Toyota Mobile Still Working Well On The 20M Band

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My Monday morning work journey looked rather bleak for riding my motorcycle. It had been snowing over the night leaving icy patches and slippery surfaces which I prefer to avoid whilst travelling on two wheels.
So taking the easy option I proceeded to fire up the little Toyota 4 X 4 and at the same time I gave myself an opportunity to switch on my good old Yaesu FT-100 mobile radio.

Within a mile of  leaving my QTH I heard VK1GG/P2 calling CQ DX on 20 meters with a loud 5/8 signal.
 I gave Chris - VK1GG a couple of calls back and Chris heard me via the long path with a 5/4 signal. I was very pleased to make the QSO into VK2 land from my mobile at a distance of over 15000 miles.

I have worked many DX with the same FT-100 and Maldol HFC-20 mono band antenna throughout the years with excellent service and reliability not forgetting their superb performance. I first obtained this particular mobile set up back in 2004 and after today's DX performance into Canberra, Australia with Chris - VK1GG, I can say it is still doing a very nice job for me.

Comments

ranprew said…
Simon --
I'm pleased to see you're still punching holes in the ether with your FT-100 combo.
It's always to fun for me to see what you're up to these days. You're one of my heros. Take care ---
Randy K4LJA in Louisiana
10:14 pm
Paul Stam PAØK said…
Hi Simon, you did a good job, the car is a great counterpoise for you antenna. congrats! 73 Paul
5:51 am
PE4BAS, Bas said…
Simon, congrats with the nice LP contact to VK. I see 2 antennas on the car. Which band is the other one for? 73, Bas
8:57 am
MØYKS Simon said…
Hi Randy Thanks for your support! Always pleased to hear from you. 73

Hi Paul, yes the ground plane works fab :) have a great Xmas. 73

Hi Bas, tnx very much. The second antenna is a dual bander 2m/70cm. I don't often go up on simplex VHF but like to have the choice just in case I fancy a change. 73
8:40 pm
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