Ham Radio Rover

[Joe Btfsplk]

I'm a ham radio contest operator living in a deed restricted community. It's a long story so let's not go there. I'm also an old school RVer, Cut my TV teeth on a 1972 20' Dutchcraft. OK, an old old school RVer. I've recently rediscovered the world of small (micro) fiberglass RVs. My objective is to restomod an fgrv (w/toilet) into a self contained, single operator, UHF/VHF, contest rover. If you understood that last sentence you know also know what I'm up against. Bottom line, I'm here to learn.

[AC0GV]

Originally Posted by Joe Btfsplk

I'm a ham radio contest operator living in a deed restricted community. It's a long story so let's not go there. I'm also an old school RVer, Cut my TV teeth on a 1972 20' Dutchcraft. OK, an old old school RVer. I've recently rediscovered the world of small (micro) fiberglass RVs. My objective is to restomod an fgrv (w/toilet) into a self contained, single operator, UHF/VHF, contest rover. If you understood that last sentence you know also know what I'm up against. Bottom line, I'm here to learn.

I use a Scamp 16' with rear bunk and side bunk. If I'm set up for a few days the radios are on the big table and I sleep on the side bunk. The picture is old, now with the new split radios I have the radio body under the table on the bed extension and the heads on the table. https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/...lbums2282.html has some of the mods for ham radio. Note that you will have noise problems, The converter in mine must be off and the LED lights are noisy, I'm working on replacements.

[gordon2]

One of the biggest problems we have had in these campers is RFI from everything from LED lights to the converter to PWM controls on fans, etc. That is not as much a problem on VHF / UHF as HF of course but it is still something I would consider from the start as you put things together. Some of us have needed to shut off most everything and run straight off the battery. Speaking of batteries.. I would look at https://battlebornbatteries.com/
73

[redbarron55]

The SCV (Scamp Command Vehicle) is a regular feature of field days around here.
All LED lighting, A plug to add an extra 100 AH battery, Plug to power MFJ Anderson Pole distribution strip.
300 watts of solar panels on the roof
A 2" (schedule 20) tube to mount a 31 ft green telescoping TN07 fishing pole antenna.
A self closing and sealing access port.
An LP/Gasoline dual fuel inverter generator.
Antenna tuner and connections for a good ground.
My SCV was a hollow shell that only needed half of a frame, new axle, floor and entire interior and all appliances and whatever else.
I rebuilt my Scamp with two twin beds along the side and center table/nightstand.
It works well for an emergency "Go Box" to respond to emergencies, field day and scamper away from hurricanes.
I have also used that 2" tube to hold a mast to support a DX-77A 40 - 10 vertical.

[Gilda]

Welcome to the world of fiberglass RVing! While I know nothing about Ham radio, my brother is an operator who does not RV. My friend is a Ham radio operator AND an RVer, albeit a large, bus-like RV. Would it be helpful for you to be in touch with my friend? PM (private message) me if you like.

[AC0GV]

Originally Posted by Gilda

Welcome to the world of fiberglass RVing! While I know nothing about Ham radio, my brother is an operator who does not RV. My friend is a Ham radio operator AND an RVer, albeit a large, bus-like RV. Would it be helpful for you to be in touch with my friend? PM (private message) me if you like.

I may be back for more help after I get the next batch of LEDs.

[Dave Fish]

I'm not a contest or or a DXer, but I do have my little Campster set up as a ham shack. It is minimal, but I've used it as the net control station for several local events. Its big enough for 2 or 3 to work in it. For VHF& UHF, I mount an antenna on a pole on the tongue. For HF, I use an FT897 with an AT120. I put the AT120 on the car to get enough ground plain.

The Campster has a 45w solar panel, but the Campster has minimal accessories so I can run it and the radio off the battery with ease. Contesting would likely require more power.

Oh, no room for a restroom in this one.

W7DAF

[Hasaf]

Another amateur radio operator, I recently got a Casita and am looking for install ideas.

AF7JA

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by Hasaf

Another amateur radio operator, I recently got a Casita and am looking for install ideas.

AF7JA

VHF? HF? ECOMM? DX?

