[TowerTalk] Vertical Base Insulators

[Dan Levin]

I'm planning to install a Channel Master  pushup mast (with stinger on top)
as a vertical antenna for 160 meters.  The mast is steel, and about 2.5" in
diameter at the base.  It will be guyed.  I have two questions:

 

1)       What is the conventional wisdom about insulating the base of such a
vertical from ground?  How far from ground does the bottom of the mast have
to be?  What materials are best to use as the insulator?  What materials
should I avoid?

2)       Does anyone have a specific proposal for a base insulator for such
an antenna?  I'm especially interested in anyone who is using such a mast as
a vertical, and has real experience with the mechanical and electrical
issues of all of this.

 

My current plan is to use a 1" piece of Delrin with a thin steel plate on
top of it (to spread the weight/pressure) as the base insulator.  What I
don't know is whether one inch is far enough from "ground".

 

Thanks!

 

                                    ***dan, K6IF

 

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