[VHFcontesting] MAST FOR ROVERS

[Ethan Miller K8GU]

Like Ron, WZ1V, I've used the DX Engineering 0.12-inch wall 6061 to build
masts for a scientific project in Puerto Rico where they support antennas
about the size of a 6m Moxon.  I used three sections overlapped by about 1
foot and guyed at two levels with 3mm Mastrant-M; we pinned them
6-inches/90 degrees apart with 5/16-inch bolts.  This is very easy to work
with and can be handled by one person (in full disclosure, I'm 40 and was
34 at the time I set up the experiment).  These masts survived a direct hit
from Hurricane Irma, followed by a glancing blow from the more infamous
Maria.  It was quite something to see them still standing with destruction
all around in the aerial survey imagery after the storm.

73,

--Ethan, K8GU.


On Tue, Aug 10, 2021 at 9:27 AM Ron Klimas WZ1V <wz1v at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> Also - DX Engineering has 6 foot 0.12 inch wall 6061-T8
> aluminum tubing up to 3 inch OD. You can slit one end
> of these and hose clamp together for a rigid push-up mast.
> I bought a 1.25 inch piece somewhere else to make a
> 8 section 34 foot mast with 2 feet overlap each section.
> With rope guys at top, it supports small beams with rotor.
> With 3 ft 1 in overlap it's self supporting at 25.5 feet.
> 73 Ron WZ1V
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Terry Price" <terry at directivesystems.com>
> To: "'Jim Johnson'" <jim at kc4hw.com>, <FFMA at groups.io>,        <
> vhfcontesting at contesting.com>
> Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2021 21:38:40 -0400
> Subject: Re: [VHFcontesting] [FFMA] MAST FOR ROVERS
>
> > I am very lucky to have a 40' and a 55' pneumatic mast on my 1994 Dodge
> van
> > for roving. Using compressed air or a nitrogen tank to raise the antenna
> > stack is VERY nice, fast and effort less! However, if I didn't have
> these, I
> > would build a telescopic mast using this stuff.
> >
> https://www.mcmaster.com/square-tubing/steel-bolt-together-framing-and-fitti
> > ngs/
> >
> > I can't remember where I saw it or who had it but a rover in the Midwest
> I
> > believe had a mast made of this stuff and it was one of the best I've
> ever
> > seen. He had a crank system to raise and lower it. It's not cheap but it
> was
> > robust and it worked very well.
> >
> > Terry - W8ZN (K8GP/R)
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: VHFcontesting
> > [mailto:vhfcontesting-bounces+terry=directivesystems.com at contesting.com]
> On
> > Behalf Of Jim Johnson
> > Sent: Monday, August 9, 2021 5:20 PM
> > To: FFMA at groups.io; vhfcontesting at contesting.com
> > Subject: Re: [VHFcontesting] [FFMA] MAST FOR ROVERS
> >
> > I
> > don't think the following would represent the best solution, but I too
> have
> > been thinking about this and thought that I would try to use some of the
> 1m
> > fiberglass military poles.  My thought was to used adjustable clamps
> above
> > and below each joint., with a total of 5 pieces that you be a length of
> 16'-
> > 9".  Which would perhaps give enough height to clear vicinity obstacles,
> > like vehicles, RV, tents, etc
> >
> > Been working on a 3L 6m antenna and probably just the one antenna to
> start
> > with.  I believe that this mast would support a HO Loop for 2m and/or
> 70cm
> > as well.  Perhaps a small rotor could be installed at the 2nd joint.   I
> > think the "Armstrong" rotor with be my initial method.
> >
> > My biggest concern is managing a scope out pole, as I am now 73 I don't
> > think that I will be getting any stronger in the coming years.  hi hi.
> >
> > I definitely would be interested in what others have to suggest.
> >
> > Jim/KC4HW - EM71 Alabama
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Robert W5AJ <woodr90 at gmail.com>
> > Reply-To: <FFMA at groups.io>
> > To: <FFMA at groups.io>
> > Sent: 8/9/2021 2:43:56 PM
> > Subject: [FFMA] MAST FOR ROVERS
> >
> >
> > Recently purchased a mast support for Truck receiver hitch.   "Portable"
> > five element beam is in possession.   What type of portable masts are
> being
> > used that can be easily carried inside pickup bed or short SUV?????
> >
> > 73 W5AJ
> >
> > The mast support:  https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZGBRT61
> I'm not
> > recommending it or otherwise, hopefully it works for Rover use - parked.
> > _._,_._,_
> >
> >
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> > [jim at kc4hw.com]
> >
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