[TowerTalk] element to boom brackets

KI7WX@aol.com KI7WX@aol.com
Fri, 10 Nov 2000 16:43:21 EST


It is a shame that the Harbach parts are apparently no longer available.  The 
cast Al saddles are nice.

Some possible alternatives:

1) M2 will sell you boom/element clamps.  Nice CNC parts and fairly priced 
IMO.

2) It would not be difficult to duplicate the Harbach style saddles using 
simple machine tools. One could begin with bar stock of ~ 1.5 to 2" square by 
0.5-1" then using a bimetal hole saw bore a hole in the middle, slice that in 
half, and use a drill press to make holes for an SS ubolt.  Delrin or 
Garolite stock could be substituted to make the machining a little easier.  
You need some decent tools but it's not hard conceptually to make these.  For 
isolated elements just use split PVC around the element as described by many 
others.  

3) There are several folks using Al channel or angle  plus a ubolt and a 
couple hose clamps to mount elements.  I found descriptions of these on the 
web.

4) SS ubolts are available from a number of sources as noted many times on 
the reflector.  I would not use guillotine type saddles.  Double edge saddles 
can be obtained from Summitt Racing Equipment but only in larger sizes (2" 
and up IIRC). SS and regular materials available.

An aside - thanks to the folks that responded to my 15M OWA question of 
several weeks back. I settled on a 30 foot boom 5L design which steals 
liberally from several models provided by reflector readers.

Happy building.

Mark


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