The Alpha Moto’s lack of moving parts (like those of a screwdriver antenna) was a major deciding factor for me in choosing this antenna. I use the antenna in two vehicles, one of which is a Jeep that I regularly take off-roading. The antenna has no moving parts that could be damaged by dirt, gravel dust, or being covered in mud… which cannot be said of screwdriver antennas. Some of the off-roading trails I travel with my Jeep are ATV trails, which are very narrow and have lots of low branches, and these trails could not phase the Alpha Moto Antenna. The antenna can be bent at a 90 degree angle to the base without any damage to the antenna system. These factors make this antenna an impressive choice for anyone wishing to use a mobile HF antenna during off-roading or outdoor adventures.

I only run between 5 and 20 watts PEP on HF when I am mobile, and have had success with the antenna at these low power levels. I have used multiple radios mobile with the antenna, which include a TenTec 556 Argo paired with an Elecraft T1 tuner at 5-10 watts PEP, and a Yaesu FT-7 with an LDG Z100Plus tuner at 10-20 watts PEP. The antenna has a trans-match in the base with many taps (72 if I remember correctly) which allow it to be used on all the ham bands from 6 to 80 meters. I have not used it on 6 meters yet, although I plan to soon. The radios and auto-tuners I have used have easily tuned the antenna on 10, 15, 20, and 40 meters. I usually operate mobile on 20 and 40 meters, and have been able to make contacts at QRP levels on these bands with the antenna.

I used the recommended “Alpha Jam Mount” to mount the antenna to both my Ford Escape and Jeep Cherokee. Attaching the mount to a vehicle is simple and just takes four screws, so I can switch it between vehicles in just a few minutes. Adjustment of the mount is also simple, and it takes under a minute to adjust the angle of the antenna when switching the antenna between vehicles. The mount is very strong, and has survived multiple off-roading ventures on my Jeep.

Last but not least, the price of the antenna is very favorable. When compared to other HF antennas, especially screwdrivers, the Alpha Moto Sr antenna is considerably friendly to the pocketbook. The price, combined with the strength and performance of the antenna system, make it a great choice for an HF mobile installation.

KD8RAP

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