I am installing a 33 foot telescoping antenna mast. The two antennas that will be mounted are the Comet GP3 Dual Band, (2 meter / 70 cm) and the Alpha Delta DX-CC Multi Band Fan Antenna.
In the USAF, we called that tape "F-4 Tape". That tape held the old F-4's cabling together in many places and the F-111's used it extensively. The version we used the most was brick colored.
Just a comment concerning the burial of the bottom section of the mast in concrete. There should be weep holes at the bottom to let rain water drain out to prevent the mast from splitting during freezing weather and to discourage corrosion from the inside. Since you likely covered these when you buried the mast, you should drill several near the base to reestablish this important feature. 73s, Stuart, WA5US
Very good point to bring up! It doesn't freeze much at all in my area, and if it does, it only lasts for less than 48 hours. I will be following your suggestion during my upcoming Spring antenna maintenance project. Thanks again for an important point, especially for those who do live in less than warmer climates.
You can use scotch 2224 direct burial rubber electric tape. It’s cheaper than HRO coax tape. You can put 5 Ferrite beads7 inches from the coax connector covered with shrink tube. This will stop any RF from coming back into the shack! Would be a good idea to ground the coax at the connector up at the antenna to get rid of static, not a lightning arrester just static! JohnBoyUtah KJ7TBR 🎙📡🇺🇸😎 I have steel tv mast 3x 5ft sections on a 15 foot roof the antenna must be mounted 17 inches away from the steel with a non conductive phenolic . I used cutting board !
If Scotch says it it rated for direct burial, I don't see why you can't. I would double-check on the specs of this tape though before doing so to be on the safe side.
It rubber stretched tape, works great, NEC rated for outdoors or direct burial! Sold at Home Depot. When putting together my chicken Radio I-Max2000 I use this tape at the joints. Also I don’t use lock washers, lock washers stresses the threaded barrel connector’s and this stress will make the antenna prone to snapping.
Well, I do not live at this QTH any longer. I still have the mast(s) that I did then; some broken, some not. I have moved to Fiberglass and Carbon Fiber masts. I may do a video on this topic. Thanks for giving me the idea.
Strong work! Would like to see a follow up video on how well your antenna works. Been eyeing that set up for sometime now but waiting for results first. Cheers! And 73's KN6BVX
Coming soon! (I hope.) As of late, the last few months, I have had way too much on my plate to keep up. This is one reason it's taken way too long to respond to questions and comments.
problem I found year ago with mounting them in concreter instead of using the actual mounting plate they recommend. When it rains or snows, you will have water drip down the outside of each section and will from the upper sections that water will enter through the slide joints and inside the mast. When buried that water is unable to drain and so it will build up with time. When it gets high enough inside and you have a freeze, it will split the mast and ruin it. to replace it now you also have a heavy chunk of concrete to remove.
How very true. It never freezes to that degree, (no pun intended) here, so I don't have to worry about this. Perhaps drilling a drain hole or two at the base would help with the drainage. In any, a very good and valid point you brought up.
What about lightning arrestors inline with the multiband and the 2 meter on top? The grounding of the mast is perfect and thanks for showing that... But that HF antenna has no lightning protection on it and is connected directly to your radio. Just thought I'd point out that because I am about to fix it on my own (yes I have the same type of antenna with the 2 meter antenna below the dipole. The mast is extended with 10 feet of strong pvc pipe above the 2 meter and has guys with pulley on top.
I have added, since this video, an entry panel at the house for the antennas. In the entry panel, I have the antenna leads connected to lightning arrestors and from there entering the house.
Hi Steve, I liked your video. I am in the process of studying for my technician license and i was wondering if you have any words of wisdom for a beginner looking for equipment in the ham radio hobby. I do have a Baofeng uv-5r8w, can i build of that and if so any advise would be great. Thank you.
Actually, if you can get an external antenna and connect it to the Baofeng, this will help. Not sure of your surroundings, so I can't comment on the results. However, I do know for a fact that I know someone using a Baofeng connected to an outside antenna and he sounds just great. Now, he is transmitting on the Florida SARNET UHF frequency, so he can reach state wide. (Check out SARNET at sarnetfl.com.) It says the site isn't secure, but that's only because they haven't got their SSL for the site yet, but it's OK.
The tests are not that hard with some study, (exception being the Amateur Extra...a little tougher.) The biggest problem at the moment if finding someone that can do the testing.
You can raise it just using guys, but you will need multiple people to steady they guys and the mast is being raised. I would recommend placing the base of the mast in at least a 2.5 - 3 foot hole with concrete if you mount it "free standing" with only guy wires for stabilization.