In any case.. idea #1: https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/...tml#post817443

BTW.. these campers seem to be huge RFI Generators.. Converters, Solar controllers, PWM speed controllers and LED lights all can be a RFI problem (and I think all of them are in my Scamp). So (esp for HF), always keep that in mind and plan on dealing with it.

[redbarron55]

I found that my Evever Tracer 40 amp MPPT has a terrific 40 kHz generator in the moot circuit fed from the solar panels. As a result I added the switch I have been putting off in the circuit. I ended up using a push - pull switch like an auto headlamp since the plywood I needed to mount it is was pretty thick.
Now I can turn the solar on to supplement the power from the TV and off if the frequency I am trying to work on happens to fall on the 40 kHz point.
I have just installed a new IC7100 with the main unit under a shelf of the night table/dinette. The front panel is moveable for convenience and can be removed and stored for protection while travelling.
I plan to operate CW to get back up to speed. Headphones are a must to keep SWMBO happy.
The IC-7100 is a good choice for HF - VHF - UHF coverage. I had been concerned that in an emergency the VHF / UHF might have to be operable at the same time and I plan to add a mounting spot for another radio in the future.
This Scamp (SCV) is also an ARES communications van and bug-out box in case of hurricanes here on the Gulf Coast.

[AC0GV]

Originally Posted by Hasaf

Another amateur radio operator, I recently got a Casita and am looking for install ideas.AF7JA

My 16' Scamp is my Ham radio "GO KIT". It has had many changes over the years but one constant is that the equipment is in Harbor Freight "clam boxes" for protection on the road. I'll get some pictures next time I'm set up and start a new thread,but here is the original Kenwood 440 Version . I later ran a 480 and am working on a yaesu 991 with external tuner as the next unit. The 440 died after only 30 years, the 480 is now bolted to my roll top desk in the house.

[Derswede]

Anyone heading to Shelby, NC this year for the big hamfest? If so, Look me up in the camper area. 16' Scamp with the bumper mounted vertical and the crazy ham up front. Will try to get on the air some. Maddrewski at yahoo dot com is the email, shoot me a note if you'd like to try for a QSO. Will be running an all band Kenwood so should be able to get on most bands. 80m not possible with the vertical, but the rest should work. Solar power, will be checking out the camper to see if I Have the bugs worked out.



73 de N4ABA
Andy (Derswede)

[Derswede]

Had a blast at Shelby this year. Two Casitas made the hamfest as well. I had probably 100 offers on the Scamp the first day! (Wanna sell your camper? "Sorry, you don't have enough money...!"). My little Ranger pulled it with probably 400 lbs of ham gear in it and the camper. That little 2 liter engine had no problem pulling it (mostly flat terrain). HF antenna worked well, sold off a bunch of excess gear and discovered that my fridge was not working. Rebuild/test time! Rebuilt water pump worked well, I cooked outside so as to keep the inside cool. Had to run A/C only one night. Got toasted the first day, bright sun and little sunscreen, thank goodness for the awning!



Heading to the beach next, will be boondocking on a friend's property near the beach.



Next major trip will probably be to get my private pilots license. Place near Asheville, NC has a course that will get you qualified to pass the private test in something like 2 weeks. They rent out a house, but the course ain't cheap and taking the Scamp will save $$! My father was big in the antique airplane scene, we restored several airplanes, so I have flown for years, so will eventually add a plane to the "toy" collection.



Derswede

[AC0GV]

Originally Posted by Joe Btfsplk

I'm a ham radio contest operator living in a deed restricted community. Bottom line, I'm here to learn.

I host a small "HAM RADIO BOONDOCKING" each year. It lets people get out and test what they have for portable equipment. This year we had 3 Scamps, a tent, a ham radio club trailer, and one person sleeping in his SUV.
A total of 17 people came by over the weekend.

My "go kit" is my Scamp but I also have a small Army communications shelter on the lot next to a short tower.

[AC0GV]

Originally Posted by AC0GV

The Kenwood 440 died after only 30 years, the 480 is now bolted to my roll top desk in the house.

So all new equipment for the "go kit".