[aprssig] motorcycle mobile tracker

[Dale Blanchard]

apratt at bestbits.org wrote:
> I have been trying to set up a tracker on my motorcycle. I have a 25W
> Yaesu radio and a 1/2 wave antenna. The range is great, but it only
> works when I'm moving under 55 miles an hour. The antenna's not stiff
> enough - it flexes and my outgoing signal drops. I'm in the market for
> a new antenna or some way to stabilize the one I've got.
> 
> People sometimes put 1/4 wave antennas on motorcycles but it's tricky
> to get a ground plane. I decided not to try - I don't have the
> knowledge, equipment, or patience to deal with that. Some folks have
> success on GoldWings - must be all that metal - and I'm sure you can
> find web sites and people who have done it to help you out. Good luck.
> 
> -- Allan Pratt, apratt at bestbits.org
> 
>I use a Yaesu D-700 dual band radio with built in APRS on my BMW motorcycle.
I use a Diamond NR770HNMO No ground plane antenna.
It also has  a tilt over feature.
On one bike it is on the plastic trunk. On the other it is mounted to 
the metal luggage rack.
It is stiff, does not have a spring.
I use NMO mounts on all vehicles. I can swap antenna at will.
I use a short dual band on my truck around town that requires a ground 
plane.
When I go on a trip a put on the no ground plane one from one of my 
motorcycles. It is taller and has gain.
The short one fits under my car port.
It has been working for over ten year and has been all over the western 
U S several times on my trucks and motorcycles.
WA7IXK
Dale
Nevada