Used these mast for years, both on the job and for ham radio. I really do not recommend burying the mast , but instead use the actual mfg. mounting plate. Not only will it hold it place, it helps to spear the weight out so it doesn't sink into the ground much, and provide good water drainage with weaking the mast by having to drill extra drain holes. If you are younger and have some experience with it, then putting it up in the open can well be done by yourself, but I really don't recommend that. try to have at least one other person to help, if for no other reason the a spotter in case of accidents like falling from the ladder. I have a number of very long and boring videos as I have never taking them time to edit them down putting up a Rohn H-50. ( 42' 9") . look under AD7LL.
Very informative video but I’d like to point out a couple mistakes. You stated your mast pipe was 6” in diameter when I think you meant 6” in circumference. The other is you stated that your rope was nylon when it looks like you’re using polypropylene boat rope which is good for outdoor use.
I’m putting together a base station w/ a end fed antenna on a carbon fiber telescoping mast. I would like some idea on how to ground my Yaesu FTDX10. I have a 8’ grounding rod but have to figure out how to ground the radio out through the wall to the rod in the ground. How is your inside base station grounded and where did you source the grounding rod copper clamp holding the antenna grounding rod?
Does it makes a different when you buy a 5 foot , 7 gain antenna commet 100 bucks vs a 30 inch 2-3 gain antenna for 40 dollars, in range and quality sound
Short answer is yes ... and no. It depends on how well the quality of the build is the antenna as well as signal strength, coax used and of course your radio's sound quality.
Steve, Can I email you to possible make contact to discuss this Telescoping install, I am a new HAM and having difficulty planning a wire install. I have big Oak's no branches, just 90 foot crowns. This method may solve that issue. but whose pole is it, and I looked at a couple and the write up mentioned that guys wires and the pole itself will interfere with sending /receiving signal. Like I am finding there are lots of opinions. I may just have to use a 35 foot ladder and screw hardware for the wire into the tree and be done with it.Thanks, great video. Barry
Depending on the weight of the antenna and height of the mast should decide if you should use PVC or metal. I just prefer metal and have never attempted to make a PCV mast longer than ten feet.
@@K4SRF The peak of your house must be making it look lower is all I can figure my pushup pole is only 30ft & 10ft of it is above my roof peak. At any rate Nice job on the install.👍👍
Reading what you said about the antenna being ground to the mast. Does that mean that grounding the mast my antenna is connected to will also ground the antenna? Do I need to ground the radio itself?
@@K4SRF To be safe, it that ground wire you ran should go to and be connected with the primary ground at you electrical service panel. The way you have it now, you created a lower resistant ground path via you radio itself!! ANY major short circuit elsewhere in the house will now tend to ground via you radio station. Please either pay a licensed master electrician to come out inspect it for you, or at the very least, get a copy of the ARRL book " Grounding and Bonding for the Radio Amateur "
Someone has given me a mast like this. I wondered what the rings on it were for. Its so old the bottom is rusted through and fused to the 2nd pole. Hey whats your favorite meter and why?
Since I live in a HOA, (Homeowners Association,) I cannot raise a large beam or Yagi antenna, so this is one option that I chose to pursue.
Chameleon MPAS 2.0
Yes, you can.
www.fcc.gov/media/over-air-reception-devices-rule
Thanks for the informative video.
I'll be mounting a Comet GP-3 antenna soon for my first ham radio, a Xiengu G-90.
Thanks so much for this video. You even clipped a mic on you. I am figuring what to do to mount an antenna and your solutions were super helpful.
In the USAF, we called that tape "F-4 Tape". That tape held the old F-4's cabling together in many places and the F-111's used it extensively. The version we used the most was brick colored.
Just a comment concerning the burial of the bottom section of the mast in concrete. There should be weep holes at the bottom to let rain water drain out to prevent the mast from splitting during freezing weather and to discourage corrosion from the inside. Since you likely covered these when you buried the mast, you should drill several near the base to reestablish this important feature. 73s, Stuart, WA5US
Very good point to bring up! It doesn't freeze much at all in my area, and if it does, it only lasts for less than 48 hours. I will be following your suggestion during my upcoming Spring antenna maintenance project. Thanks again for an important point, especially for those who do live in less than warmer climates.
This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!!!
You're welcome.
I liked your installation Steve! I have you in my log I have had a qso with you on 10 meters! JohnBoyUtah KJ7TBR Double 73’s
Thanks!
