[TowerTalk] DK9SQ Mast as a reflector?

[kd4e]

I read the text (see below) and wondered if anyone had
experimented with a DK9SQ graphite-embedded telescoping
mast as a vertical reflector?

Or does the embedded graphite not possess sufficient
reflective density?

Just wondered ...

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http://www.io.com/~n5fc/dk9sq.html
I selected the DK9SQ mast over a similar (and $20 cheaper) mast sold by 
MFJ Enterprises, the MFJ-1910, because it was said to be better 
reinforced and sturdier. What I did not anticipate as a side-effect of 
the composition, was the effect that the graphite might exert on the 
antenna. This became apparent when I first used the DK9SQ mast to 
support a vertical wire. I originally wrapped the 33 foot wire loosely 
around the mast, so that my "vertical" would not be flopping around in 
the wind. Big mistake. Turns out the black graphite (or whatever) in the 
fiberglas rod is quite RF absorbent. On 20 and 15 meters, I could see a 
2-3 S-unit decrease in received signal strength with the wire wrapped 
around the pole. And I wasn't getting out well at all, getting S2 signal 
reports from my Elecraft K1. But angled away from the pole (with the 
wire unwrapped and about 3 feet offset at the bottom), everything was 
hunky-dorey. Now I'm suddenly getting S7 reports... much better. It took 
me about 2-1/2 hours to realize what was going on. So keep that in mind, 
when using the mast. This certainly wouldn't be an issue with a dipole 
or loop that stands away from the mast, nor should it normally be an 
issue with feedline.
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Thanks! & 73,
doc, KD4E
... somewhere in FL
URL:  bibleseven (dot) com