Last Modified: January 23, 2012
There is a question that mobile amateur operators should ask themselves, but seldom do. That question is: How good of a mobile install do I want to do? For some, a simple hamstick, or a short, stubby screwdriver mounted on a clip mount may be adequate. Add in a DX contact or two when the band is open, and they've reached nirvana! Although this web site is dedicated to a best foot forward approach, a lessor effort may suffice. This said, there are a few things, no matter how modest a mobile station is, that should never be done. One of those is improper wiring.
Cutting to the chase, existing vehicle wiring should never be used, ever! This includes using the accessory socket (cigarette lighter socket by another name), and fuse taps. Yet, you often see references to doing so in on-line blogs, but that fact alone shouldn't be a justification! Most vehicle manufacturers publish wiring recommendations, and they should be followed. Typcially, they recommend wiring directly to the battery (with proper fusing of course), or to jump points. In some cases (Ford's 2012 Focus and others), it's to a specific accessory power point.
Another major faux pas is the use of a mag mount. They have their purpose, but that purpose is never a permanent installation. Even a lowly trunk lip, clip mount is superior in performance. While they do work loose quite often, at least they don't fly off! People who say their mag mount has never dislodged, should add the word yet to their vocabulary. More information on this subject is in the Antenna Mounts article.
Just as important is the way you mount your transceiver. Wedged-in blocks of wood, bungie cords, Velcro™ and the like aren't the stuff of champions. If you're really worried about drilling holes that will show, there are ways to cover them up so they can't be seen at trade-in time. Those are covered in the Radio Mounts article.
The bottom line is, operting mobile is no different than any other facet of amateur radio. For some, a simple dipole is enough. For others, a 100 foot tower is just the beginning! Whatever level you seek, there is no justification for doing a sloppy, and rushed install—haste does indeed produce waste!