Test driving the DXengineering HotRodz and MM-1
I’ve been driving for a week or so with the new HotRodz capacity hat and MM-1 auto transformer (pictured). As far as I can tell so far, the system seems to be working. Propagation has been pathetic lately, but I did get a chance to have a QSO with J79XBI on Dominica in the Windward Islands who made the comment that he thought I had a strong signal for a mobile.
Without the MM-1, the system seemed to be more narrow in bandwidth. This makes sense as the overall efficiency (radiation resistance) has gone up. I still need to do a fair amount of clean up with my mobile installation… The Toyota Camary is not exactly the ideal vehicle for ham radio antenna mounts, radio placement, etc. But, it does get decent mpg.
Anyway, the new additions to the High Sierra Sidekick seemed to have been beneficial. If nothing else, with the HotRodz, I have had a few more comments on the mobile installation. I’m going to give these another day or two of runtime, but I’m really impressed so far with the DXengineering equipment.