Category Archives: Building
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
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
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
Mounting the Displays
I’ve been asked many times over the years how I mounted the various displays in my car. I’ve shared photos of a few setups on my other website and in YouTube videos, but I had not shared details on which … Continue reading
Roof Rack Functional Failure: An Analysis
Even before I had improved my micro tower, shared here, I recognized that something was not quite right about my roof rack. I couldn’t find any damage, but could see one tiny sign that the rear crossbar was not quite … Continue reading
Improving the Micro-Tower
NOTE: As I built this improved tower, I noticed a minor deformation of what turned out to be internal rack damage. As a result, this tower now rides on my utility trailer. Keep reading to learn about the tower improvements, … Continue reading
Auto Desk Replacement
I assembled the components for my mobile digital amateur radio station in 2021. I started with a RigBlaster PnP by West Mountain Radio and a budget laptop, traveling with it sitting in the passenger seat when not in use. Later, … Continue reading
Compact Moxon Module
You may recall reading about my “Contest Module,” used for VHF/UHF contesting and exhibitions. It’s quite large, heavy, and impractical for routine use. So, I built a “compact tower” after being asked to bring a VHF setup to a group … Continue reading
Guying the Tower
I built a road-going “micro-tower“ for my compact contest rover. The complete setup weighs ~75 lbs (34 kg) and extends about 7 feet (2.1 m) over the roof of my VW GTI. The overall height is 11’6″ (3.5 m), which … Continue reading
Overhaul Phase 3: Amps, Feed Lines, and January VHF Contest
I had shared that the amplifiers I was shopping had been on perpetual back-order since 2020. The supplier continually moved the availability back another few months each time that their expected ship date approached. I found another brand of amps … Continue reading
Rooftop Antenna Tower w/Rotator!
If you’ve been watching my site, then you’re aware that I’ve been slowly building a VHF contest Rover. I’m documenting my process on my new “Rover” page. My coverage there is brief; so, this entry will share more details about … Continue reading
Electronics Overhaul!
I receive a lot of compliments regarding the level of detail and workmanship on my electronics panel. However, something interesting happens over the course of time as equipment is either added or changed, in this car as well as two … Continue reading
Adapting the Factory Antenna Hole to NMO
When it comes to automobiles and ham radio, there are those who will do whatever it takes to make their radio station operate at its best and those who will compromise the radio’s performance for cosmetic reasons. With my Mk3, … Continue reading
Ham Radio Updates
I’ve been neglectful, but busy. I’ve enjoyed making YouTube videos and publishing every week. However, spending so much time making videos meant that the writing on my website had fallen behind; plus, the more time I spend creating, the less … Continue reading
Orion-Tr Smart 12|12-30 360-Watt DC-DC Charger
Originally shared at StealthGTI.com on December 9, 2021. NOTE: I have since upgraded to an even more powerful charger! I shared a link to that write-up at the end of this entry. A car’s alternator is NOT appropriate for charging … Continue reading