Scorpion SA-680 Mobile HF Antenna - Updated

The Scorpion SA-680 is often said to be the best mobile HF antenna that money can buy. I've shared this antenna before, but I've updated a few things and figured I'd just share a new video. A new capacitance hat and automatic antenna controller are among the upgrades. Feel free to visit my website at ke4wmf.com/. Thanks for watching!
Equipment featured in this video:
Scorpion SA-680 HF Mobile Antenna - www.scorpionantennas.com/
W8UZZ Capacitance Hat - www.buzzbar.com/w8uzzch.html
TuneMatic TM-1 - www.tunematic.us/
MFJ-1924 - mfjenterprises.com/products/m...
My Amazon Storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/stealthgti
Mods to the car and links to blog write-ups:
IS38 Turbo with APR Programming, Downpipe and Intercooler - wp.me/P7YnQB-dP
RSR Clutch w/DMF by HS Tuning - wp.me/p7YnQB-su
Baun Performance Catback Exhaust - wp.me/p7YnQB-1KJ
Lots of Electronics - stealthgti.com/electronics/
EcoHitch by TorkLift - wp.me/P7YnQB-hW
Gun Metal Gray Nogaro Wheels - wp.me/p7YnQB-Dg
Various Accessories - stealthgti.com/accessories/
My Camera Setup:
GoPro Hero 9 Black - amzn.to/2MoJ2h1
GoPro Media Mod - amzn.to/3r3zmHw
Canon 90D Video Creator Kit - amzn.to/3rcGLEA
Rode VideoMic GO (at home) - amzn.to/2RyOYnk
Rode VideoMicro Compact (in the car) - amzn.to/3kmnput
Rode Wireless GO Adapter - amzn.to/3aVAg3z
Rode Lavalier GO Professional - amzn.to/2RXDCMv
ZOMEi 75'' Tripod - amzn.to/3aRYBFl
Neewer Camera LED Video Light - amzn.to/36Dbznc
Studio Lighting - amzn.to/36uEycM
Glide Gear Teleprompter (for long videos) - amzn.to/3hIABXo
Galaxy Tab S4 (for Teleprompter) - amzn.to/33BwRlE
Visit me at StealthGTI.com.
Visit my Instagram page at / stealth_gti
DISCLAIMER: StealthGTI is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases if you purchase a product with a link that I provide. There is no additional charge to you!
#stealthgti #ke4wmf #scorpionantenna

[@KI5OLVRADIOACTIVE]

Are you running HF power yet? I just put in a Ameritron ALS-500Min my truck and it took me to another level. check Hi-Q-5/80 antennas also. 73 great videos

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks, Phillip! I've been to your QRZ page in the past. You're not in my log; so, you must've commented on another video, which then led me to your page. I don't recall seeing your videos, but I'll watch some now. You appear to have a good selection. You and I have a lot of equipment and interests in common! The ALS-500M was on my short list. However, inventory shortages in 2020-2021 combined with my dive into VHF contesting compelled me to put the HF amp on a backburner. See my KE4WMF/R playlist for my initial VHF weak signal setup. Question for you: Is the round fan opening on your ALS-500M an intake or an outlet? Knowing that will help me to plan my new trunk setup to perhaps accommodate an ALS-500M in the future. And, speaking of the ALS-500, there's not much content on KZbin about it. You might be able to cut a path for growing your channel if you can manage to share a good feature about it. Thanks for visiting!

[@tangoseal1]

I will interject with my humble opinion, and people will argue with me endlessly, but I suggest that an amplifier with a scorpion is not needed. If you are not compromised in excess to unavoidable compromises that comprise mobile HF installations, then you should put a 5/9 signal out about anywhere and to anyone that you can hear on average. I submit that in adding a high power amplifier to your HF radio solution in your vehicle, while it might be fun in application, it places undue stresses on your sensitive electronics that make that modern car run smooth. Everything from the ECM, to the ABS, to Airbag sensors all get impacted to some sort of degree when you are pummeling their respective ICs with constant burst of near field high energy HF. At best the Scorpion is efficient on its lowest band, 75m, to around 5%. Amplifiers in the mobile are not worth the effort, expense, or energy they use to gain maybe half an S unit to the outside world. A mobile setup is far too compromised to gain the efficiency necessary. Now a home station antenna over the Earth with proper fundamentals being met in all large antenna installation practices will raise the efficiency drastically, and that properly satisfies using an amplifier. A scorpion does not need an amplifier and I suggest not using one. The problem with Scorpion is not that it cant handle power when shiny new and clean, its just that the fingerstock inside the antenna could arc under high power, especially if dirty or oxidized, and it could damage the antenna's coil or fingerstock eventually. I know someone who was running a KW through his scorpion and it melted the finger stock contacts inside that contact the coil. Ron honored the warranty regardless and repaired it for him. A super mega professional business owner indeed! - 73 KK4YDR p.s. I melted the pseudo-fingerstock in my Steppir Big IR Vertical base station antenna at 10 watts while tuning when I first got it because I didn't realize I was putting RF out while the antenna was moving its element out and in. That was 10 watts. I cant imagine the voltages in a poorly compromised mobile HF coil such as any screwdriver. Your mileage may vary.

