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Operating HF and VHF/ mobile with IC-706 MKII and as .... W4/G0MTQ/Portable on holiday in Florida Oct. 1997. Note microphone worn around neck for safe operating when mobile ! ( See further details below ).

Installing Mobile Equipment

Before installing equipment in your car take some time to plan out best positioning to enable comfortable and safe operating. Fortunately, equipment such as the IC - 706 , Alinco and Kenwood TS-50S are compact and can be accommodated in even the smallest of vehicles without too much difficulty. If you have a really small car you may wish to consider something like the IC-706MK II which has a detachable front mount so that the main body of the equipment can be stored safely away in the boot of the car. Whilst the latter arrangement may involve some work to run the appropriate power supply wiring it also has important security benefits which of course are well worth considering.

Whilst referring to power supplies to run your mobile equipment, it makes good sense to use suitably rated fused cables which are firmly clamped direct to the battery terminals with appropriate connecters. It is also very important to ensure that cables are properly rated for the current carrying requirements of equipment and takes account of the length of run needed.

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Boot showing location of IC-706MK II, Auto ATU and MFJ Extender . IC-706 front panel mounted in Volvo dash.

Mobile Safety

I don't know about you but I get a bit concerned about the increasing number of road users who you see overtaking at high speed on the fast lane whilst having only one hand on the steering wheel and the other hand grasping the mobile phone or radio microphone!! I used to do the same sort of thing myself at one time but quickly re-organized my operating arrangements after nearly wrapping the microphone cables around my neck while trying to steer the car around a busy roundabout !

With a little thought and relatively small financial outlay, it is possible for every amateur to arrange operating conditions which will enable them to enjoy the challenges and joy of mobile operating and at the same time provide all important safety conditions for personal safety and the safety of other road users.

It is possible to build a small microphone control box and microphone unit which will suit individual requirements but, if you prefer, many of the main Amateur Radio Dealers can supply ready wired microphones for a wide range of transceiving equipment.