You can use scotch 2224 direct burial rubber electric tape. It’s cheaper than HRO coax tape. You can put 5 Ferrite beads7 inches from the coax connector covered with shrink tube. This will stop any RF from coming back into the shack! Would be a good idea to ground the coax at the connector up at the antenna to get rid of static, not a lightning arrester just static! JohnBoyUtah KJ7TBR 🎙📡🇺🇸😎 I have steel tv mast 3x 5ft sections on a 15 foot roof the antenna must be mounted 17 inches away from the steel with a non conductive phenolic . I used cutting board !
If Scotch says it it rated for direct burial, I don't see why you can't. I would double-check on the specs of this tape though before doing so to be on the safe side.
It rubber stretched tape, works great, NEC rated for outdoors or direct burial! Sold at Home Depot. When putting together my chicken Radio I-Max2000 I use this tape at the joints. Also I don’t use lock washers, lock washers stresses the threaded barrel connector’s and this stress will make the antenna prone to snapping.
I have had it on my coax outdoor connections for 5 years no proplemo
How is this mast holding up?
Was going to ask the same
Well, I do not live at this QTH any longer. I still have the mast(s) that I did then; some broken, some not. I have moved to Fiberglass and Carbon Fiber masts. I may do a video on this topic. Thanks for giving me the idea.
Strong work! Would like to see a follow up video on how well your antenna works. Been eyeing that set up for sometime now but waiting for results first. Cheers! And 73's KN6BVX
Coming soon! (I hope.) As of late, the last few months, I have had way too much on my plate to keep up. This is one reason it's taken way too long to respond to questions and comments.
problem I found year ago with mounting them in concreter instead of using the actual mounting plate they recommend. When it rains or snows, you will have water drip down the outside of each section and will from the upper sections that water will enter through the slide joints and inside the mast. When buried that water is unable to drain and so it will build up with time. When it gets high enough inside and you have a freeze, it will split the mast and ruin it. to replace it now you also have a heavy chunk of concrete to remove.
How very true. It never freezes to that degree, (no pun intended) here, so I don't have to worry about this. Perhaps drilling a drain hole or two at the base would help with the drainage. In any, a very good and valid point you brought up.
What about lightning arrestors inline with the multiband and the 2 meter on top? The grounding of the mast is perfect and thanks for showing that... But that HF antenna has no lightning protection on it and is connected directly to your radio. Just thought I'd point out that because I am about to fix it on my own (yes I have the same type of antenna with the 2 meter antenna below the dipole. The mast is extended with 10 feet of strong pvc pipe above the 2 meter and has guys with pulley on top.
I have added, since this video, an entry panel at the house for the antennas. In the entry panel, I have the antenna leads connected to lightning arrestors and from there entering the house.
U-bolts and a box wrench are a gigantic pain. I went out and bought ratcheting wrenched for just this job. Soooooooo much easier
thanks nice video my friend terrific good job from kb2uew good luck 73
Thank you very much!
would guy wires be needed with a side of house install like this or is it needed?
Wondered the same question
I did as a safety measure.
Hi Steve, I liked your video. I am in the process of studying for my technician license and i was wondering if you have any words of wisdom for a beginner looking for equipment in the ham radio hobby. I do have a Baofeng uv-5r8w, can i build of that and if so any advise would be great. Thank you.
Actually, if you can get an external antenna and connect it to the Baofeng, this will help. Not sure of your surroundings, so I can't comment on the results. However, I do know for a fact that I know someone using a Baofeng connected to an outside antenna and he sounds just great. Now, he is transmitting on the Florida SARNET UHF frequency, so he can reach state wide. (Check out SARNET at sarnetfl.com.) It says the site isn't secure, but that's only because they haven't got their SSL for the site yet, but it's OK.
Oh very cool. An update video and link would be a good addition at the end of this video. Thanks for the video.... Hitting sub...
I have since moved from this location, but will consider your suggestion. It will be a while as I am still in the process of moving.
Like your shirt have the same one for California also like the video I am new to Ham and love to learn hope to get legal soon aswell
The tests are not that hard with some study, (exception being the Amateur Extra...a little tougher.) The biggest problem at the moment if finding someone that can do the testing.
Do you have to attach the mast to something, or you can you just put it in the middle of the yard and use guy wires to hold it down?
You can raise it just using guys, but you will need multiple people to steady they guys and the mast is being raised. I would recommend placing the base of the mast in at least a 2.5 - 3 foot hole with concrete if you mount it "free standing" with only guy wires for stabilization.
Used these mast for years, both on the job and for ham radio. I really do not recommend burying the mast , but instead use the actual mfg. mounting plate. Not only will it hold it place, it helps to spear the weight out so it doesn't sink into the ground much, and provide good water drainage with weaking the mast by having to drill extra drain holes. If you are younger and have some experience with it, then putting it up in the open can well be done by yourself, but I really don't recommend that. try to have at least one other person to help, if for no other reason the a spotter in case of accidents like falling from the ladder. I have a number of very long and boring videos as I have never taking them time to edit them down putting up a Rohn H-50. ( 42' 9") . look under AD7LL.