[@StealthGTI]

@@tangoseal1 - Thanks for the comment, Eric! Your logic is another part of why the ALS-500 is a backburner idea for me... and has been since 2020 when I bought my Scorpion. I had estimated a gain of about one S-unit at the other end of a QSO. But that only improves my odds of being heard in a pile-up and does nothing to help me hear any better. I would not want to be the operator who's "all mouth and no ears." As a result, I'd only use an amp for improving my odds in a pile-up where I can clearly hear who I'm calling; but I would never call CQ using the amp. With that in mind, I'm inclined to avoid the purchase of something that I wouldn't use all of the time. My most frequent HF activity is on POTA as an activator. As an activator, they're calling ME. So, I know they can hear me if I can hear them calling. 🙂 Thanks again for the comment!

[@kn4jxcom]

Love your Channel Scott. Thanks for the good information. I just picked up a Scorpion and will incorporate most of you ideas.

[@StealthGTI]

Awesome, thank you! Have fun with your antenna. BTW, I stopped using the TuneMatic TM-1 and have returned to using the MFJ-1924. It's more simple and the clunky buttons are easier to use when mobile or parked in the dark. Take Care! Scott, KE4WMF.com

[@washingtonstatepicker3460]

Thank you for showing us your setup! I really need to get a hitch mounted on my cars! Not only for future screwdriver antennas but for mast mounting! Your setup rocks!

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks! Check out my KE4WMF/R playlist for the latest regarding my VHF contest setup. Take Care!

[@tangoseal1]

I own a Scorpion and I was mentored heavily by Alan Applegate, K0BG, so I sometimes, humbly, consider my-self quite knowledgeable in mobile HF operations. However, what makes me really, and I mean really respect you, is that you know for a fact that your antenna mounting solution is probably one of the most compromised positions and you admit that and fully admit that you want to compromise in order to keep your car in good material shape. This is absolutely respectable, and it shows that you know your stuff and I mean it! Most people in mobile have no idea what they are doing and if they do something that is just awfully wrong and woefully inadequate as far as the proper methodology, they fail to recognize this and instead further ground themselves in their mountain fortress of "I am right no matter if I am dead wrong". Bravo! That scorpion is hands down the best mobile HF antenna that is realistically practical anywhere you can find mobile HF operations.

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks for the note, Eric! In my original Scorpion video, I mentioned that I had tried it on the roof with a rack. I was able to do some mild bonding, but could not tune 20m at all! That was a show-stopper for me; so, I went to the hitch. There are compromises on the hitch, for sure. I found that to be even more apparent when I'm driving on concrete instead of asphalt. The rebar in concrete affects tuning since the antenna is so low to the ground. It took a LONG time for me to figure that out since it presented as an intermittent problem. "Is it the trees? Other cars? What?" HAHA! Hey, please feel free to e-mail via my QRZ page (KE4WMF). I'd love to discuss more outside of YT. Take Care! -Scott

[@alvarogaitan2529]

Thanks Another terrific 👍 video 73

[@StealthGTI]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for visiting!

[@M0RMY]

Hi Scott. My in-laws live in Kingsmill, Williamsburg but I am in Nottingham UK - will listen out for you next time we are visiting VA. Run a Tarheel here - enjoyed the video and website.

