[TowerTalk] A couple of 18HT questions

[Patrick Greenlee]

The Hy-Gain Hy-Tower (AKA  can work 160 with the base loading coil but 
it is not my preferred method.  If you have room for the "horizontal" 
run, Hy-Gain has a kit to add 160 meters in a way I like better as it 
requires no tapping of the coil and switching the coil in or out of the 
circuit (not convenient.)

The kit consists of a 40 meter trap which is attached to the vertical at 
the top of the 24 ft triangular portion and continues on (bare antenna 
wire) to the supplied end insulator (provided) forming an inverted "L" 
configuration.  The 40 Meter trap is to keep the long wire from detuning 
the antenna's 40 meter function. This makes 160 band switching 
"automatic" like the other bands.

Oh, ...and do tighten all the hardware securely after using 
anti-oxidation paste between all clamped metal surfaces.  Recently one 
of my stubs came unbolted at the top bolt and did a 180 pointing down 
instead of up.  This after a couple years of service.   OOPS!!

Using the supplied stubs as a learning tool, save $ and make your own 
stubs for the missing WARC bands on this antenna.

You have chosen wisely... this is a good antenna.  Mine is mounted atop 
a 37x73x18 (eave height) all metal building with no radials, just the 
counterpoise of the building and it works very well.  As I am in 
Oklahoma where the wind comes sweeping down the plain I put a 3 way guy 
on it at the top of the triangular tower part (Phillystran.)  This 
avoided the requirement to spread the load in the roof structure 
substituted for the yard of concrete  A N D  I can tie antenna ropes to 
it to support the ends of 270 ft OCF (Carolina Windom) dipole or 
whatever with no worries.

Consider an electrical connection to the rebar cage so you can ground 
the tower to it.

Best of luck, enjoy your fine versatile antenna.

Patrick   NJ5G



On 12/16/2014 5:51 PM, Allen Brier N5XZ wrote:
> I have the hole dug for my new 18HT tower but still a few more questions:
>
>   
>
> 1.       The base consists of three 1.75 in by 0.25 in thick aluminum "base
> tubes" with long bolts on the bottom which is pushed into the concrete
> immediately after the pour. Is there any problem with the aluminum
> contacting the concrete producing any kind of adverse chemical reaction?
>
> 2.       The rods only go into the concrete perhaps 18 to 24 in. Is that
> sufficient to hold the tower in the concrete?
>
> 3.       I have been told that the PVC insulators which are at the top of
> the top tower section should be replaced with Teflon due to high voltage at
> that point while using the antenna on 160 meters with the base loading coil.
> (Note I plan to use a larger physical coil than Hy-Gain recommends). Any
> truth to that?
>
>   
>
> That is all for now.
>
>   
>
> Allen R. Brier N5XZ
>
> 1515 Windloch Lane
>
> Richmond, Texas 77406-2553
>
> (281) 342-1882 (Home)
>
> (713) 705-4801 (Cell)
>
>   
>
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