N3COB
11-17-2002, 11:27 PM
I have had numberous H.F. rigs in and out of my vehicles over the years. #Using a variety of different antennas. #All of the antenna's seemed to work fairly comperable to each other. #But they all had the same thing in common, at some point you had to get out and change either a resonator, coil, change tap, or change the complete antenna. #
Since I operate primarily from 10 to 40 meters the ADAS-100 antenna by Yaesu fit my bill perfecftly. The only block I ran into was how to drive the antenna as I an using an ICOM 706MKIIG.
One of the local amateurs told me about a company called "AM-COM" located in Lakeside, Montana. #I looked them up on the internet and found they have just what I needed. # In interface made specifically for the ICOM 706 and the ADAS-100. #They actually make two versions, manual and automatic.
I decided to go for the gusto and purchase their ASAC-100, AM-COM's Automatic Screwdriver Antenna Controller.
This model can actually be used with any transceiver providing at least 10 watts of power (cw) output. #Once connected to a transceiver with a TUNE BUTTON (this includes rigs such as the IC706, ALINCO DX70 and the KENWOOD TS50) pressing the tune button will activate the controller and drive the antenna to search for a valid SWR.
Installation is truly PLUG N PLAY! #The AM-COM system comes with the Controller, Control Head, and two cables (1ea. Blue cable and 1ea. Red cable). #One end of each cable plugs into the Controller via modular telephone type connector. #The other end of the Red cable is the Control Head. #This is a small box about the size of your computer mouse. #It has two spring loaded push button switches. #This is allow you to MANUALLY move the antenna up and down. #The other end of the Blue cable (for the 706) has a 4 pin molex connector, which plugs into the back of the 706. #This is where the interface obtains its power.
Lastly, you run a piece of coax (50 ohm) from the transceiver to the input side of the Controller and attach your antenna to the output side of the controller. #Thats it!
Set your VFO #to the desired frequency and push the TUNE button on your rig. #In about 2-5 seconds you will hear two (2) beeps and your ready to ROCK N ROLL.
I have had this setup in my Dodge Mini Van Since the beginning of October 2002. #I LOVE IT! #
I've worked local 40 meter nets ie. ECARS, MIDCARS and SOUTHCARS, and 10-15 meter DX ie. VP2MWP, UT0RW, HI8ROX, XT2ATI, V51AS, ZK1SDE, VQ9X, Z22JE and the list goes on. #Bottom line, IT WORKS...........
This interface will work with other transceivers, I suggest you contact AM-COM directly for specific information.
#AM-COM Inc.
#100 Bierney Creek Road, Suite C
#Lakeside, Montana 59922
#406 844 3052
#www.amcominc.com
As far as my dealings with AM-COM and their customer service. #The few calls that I placed to them, I found them to be extremely helpful and have the willingness and desire to make sure their customers are completely satisfied. #
As an FYI, 98% of the time, I run my 706 at 50 watts. #Only because it seems that is all I have needed. #If there is a pileup or station I need to hit harder, I'll crank it up to high power.
Feel free to drop me a email and/or setup a sked with me.
I Would love to hear from anyone.
Best 73's and hope to have a QSO with you soon.
Glenn/N3COB/Mobile http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Since I operate primarily from 10 to 40 meters the ADAS-100 antenna by Yaesu fit my bill perfecftly. The only block I ran into was how to drive the antenna as I an using an ICOM 706MKIIG.
One of the local amateurs told me about a company called "AM-COM" located in Lakeside, Montana. #I looked them up on the internet and found they have just what I needed. # In interface made specifically for the ICOM 706 and the ADAS-100. #They actually make two versions, manual and automatic.
I decided to go for the gusto and purchase their ASAC-100, AM-COM's Automatic Screwdriver Antenna Controller.
This model can actually be used with any transceiver providing at least 10 watts of power (cw) output. #Once connected to a transceiver with a TUNE BUTTON (this includes rigs such as the IC706, ALINCO DX70 and the KENWOOD TS50) pressing the tune button will activate the controller and drive the antenna to search for a valid SWR.
Installation is truly PLUG N PLAY! #The AM-COM system comes with the Controller, Control Head, and two cables (1ea. Blue cable and 1ea. Red cable). #One end of each cable plugs into the Controller via modular telephone type connector. #The other end of the Red cable is the Control Head. #This is a small box about the size of your computer mouse. #It has two spring loaded push button switches. #This is allow you to MANUALLY move the antenna up and down. #The other end of the Blue cable (for the 706) has a 4 pin molex connector, which plugs into the back of the 706. #This is where the interface obtains its power.
Lastly, you run a piece of coax (50 ohm) from the transceiver to the input side of the Controller and attach your antenna to the output side of the controller. #Thats it!
Set your VFO #to the desired frequency and push the TUNE button on your rig. #In about 2-5 seconds you will hear two (2) beeps and your ready to ROCK N ROLL.
I have had this setup in my Dodge Mini Van Since the beginning of October 2002. #I LOVE IT! #
I've worked local 40 meter nets ie. ECARS, MIDCARS and SOUTHCARS, and 10-15 meter DX ie. VP2MWP, UT0RW, HI8ROX, XT2ATI, V51AS, ZK1SDE, VQ9X, Z22JE and the list goes on. #Bottom line, IT WORKS...........
This interface will work with other transceivers, I suggest you contact AM-COM directly for specific information.
#AM-COM Inc.
#100 Bierney Creek Road, Suite C
#Lakeside, Montana 59922
#406 844 3052
#www.amcominc.com
As far as my dealings with AM-COM and their customer service. #The few calls that I placed to them, I found them to be extremely helpful and have the willingness and desire to make sure their customers are completely satisfied. #
As an FYI, 98% of the time, I run my 706 at 50 watts. #Only because it seems that is all I have needed. #If there is a pileup or station I need to hit harder, I'll crank it up to high power.
Feel free to drop me a email and/or setup a sked with me.
I Would love to hear from anyone.
Best 73's and hope to have a QSO with you soon.
Glenn/N3COB/Mobile http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif