Original article from: Jerry Murphy,K8YUW, (FIDO 1:175/2)
 Reposted by Rob Dennis,Moderator HAM_TECH,for use of the FIDO HAM_TECH echo.
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From: JERRY MURPHY
Subj: Working via mobile
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DB>Larry,this is just a guess,but have you considered the efficiency of your
DB>ground plane? Many hams who work mobile put a big effort into making as
DB>much of the car as possible part of the ground plane. I read about one guy
DB>who welded straps between the body,bumper,and frame in several places.
 I went to a lot of similar problem solving years ago with a very noisy Olds
88. Every hinge was jumpered,plug wires replaced,wires to and around the
distributor shielded,atc,etc. Then I heard the hint that finally solved all 
f
my problems in a very few minutes. I was told to have the receiver on,with my
engine running,and listening to the ignition noise.
 Instead of an antenna,I was to have a long length of coax,one end plugged in
the antenna jack. The other end was used as a sniffer,placed in proximity to
several points around the car. The hot spots would make the most noise,and be
easy to find.
 Lastly,it was suggested that I start at the exhaust pipe,at the rear of the
car. I did all these things and was simply amazed at just how much noise was
generated in the exhaust system.
 It soon dawned on me that the whole system is hung from rubber suspension
thingies,and is insulated except at the source. Flowing thru it are hot gases
that will cause changes in the electro-mechanical properties of the pipe,thus
causing it to become an antenna of sorts.
 After grounding the tailpipe with a short length of copper braid (former RG8
shield) to the nearby frame,the noise WENT AWAY!
 This hint works just as well around noisy computer stuff. Sniff,sniff.
 Of course,you have to use the other well-known and common sense ideas on
using large enough power cables,properly installed (direct from the battery,
if possible),proper routing,and dozens of other hints.
de K8YUW
73,The Jerry Murphy in Lakewood,Ohio
* Origin: HelpNet For the Impaired - (216)-356-1872  (1:157/2)
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