Thanks for the very clear explanation of how you raised that puppy! Several comments here note the high price of the mast, but for those of us "of a certain age" that light weight is critical to portable/emcomm ops. I have a very nice telescopic aluminum mast with tripod, but it only collects dust these days.
I've been using fiberglass mast sections - very heavy and delicate. Hard to raise by one's self above 20'. Would like to try Carbon Fiber. Thanks for the video. Ben KK4JPX
I got $0.38 and a brand-new COMPACTenna that says if this video started with the price of that massive black shaft it would be quickly stopped. I love the massive black shaft but oh my. When's the next contest LOL!!
Could you tell us a bit about the bottom section? I currently have a 2 inch OD/1.5 inch ID mounting base and am wondering if this would readily attach or if I need something different.
@K4SRF - I wouldn't use this mast for such a long antenna. I suppose with the right guy lines you might be able to keep everything stable, but a more traditional tower would be more appropriate with that particular antenna. Now if you were asking about the GP-1/3, which are much shorter, using this mast would be easier to stabilize. But even then, using something like fence top rail is a better approach, which is what I use on the compound. I like the this mast for it's light weight and length for dipoles. Thanks for watching!
@@LCARAHAMRadio I just got an update on this 2-year old question. Per Gigaparts, yes, the antenna would support it, (guyed of course.) The 50' CF mast will support up to 30 Lbs. I just purchased two 50' foot masts and will be uploading a video on my channel once the project is complete.
I have lots of land, but no tall trees. How well would this hold up to long term UV and the heat in the desert. Also how would you recommend mounting this for a more permanent installation. I was thinking a piece of angle iron with concrete. Also is there a pulley attachment to run a dacron cord so I can pull up my antenna wire.
CFC is 90% carbon. There is data about CFC to have some effect on RF but I’ve not found any info regarding db effect. I don’t know that it would see/ hear a difference in using in a dipole situation.
How would you compare the rigidity between the carbon fiber and the fiberglass mast? Is there a substantial difference in the stiffness? Thanks, WA2JOE
@Joe Hewes - The Carbon Fiber is much more stiff compared to the fiberglass mast I have. They both have their uses. If money is not the primary concern, the Gigaparts carbon fiber masts are the way to go. But, cost is usually a factor and the fiberglass masts are much less expensive. Your choice! Thanks for watching!
I suppose it would be possible, but carbon fiber is reactive electrically, so it may not be the best option. Fiberglass would probably be a better option in that case. KY4CKP uses the DX Commander in that way and the middle section is made of lightweight fiberglass. Also depends on how you want to use the mast, semi-permanent or for SOTA/POTA.
anthony b - depends on how high you go with it and how heavy the antennas is. I have used guy lines and not at times. For its size, it is pretty light. Lot's of flexibility.
Thanks for the very clear explanation of how you raised that puppy! Several comments here note the high price of the mast, but for those of us "of a certain age" that light weight is critical to portable/emcomm ops. I have a very nice telescopic aluminum mast with tripod, but it only collects dust these days.
500$ thats nuts
many other alternatives to using this VERY EXPENSIVE $$$$$ mast.
looks like they have a 50 foot one as well. Sweet it aint cheap but it looks nice and I like how light they are.
I've been using fiberglass mast sections - very heavy and delicate. Hard to raise by one's self above 20'. Would like to try Carbon Fiber. Thanks for the video. Ben KK4JPX
Sounds great!
I got $0.38 and a brand-new COMPACTenna that says if this video started with the price of that massive black shaft it would be quickly stopped. I love the massive black shaft but oh my. When's the next contest LOL!!
If you're not going to utilize the full length collapse the top side not the bottom side. The bottom is stronger...right.
Nice......
Could you tell us a bit about the bottom section? I currently have a 2 inch OD/1.5 inch ID mounting base and am wondering if this would readily attach or if I need something different.
It’s light, rigid and costs an arm and a leg!!!! Lmao
Would you say that it is strong enough to support, say a vertical UHF/VHF antenna like a Comet GP-9 with LMR-400 attached?
@K4SRF - I wouldn't use this mast for such a long antenna. I suppose with the right guy lines you might be able to keep everything stable, but a more traditional tower would be more appropriate with that particular antenna. Now if you were asking about the GP-1/3, which are much shorter, using this mast would be easier to stabilize. But even then, using something like fence top rail is a better approach, which is what I use on the compound. I like the this mast for it's light weight and length for dipoles. Thanks for watching!
@@LCARAHAMRadio Yea, that is what I was thinking, but I thought I'd get your input. Wishful thinking on my part. '73/Steve
@@LCARAHAMRadio I just got an update on this 2-year old question. Per Gigaparts, yes, the antenna would support it, (guyed of course.) The 50' CF mast will support up to 30 Lbs. I just purchased two 50' foot masts and will be uploading a video on my channel once the project is complete.
I have lots of land, but no tall trees. How well would this hold up to long term UV and the heat in the desert. Also how would you recommend mounting this for a more permanent installation. I was thinking a piece of angle iron with concrete.
Also is there a pulley attachment to run a dacron cord so I can pull up my antenna wire.
CFC is 90% carbon. There is data about CFC to have some effect on RF but I’ve not found any info regarding db effect. I don’t know that it would see/ hear a difference in using in a dipole situation.
@ Joe Craft - Yes indeed CF "can" affect RF signals, but in this application very minimal as the dipole's length minimizes that affect. Thanks!
Geeeeeez- $470- ouch!!!!!!!
It is carbon thats why
How would you compare the rigidity between the carbon fiber and the fiberglass mast? Is there a substantial difference in the stiffness? Thanks, WA2JOE
@Joe Hewes - The Carbon Fiber is much more stiff compared to the fiberglass mast I have. They both have their uses. If money is not the primary concern, the Gigaparts carbon fiber masts are the way to go. But, cost is usually a factor and the fiberglass masts are much less expensive. Your choice! Thanks for watching!
There is a HUGE difference! Night and day in many ways. :)
@@GigaPartsHuntsville Would like to hear some of those differences, even a quick list would help. Thanks.
Can this mast be used to run a wire up the middle of the mast to make a 1/4 wave vertical or Inverted L configuration?
I suppose it would be possible, but carbon fiber is reactive electrically, so it may not be the best option. Fiberglass would probably be a better option in that case. KY4CKP uses the DX Commander in that way and the middle section is made of lightweight fiberglass. Also depends on how you want to use the mast, semi-permanent or for SOTA/POTA.
are guy wires neccessary?
anthony b - depends on how high you go with it and how heavy the antennas is. I have used guy lines and not at times. For its size, it is pretty light. Lot's of flexibility.
A little out of my reach