[TowerTalk] fiberglass masts

[Bill Cotter]

I use these poles as open wire supports to the back of my property. 
The pole that supported the open-wire side-feeder to the 120ft high 
delta loop was 25ft high. That mast kept breaking at the joints 
when the wind got over 15mph - splitting the fiberglass section and 
coupler. I installed two automotive hose clamps at every joint, and 
have no problems in the highest of winds.

These mast were meant for minor duty at 12ft or less, which makes 
them ideal for feedline supports. Anything more requires some 
engineering to find the limits.

73 Bill N4LG


At 12:50 PM 12/11/2008, Jim Hoge wrote:

>For get the idea! The masts were  designed to be used with only a 
>couple sections joined together to support a tent or canopy, 
>certainly not robust enough for 40', let alone 70'. They are too 
>loose at the joints and would require too much guying to make them 
>stable if you can even erect them to that height. We tried them at 
>this past field day and quickly resorted to plan B. It was like 
>trying to hold  an overcooked piece of spagetti at the bottom and 
>expect it to stand up. The ham who brought them quickly disposed 
>of them.
>
>gl,
>Jim W5QM
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