[@StealthGTI]

Sounds great! Our local repeater, 146.76 MHz (minus offset) is open for visitors. We have a daily "Coffee and Radio Net" at 9am. I'm usually there. Feel free to drop in and say hello. We're also on Echolink as KB4ZIN. Thanks for visiting! de KE4WMF

[@robertdeforge7809]

Great video! The question I have is about the mounting directly in front of the license plate. I have seen offset mounts, so the plate is visible. Have you ever had issues with the police about having the plate view obscured? Here in New York city all the speed ,red light ,EZ pass cameras ,if you are pulled over you might get a ticket. This has been more for toll evaders. Bicycle carriers are used more for this than actually carrying a bicycle

[@StealthGTI]

I suppose it's possible. But I think I'm unlikely to get pulled over just for that. It's probably a secondary offense or just a reason to start a conversation. With that said, I AM just a tiny bit interested in an offset mount. I'd need to switch to a 2-inch mount first. We'll see if I make that leap. Thanks for visiting!

[@Ei2iP]

I have the Tarheel 200a, which is a pile up buster, used it as a base antenna..

[@StealthGTI]

Nice! I don't have a lot of antennas to compare. All I know is the Scorpion is a big step-up from my ATAS-120A. Thanks for visiting.

[@M0UOO]

Just come over your posting. Well I think I have had mine about 13 years and living and driving in the UK is more challenging with big antennas on, like you I soon found the top hat the best option. My antenna I believe they don't make any more which the SA160 so 160 up to 10m. Really a great antenna I used to drive most days to London from Southampton about 160 mile round trip and leaving the house at about 4 04.30 and leaving London at about 17.00 and I am sure the only reason I am manage it was the radio in the morning non stop DX on 40 & 80m and on the way home rag chews with my normal friends. Running the full 400 Watts did bring up a few bits of fun on 15m it would completely scrambled the matrix sign on the motorway. On a more serious note I could not use the stand whip as it would whip around near the body of the van as you would stop and start. This would kick out the amp this was speeds over 50 mph let along the national speed limit. Other things which would take out it out where trucks with big bodies and as you drove along side and road bridges along with the overhead matrix signs. At this time I had moved over to minium hight of 15' for 80m the UK stand law is 16'6" other wise it must be signed and as my journey was motorway not a problem and the whip was now a 5/16 stainless steel diameter bar with the hat on. Tuning like you used to use the two switches for a few years then imported from the states a turbotune 2 great bit of kit never missed the frequency, a little adjust with the switch when under full power. Now a few problems I am afraid! I have had a couple of fires at the top where it has moulded the plastic tube, I have put this down to water as we get a lot of weather changes here and running running up and down the motorway a warp 9 come sun snow or rain can't be good about 45,000 miles a year. Also the antenna fitting at the base has shorted so a regular clean and a couple of changes. So I have rebuild it several times it in the workshop at the present time as I have completely changed the bottom end drive and changed it to a DC stepper motor which will be controlled is arduino. Final words: Ready a great antenna I don't do much mobile work due to the van getting completely written off and just having time to fit it all in the new vehicle plus work and health have both changed but I am going to try and get it all back up and running over Christmas and would be great work you mobile to mobile . 73 Richard M0UOO

[@StealthGTI]

Very good! I think Ron will make an SA160 as a custom order. However, I'm fairly certain that he no longer ships overseas due to problems with shipping agents. So, if you have one, you have a keeper for sure! Thanks for visiting!

[@alvarogaitan2529]

this the second time see this video fantastic setup Wow very professional job 73 from kb2uew

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks for visiting!

[@ve9aa]

Great video and installation Scott ! I also love my Scorpion antenna. 73 Mike VE9AA

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks 👍

[@alvarogaitan2529]

This video is fantastic

[@Arrrgh14]

I still don't understand what any of this means, but it's damn cool.

[@StealthGTI]

HAHA! Thanks for watching!

[@KI5OLVRADIOACTIVE]

great job.. I would like to see how you use the new TuneMatic and using on POTA 73

[@StealthGTI]

Coming soon! I have footage recorded and will edit soon. This week's video is the caphat. TuneMatic is next week. Take Care!

[@KI5OLVRADIOACTIVE]

@@StealthGTI awesome, great job. 73

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

Really nice, but do you ever get any pushbk from the Local LEOs regarding Lic Plate obstruction? Curious, as you know how these things can be, cherrs n gd DX 73

[@StealthGTI]

Nothing yet. So far, with all of my antennas (as many as 12 at times), most police seem to avoid me after taking a photo. HAHA! BUT, should I get a ticket for such a petty "obstruction" and not have it dismissed in court, I think I could use the same tow hook license plate mount that some people use, but put it on the back. Of course, I would need to add a light for it, but that's not a terrible problem. Thanks for visiting!

