Topband: Building a practical vertical from Al tubing

[herbs@surfvi.com]

Quoting "Richard (Rick) Karlquist (N6RK)" <richard at karlquist.com>:

>> think for my urban lot a reasonable height limit is probably
>> about 75’. One of the European verticals probably isn’t a
>> realistic option for me, so that has left me pondering a homemade
>> vertical antenna, which would be constructed of aluminum tubing
>> from the common amateur radio sources. I’d love to use irrigation
>> pipe, but I don’t find any distributors listed

Rick,

The heavy duty tapered aluminum supports used for shopping center parking lot
lighting and street lights with the flanges on the bottom are a good place to
start.  We had them here for free (haul away) after Hurricanes in the 
past. The
highway division in your area most likely hauls them away quickly after car
accidents shear them off..and that might be a good freebie source. If you can
find a good aluminum welder a pair of these (adding one that was broken off
at the base would make a great 160 meter self supporting flag pole type
antenna with some top loading on the top.

Today here we have even large 40 foot fiberglass poles supporting huge solar
panel powered parking lot lighting but I imagine they are expensive. One of
these would sure make a great helical vertical because of large circumference
over the length.  Dropping a couple of interconnected slinkys inside might be
a great 160 meter TX antenna and still keep the homeowners association quiet
especially if you put a US flag on top. Just a thought (and for me that is
always dangerous)

73,

Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ


Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