Hams have been putting stations in their cars since the Twenties (1920's that is). Today, there is great satisfaction in facing the challenge of installing a transceiver in our small cars and pick-ups, using somewhat inefficient antennas, and still being able to make contacts with hams thousands of miles away while "tooling" down the highway. Another clear need for mobile operation is for those facing antenna restrictions in their homes. For these folks, ham radio is not a total loss since a mobile station will allow them access to choice locations such as hill tops from which to pursue their hobby. This page will help you get into and enjoy this "real fun" part of the hobby.

This page is maintained by the ARRL HQ Laboratory staff.

• On the Road: The Joys of HF Mobile 
  QST December 1997, pp.51-54
  A mobile primer with hints on placing antennas on "plastic" cars.
• An HF Mobile Installation--Step By Step  
  QST February 2001, pp. 65-69
  This one leads you through the installation of a mobile HF station, from battery to antenna.
  Feedback: The FT-900 Product Review appeared in QST February 1995
• The Quest for Power--Part 1  
  QST January 2001, p. 97 (Radios To Go)
  Detailed tips on how to get power from your automobile's battery to your mobile station.
• The Quest for Power--Finale  
  QST March 2001, p.107 (Radios To Go)
• Satellite DXing "To Go"  
  QST June 2002, pp. 40-43
  Working the Amateur Satellites from a mobile.
• An Inexpensive External GPS Antenna
  QST October 2002, pp. 36-39
  Save money, homebrew your own external GPS antenna from commonly available materials: copper wire, cream cheese or margarine tub, RG-58U…

• A Web Site For Mobile Amateur Radio Operators by Alan Applegate K0BG
  This site contains a comprehensive collection of articles, information and links about mobile operating, from HF through UHF.
• Welcome to County Hunting
  The goal of County Hunting is to make a two way contact with a station in each of the 3076 counties in the United States. You can see how your mobile station can be a vital asset to County Hunters.
• The Mobile Amateur Radio Awards Club, Inc.
• RFI - Automotive
• Solving Ignition Noise RFI
• K6ACJ Mobile Site
  The "dream" mobile installation in a van... and more by Bill Prats K6ACJ.
• KA6WKE High Frequency Amateur Radio Mobile page
  includes a page on Homebrewing Heavy Duty Mobile Mounts by Mark E Schoonover KA6WKE
• NX7U HF-VHF-Satellite Mobile Station
  Great page for installation in a pick-up by Scott Townley NX7U