[VHFcontesting] Rover radio ideas?

[David Muller]

Bob--

I spent the last year putting a simple rover together starting in Sept 09 with an FT-857D and WA5VJB'S cheap yagi antennas plus a couple moxons.
Duplexer splits 2m and 70cm, feeding a couple brick amps added in January.  Brought on FT-450 for 6m in June, to which I added a DEMI 222 xvtr this Sept.
Its getting a bit more complicated, like protecting the DEMI front end with antenna relay on key line from 857,  and power poles are near capacity, but all is working well for now.  

The operating position is a little crowded with an armstrong push-up mast passing through a sunroof bulkhead right between the front seats, but I love being able to
turn the antenna to peak a signal in just a second or two.  Most of the effort and fun has been innovating with simple materials, primarily on the mast and antenna.
So, I'd encourage you to start simple and keep working.  No matter the equipment, its the fun and challenge. Good luck.

73,  David AB2YI