[VHFcontesting] A question of altitude

[k4gun at comcast.net]

I missed that auction.  I did however, just order one of the Hy Gain ATM-65 masts.  From the looks of it, I think it will be sturdy and rugged enough for roving use when nested inside my 5' tower section bolted into the bed of the truck.  It isn't as fast to raise as I would like, but not horrible either.  With a step ladder and a socket wrench, I should be able to raise it quickly enough.

I also figure that I don't have to raise it every time I stop.  If left at a traveling height or 12.5' to 13', it should work pretty well as it is.  For those stops that will have me in one place for more than 30 minutes, taking an extra 5 to raise it could be worth it.

I just hope the thing works.  I'll write a review of it for roving after I have a chance to play with it.

Thanks again to all for the opinions.  I got more than I expected out of this discussion.

Steve

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: Nate Duehr <nate at natetech.com> 

> Bill Olson wrote: 
> 
> > As far as the stacked loops at 6 and 12 ft goes, I am quite sure they 
> > would work BETTER at 16 and 22 ft if working stations on a dead band 
> > (i.e. on the horizon). But as Nate says, they still work just fine for 
> > what he is doing.. Mainly, as Dave says, and I meant to say in the 
> > previous post, don't let the fact that you can't get your antenna at the 
> > "optimum height" STOP you, go out there and WORK people!!!! 
> > 
> > bill, k1DY 
> 
> You guys are making me wish I'd spent the $700 (I didn't have) on that 
> pneumatic bumper mount mast -- some guy had it up on eBay a few weeks 
> ago. I think it went to 30'. 
> 
> Did anyone else see that and get tempted for their rover? 
> 
> LOL! Great fun THAT would be... I know I'd be out in the rain trying to 
> pump the thing up, cussing it out while missing contacts... but I'd come 
> home and rationalize it all away as "fun"! 
> 
> Heh heh... must be something wrong with us rovers... mentally. (GRIN) 
> 
> Nate WY0X 
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