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

@@StealthGTI cheers, i probably just watch too much you tube!!! 😀

[@ChuckBigbie]

Very good video and very detailed. I have a fiberglass motor home with virtually no mounting locations. If I use the Hitch mount I cannot tow my H2 and it blocks the engine access in the rear. I am considering this antenna with a front mount on the H2, either the Hitch mount or the Brush Bracket mount that is pictured ont eh Scorpian web site. I realize both will be compromized however like you it will be my only option for mobile with the motor home. The motor home should shield the antenna from wind while driving. The issues I am wondering about are vehicle grounding from the motor home back to the H2, about 6 feet, considering the braided ground cable that you use and attaching it to the motor home frame. If I use the Hitch mount on front of H2 I could also move it to the rear of H2 and use it there. The other issue with the motor home is it is a 45 footer so I need about 50-55 feet of control cables and coax. Do you have any thoughts on how that will affect performance? Lot's of questioins from me I hope you have some good suggestions. Thank You N5ANY

[@StealthGTI]

WOW! That's quite a plan. I think a front mount may be best for the sake of keeping coax and control lines shorter. Take a look at Tarheel Antennas website for more photo examples and ideas. I'm not saying to buy a Tarheel; but you may get more ideas. Good Luck!

[@dheller777]

That thing looks like a flagpole! I don't think my truck could handle the extra drag that antenna would cause. Thinking about an Atas 120 for my Yaesu Ft891.

[@StealthGTI]

Ironically, the ATAS-120A will vibrate in the wind more than my Scorpion because the ATAS uses a weaker mount when compared to a trailer hitch. BTW, I have an ATAS-120A, too. It's a good antenna. I need to do some back-to-back testing to compare the ATAS and Scorpion directly against one another. See a photo with all antennas at i0.wp.com/stealthgti.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/20221016-Sunrise-01-1920.jpg. Thanks for visiting!

[@z3r0c00l2]

Nice antenna... But do a comparison with Atas - 120a

[@StealthGTI]

I do want to test that exact thing. I need to run the antennas to a switch so that my comparisons are instantaneous. I hope to accomplish that soon. Thanks for visiting!

[@JohnHill-qo3hb]

Would love one of those BUT... they don't ship to Canada, don't know why, will ask them soon. Thanks for the videos.

[@StealthGTI]

Yeah, he's had too many problems with international shippers. If you call him, he'll work with someone who makes the full arrangement for international shipping via shipping agent. It's far more expensive that way, but it takes the risk away from him. Thanks for visiting!

[@JohnHill-qo3hb]

UPDATE! I was cruising one of the swap-shop sites up here, there's one in my garage as I type. Going to fashion a rack for the roof rack out of bed rails (first attempt) I won't be driving with it in the operating position, will lay it down with a support under it, that's the plan so far. Thanks for doing the videos, Scott.@@StealthGTI

[@StealthGTI]

@@JohnHill-qo3hb - Glad to hear it, John! Have fun!

[@docpearson]

Minor inconvenience did you say minor inconvenience where you weren’t able to open the back of the SUV because the antenna. 😂😂😂 Let me ask you this. Do you think possibly there’s some type of hinge that could be put on the back hitch so you could lay the antenna down temporarily while you got into the back of your SUV and then pop it right back up again ?

[@StealthGTI]

HAHA! Yes, there is such a part. Check out BreedloveMounts.com and see his products for either the Scorpion or other hitch-related products. I may get one someday. For now, if I need in the trunk, I just access through the back door. Thanks for visiting!

[@craig_sez8534]

Nice but no good for my big rig..Wayyyy to big n heavy for my mirror mount..

[@StealthGTI]

Agreed! The Scorpion and other large antennas need a strong mount! Thanks for watching!

[@fearofchicke]

I almost mistook your thumbnail for a Scott Kilmer video.

[@StealthGTI]

OUCH! I may cry myself to sleep tonight over that one! HAHA! Thanks for visiting!

[@fearofchicke]

@@StealthGTI lol sorry! Your content is way more accurate.

[@Clint_L]

Take that back. Wash your mouth out.

[@StealthGTI]

@@fearofchicke - I appreciate that! Maybe I won't cry tonight. Instead, I'll lay awake staring at the ceiling. ;-)

[@pauln4dmeedwards775]

WHY NOT USE IT ON THE Air to see if it actually works, half ass video

[@StealthGTI]

Too funny! I showed the map of some of my first contacts with the Scorpion. All an on-air demo would show is, "Sure it works," without any meaningful data that compares it to something else. I have other videos of me making contacts. Still, I am working on a new video that directly compares this antenna to my ATAS-120A. Thanks for visiting!