[VHFcontesting] Alternates to Pneumatic Masts and 13 ft. Limit

[N8UM]

I use the class III receiver hitch on the rear of my Astro Van to create a 26 ft high foldover tower with all antennas deployed.  Clearance is just over 10 ft.  I have 7 nuts or hose clamps that must be removed and the antenna cranks up (folds up) to a vertical position.  I use 2 common RV screw jacks to level the mast.  If the van is not parked level in one plane, I drive the front or rear wheels up on  2 x 8 chocks (again like an RVer).  See pictures at  http://www.chuckmartin.com/VHFContest2003.htm (scroll down to end of page).  It travels extremely well and is very quiet.  It is not a bullet proof foul weather setup and you must be sensitive to high winds.  I have been rear ended the week before the June contest with minimal damage to the antenna (bent the frame on the vehicle).  I have used this configuration for 4 years.  It also solves the problem of rotator coax loops in that the LMR-600 and LD4F justs droops off the mast and snakes into the Bird elements in the van.  Most coax runs are less than 30 ft.  

I credit Brian, ND3F,  with encouraging me to build this elegantly simple setup.  I became convinced of the foldover approach after riding shotgun with him in the 10ghz test.

Astros are the perfect rover vehicle.  I have owned three.  The first one (23 yrs old) with 240,000 + miles is still in service as part of the K4EJQ/WB4WEN mega microwave caravan (MMC).  Rip out the front passenger seat and remove the 2 rear benches and there is room for a multi multi plus sleeping room.  Put the operating console where the front passenger seat was and access the rear of the operating table from the front passenger door.  Ultimate convenience (if you are not operating with 2 persons).

I plan to be out Sunday morning in the mountains.  Temps will still be in the 90's but the humidity should be down.  New Hepburn 12 hour forecast looks very useful.

John B.  N8UM Oak Ridge, Tennessee