Author Archives: Scott
“Mobile” Ham Station Defined
What defines a ham radio mobile station? I once checked into a local radio net as “KE4WMF-mobile.” The net control station asked, “Are you actually driving or just sitting in your car?” I answered that I was parked, but also … Continue reading
Cargo Organization with Husky Build-Out
Originally published at StealthGTI.com on 3/24/2025. Updated in 2026. I have been a fiercely independent traveler for a very long time, both in vehicles and on my bicycles. I often carry more tools or parts than necessary. I had been … Continue reading
Autoexec Car Desk: Reach to Gripmaster
I bought my Autoexec Reach car desk in 2021 when I started doing more with ham radio, particularly when I began exploring digital modes and needed a computer to ride with me. I was still logging on paper sheets and … Continue reading
My Other Mobile Stations
I’ve had a few e-mails over time where showing someone an image from a previous install might have been helpful in providing ideas that they could use for themselves. I’m not going to do full write-ups for each photo, but … Continue reading
2025 Virginia QSO Party
I don’t participate in HF contests with one exception: the Virginia QSO Party (VAQP). Mobile HF stations are at a disadvantage when compared to home stations, especially those with HF Yagis and 220V amplifiers. The disparity can make operating during … Continue reading
Bonding for My HF Mobile Setup
I’ll start by saying that this article is not about why to bond an HF mobile setup. Instead, my goal is to show you what I’ve done to my car. Alan, K0BG, had stated that bonding horizontal surfaces is more … Continue reading
2025 ARRL January VHF Contest
Contrary to what online photos may suggest, I do not drive year-round with my micro-tower and VHF contest setup on the car. There are places where I drive that a 10.5-ft tall vehicle can not go, especially during the months … Continue reading
POTA: An Intro and How I Activate
Parks on the Air, commonly referred to as “POTA” (POH-tuh), is an international radio sport that encourages amateur radio operators to communicate with or from state and national parks, as well as a wide variety of other designated public lands … Continue reading
LiFePo4 Battery Shenanigans and Long-Term Review
I recently had recall work done to my car that required access to the fuel tank. Guess where the fuel tank is accessed? That’s right, it’s accessed by removing the rear seat! If you’re familiar with my car, then you … Continue reading
Why Use a DC-DC Charger in a Mobile Installation?
So, you want to add a “house battery” to your van or an “auxiliary battery” to your touring rig? Adding a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4 or LFP) secondary battery is not as simple as simply placing it in parallel with … Continue reading
Victron Energy Orion XS 12|12-50A DC/DC Charger
I charged my LiFePo4 auxiliary battery with an Orion Tr 12|12-30A for nearly three years with good results. My only complaint was that the unit heats quickly and then de-rates its power output. The “30-amp” output was usually closer to … Continue reading
MMBT Tour Mechanic as Bicycle Mobile
I shared that I had built a new bicycle mobile station about three weeks ago. I recently returned from its shakedown tour. A close friend, named Sharon, formed a bicycle touring company called Magical Mystery Bike Tours in 2023. She … Continue reading
A Return to my Roots: KE4WMF Bicycle Mobile!
I’m a long-time avid cyclist and was a daily bicycle commuter when I got my Amateur Radio license in 1995. As is often the case with new hams, my first radio was a handheld transceiver (HT). As a technical nerd, … Continue reading
2024 Solar Eclipse Road Trip, Including SEQP and POTA
I had loosely planned this trip in 2017 when a partial solar eclipse passed over Virginia. I was at work and got a brief glimpse of the ¾-eclipsed sun through an office window with a set of borrowed safety glasses. … Continue reading
Feed Line Pass-Thru
I have a cool widget in my setup that I haven’t detailed beyond a small paragraph on my Rover page. I presented the question, “How do I get so many feed lines out of the car and to the roof?” … Continue reading
Yet Another New Tower: Is It the Last?
My trailer-mounted tower was a success during ARRL’s January VHF contest. Unfortunately, there was one area in which it fell short: AGILITY. Sure, the trailer works fine when my goal is to proceed to a destination, park, and operate. On … Continue reading
Hood Mounted Antennas
Updated in 2026 to include latest configuration with a fourth and lower Yagi; plus, shorter tower configuration… The idea of hood-mounted antennas had not appealed to me. With my sedans, I would either use a lip mount or (eventually) a … Continue reading
January VHF Contest: Trailer Tower Retired
Happy New Year! Yes, I know I’m a bit late. I’ve been both busy and distracted. I mentioned my decision to build a tower trailer in November. I can’t believe it’s been so long already! What have I been doing … Continue reading
Attaching Displays and Equipment: More Details!
I recently shared a write-up about how I mounted my displays. A recent discussion prompted me to share even more detail. I’m asked fairly regularly, “How did you put that there?” Every make and model of car or truck has … Continue reading
Tower Trailer – Still a Mobile Station?
You may recall that I experienced a functional failure of my roof rack due to the extra leverage applied by its roof-mounted antenna tower. Read here for more info. Note that nearly any factory-installed roof rack is up to this … Continue reading