[TenTec] Using an Argosy in the Field

[Bwana Bob]

Another idea for a mast is the telescoping painter's poles, available in 
various lengths in any hardware or home improvement store.
I bet if you bonded the telescoping sections together with braid and 
hose clamps, you could use the painter's pole as a vertical antenna.

                     73,
                             Bob WB2VUF

On 3/28/2012 11:22 AM, Richards wrote:
> My favorite plan for a portable field antenna is...
>
>
> 	Push up sections of fiberglass mast.   At the top, you
> 	have a feed point for two opposing dipoles - each
> 	element of which is set 90 degrees from the next,
> 	adjacent elements, respectively.  Measure these
> 	for the two bands you want to work most... and add
> 	sufficient rope to the end so the construct is both
> 	antenna and guy line.  Stake the lines with camping
> 	tent stakes.
>
> 	Pound a short piece of water pipe (which is just
> 	larger in inside diameter than the mast) into the
> 	ground as a base that keeps the bottom of the
> 	mast from moving about.  It does not have to be
> 	deep, just deep enough to keep the mast from
> 	squiggling about - you can pull it up easily when
> 	you move on.     Another solution when using
> 	hollow masts, is to pound a short rod or pipe
> 	which has an outside diameter less then the
> 	inside diameter of the mast tubing, and that
> 	will keep it from sliding about.   A little electrical
> 	or duct tape will serve to minimize abrasion.
>
> 	The four elements of the dipoles serve as radiators
> 	and guy lines, and if it is not really windy, this
> 	is sufficient to hold the whole thing together.
> 	Otherwise a second set of guy lines can be used,
> 	maybe just 3 more, if you mast is rally tall and
> 	it gets a bit windy out.
>
> 	A telescoping mast with its own quick release
> 	fasteners often folds down to a single 36-48 inch
> 	item for traveling.   Roll up the wire elements
> 	separately, pick up your base rod or pipe, and
> 	move out when HQ gives the order to bug out.
>
>
> I have friends using this design for monthly QRP field days during the
> summer months.  This will be a full sized dipole, and way more efficient
> than a BuddyPole, also probably twice as high in the air.
> 	
> =======================  K8JHR ==========================
>
>
>
> On 3/27/2012 3:02 PM, John wrote:
>
>> What are good choices for portable antennas?  I guess I would start with
>> a buddy-pole or similar antenna and go from there.
>
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