Very informative video but I’d like to point out a couple mistakes. You stated your mast pipe was 6” in diameter when I think you meant 6” in circumference. The other is you stated that your rope was nylon when it looks like you’re using polypropylene boat rope which is good for outdoor use.
Thanks for the info!
I’m putting together a base station w/ a end fed antenna on a carbon fiber telescoping mast. I would like some idea on how to ground my Yaesu FTDX10. I have a 8’ grounding rod but have to figure out how to ground the radio out through the wall to the rod in the ground. How is your inside base station grounded and where did you source the grounding rod copper clamp holding the antenna grounding rod?
Now on my radar to do a video on this. Thanks.
Does it makes a different when you buy a 5 foot , 7 gain antenna commet 100 bucks vs a 30 inch 2-3 gain antenna for 40 dollars, in range and quality sound
Short answer is yes ... and no. It depends on how well the quality of the build is the antenna as well as signal strength, coax used and of course your radio's sound quality.
Steve, Can I email you to possible make contact to discuss this Telescoping install, I am a new HAM and having difficulty planning a wire install. I have big Oak's no branches, just 90 foot crowns. This method may solve that issue. but whose pole is it, and I looked at a couple and the write up mentioned that guys wires and the pole itself will interfere with sending /receiving signal. Like I am finding there are lots of opinions. I may just have to use a 35 foot ladder and screw hardware for the wire into the tree and be done with it.Thanks, great video.
Barry
Sure. Sorry for the delay in responding.
fine business good dx this coming year enjoyable
Hope so!
Dont u havento use pvc tube as a pole for the antenna or metal pole. Does it matters
Depending on the weight of the antenna and height of the mast should decide if you should use PVC or metal. I just prefer metal and have never attempted to make a PCV mast longer than ten feet.
Hello! Was it difficult extending that mast up to the 33ft by yourself?
Not too bad.
what is the part# of 33 feet telescopic mast from giga parts
Sorry, I don't remember.
Why do I see people looping the coax?
Some use it as a choke, others as strain relief.
Question: does the mast kit come with the grounding stakes and wire? The ground is just for the mast, as the coax grounds your radio, correct?
No, it did not come with the kit. It was purchased separately. The antenna is attached to the mast, so the antenna itself is grounded to the mast.
@@K4SRF ok thank you.
The pushup pole doesn't look fully extended on the top 2 sections any reason why?
I am not sure what part of the video you were getting this conclusion from, but the mast extended completely.
@@K4SRF The peak of your house must be making it look lower is all I can figure my pushup pole is only 30ft & 10ft of it is above my roof peak. At any rate Nice job on the install.👍👍
How does that pulley system work?
I pulled up the fan dipole and when I need to lower it, it's own weight brought it down.
Witch antenna commet like these do you recommend for GMRS home base
Home base.
Reading what you said about the antenna being ground to the mast. Does that mean that grounding the mast my antenna is connected to will also ground the antenna?
Do I need to ground the radio itself?
Yes, your equipment in the shack should be grounded as well.
@@K4SRF To be safe, it that ground wire you ran should go to and be connected with the primary ground at you electrical service panel. The way you have it now, you created a lower resistant ground path via you radio itself!! ANY major short circuit elsewhere in the house will now tend to ground via you radio station. Please either pay a licensed master electrician to come out inspect it for you, or at the very least, get a copy of the ARRL book " Grounding and Bonding for the Radio Amateur "
Hi all. At 7:37 on the video , the mount on the j pipe for the smaller mast .... What type mount is it Sir. Thank You !
Old Sat dish mount.
Satellite dish, but am going to convert this into a weather station mount.
Someone has given me a mast like this. I wondered what the rings on it were for. Its so old the bottom is rusted through and fused to the 2nd pole.
Hey whats your favorite meter and why?
That mast may no longer be totally usable. The rings are for guy wires. I like 40 at the moment since it is the busiest at the moment.
What kind of antenna is it ?
It was a Comet GP-3.
1/2" impact
How much of an improvement did you see on vhf/uhf?
Quite a bit. I have a steady 1:1 on the UHF and VHF channels I use.
@@K4SRF Aside from the SWR match, did the extra antenna height result in any noticeable improvement in signals?
@@JeffK134 Yes it did.
I see rings for guy wires, but no guy wires ???
They were there, or about to be added.
Ratchet wrenches work well here
I know, but I don't have any ... yet.
I'm deaf in one ear