be operating while driving so why subject an expensive screwdriver to that? Even Hamsticks have a limit and have the extra downside of being really tall, another detriment in trees. On pavement, maybe smoother dirt roads and at camp, definitely. Any inter-vehicle comm on the trail is VHF & UHF or CB and those antennas I don't much mind letting get banged around. I think the only way I would not bother taking off the HF antenna would be if I ran a tuner and a CB whip. This was also one reason I went with the ATAS-120, it's super easy to remove and install (this is also nice for mall parking lots and ham swaps, seems people have sticky fingers).