[UK-CONTEST] Fibreglass Mast

[Dave Lawley]

I'm currently using a mast of about 38ft to support a doublet. Most of 
the mast is made of a telescopic fibreglass mast bought on eBay. I 
removed the top two sections as they are very flimsy, and attached light 
wires and 300ohm feeder to the top with cable ties, making a lightweight 
structure.

Each joint in the mast was pulled out to a tight fit, then taped and 
finally a cable tie installed over the top. It is guyed at the top and 
middle.

However, in the strong winds of the weekend a couple of sections have 
telescoped and I now only have a 30ft mast for entry in this evening's 
80m CC contest! This was mainly due I think to wind pressure on the 
wires and guys applying a strong compressive force on the mast.

My question to UK-contest is what is the best way of fixing the 
sections? I'm not too bothered about being able to telescope the 
sections again so I could glue it, what type do you recommend or 
alternatively would it work to use rivets to fix the joints? Any other 
suggestions gratefully received.

73, Dave G4BUO