[VHFcontesting] Rover Antenna Mounting Hardware

[James Duffey]

This didn't go the first time I sent it, and I am pretty sure it  
didn't get moderated.

I use a pretty simple system.

I use  Radio Shack's 15-826, which is a long U-Bolt with saddle clamp.  
The mast is 1 1/4" EMT, but it would work with smaller mast material.  
If you go this way go to the hardware store and buy additional nuts  
that fit the U-Clamps.

I mount the U Clamp and saddle clamp on the mast and tighten the  
bolts. Each of my antenna booms are drilled with holes that match the  
U-Clamp. I put the antenna on the clamp and attach two additional  
bolts. This works well and one only deals with the antenna and the  
nuts. Putting a U-Clamp on and off the mast is a bit awkward and this  
way the only thing to drop or lose are the nuts. I keep additional  
nuts in the tool box and a couple in my pocket.

The long legs of the U-Clamp let you can spot a nut coming lose before  
it falls out.

I keep intending to replace the second set of nuts with wing nuts, but  
that hasn't happened yet.

Some recommend an "ignition wrench", which has a different size one  
each end. I have been unable to locate one locally, so I use a small  
crescent wrench. I actually have two, one I keep in my pocket and one  
that I keep in the tool box.

I use the WA5VJB Cheap Yagis, which are easy to build, easy to handle  
in the field, and have good performance. - Duffey
--
KK6MC
James Duffey
Cedar Crest NM