Re: Looking for Antenna advice
FWIW, I sent my reply below a few minutes before I saw RYX Dennis¡¯ second reply to Ron earlier this AM. Maybe I¡¯m on moderation, since my reply didn¡¯t show up shortly after sending it???
Also FWIW, chain link fence top rail tube joints aren¡¯t a particularly snug?fit-up, so using some JB Weld in the joints, splinting them externally or guying at the two joints might be wise.
73 de Dennis KD7CAC
Scottsdale, AZ
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On May 12, 2020, at 8:29 AM, AzEagleEye via < kd7cac@...> wrote:
Hi Ron,
I bought a 20¡¯ joint of 2.25¡± OD CRS from this outfit years ago when they were in Tempe. They will deliver & the total cost was reasonable.
73 de Dennis KD7CAC
Scottsdale, AZ
On May 12, 2020, at 8:07 AM, Ron Watkins < rwatki@...> wrote:
Can you point me to a suitable mast? I have seen Dave Casler's one made from fence top rail, is that the best option? It would barely clear the top of the roof, making me think it would still drape over the roof itself. Im assuming?that is a bad condition to have. Ron On Tue, May 12, 2020 at 7:54 AM Dennis Lawrence < kf7ryx@...> wrote: The most simple solution is to use a different mast.? It is obvious that the mast you are using is not suited for the weight of the antenna. Dennis KF7RYX ? From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ron Watkins
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2020 6:57 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [QueenCreekHams] Looking for Antenna advice ? Im trying?to put up an antenna and having issues as shown in the attached picture. Basically, I cannot get the antenna up because the spiderpole is just bending over and causing the antenna to drape over the roof instead of being elevated. If I apply enough force to raise the antenna off the roof, the pole bends over far enough to touch the roof itself. Please provide some advise?how to resolve this issue.
--
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Re: Looking for Antenna advice
Hi Ron,
I bought a 20¡¯ joint of 2.25¡± OD CRS from this outfit years ago when they were in Tempe. They will deliver & the total cost was reasonable.
73 de Dennis KD7CAC
Scottsdale, AZ
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On May 12, 2020, at 8:07 AM, Ron Watkins < rwatki@...> wrote:
Can you point me to a suitable mast? I have seen Dave Casler's one made from fence top rail, is that the best option? It would barely clear the top of the roof, making me think it would still drape over the roof itself. Im assuming?that is a bad condition to have. Ron On Tue, May 12, 2020 at 7:54 AM Dennis Lawrence < kf7ryx@...> wrote: The most simple solution is to use a different mast.? It is obvious that the mast you are using is not suited for the weight of the antenna. Dennis KF7RYX ? From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ron Watkins
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2020 6:57 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [QueenCreekHams] Looking for Antenna advice ? Im trying?to put up an antenna and having issues as shown in the attached picture. Basically, I cannot get the antenna up because the spiderpole is just bending over and causing the antenna to drape over the roof instead of being elevated. If I apply enough force to raise the antenna off the roof, the pole bends over far enough to touch the roof itself. Please provide some advise?how to resolve this issue.
-- Ron Watkins
602.743.5272_._,_._,_
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Re: Looking for Antenna advice
I heard through the grapevine that you cannot use a metal mast section near the antenna itself, possibly due to arcing or grounding? Not really sure why though. It's for a 40-meter dipole from MFJ, didn't think it was heavy enough to bend the spiderpole, but sure enough it bends it almost 180 degrees just barely clearing the roofline. The other side of the antenna hangs over the roof and is resting on the ground, so basically little to no tension at all at this point.
On Tue, May 12, 2020 at 10:37 AM E < erik@...> wrote: Ron, Please see the following link with various masts from Amazon. ?
You could also install a roof mount tripod with a mast, shown here: ??
And yet other option would be to use the tree that looks to be on the left, just outside of the picture? Get some paracord and hoist the antenna up into the tree and use it as a free mast.
Many options. Get creative.
Good luck... ?
Kind Regards,
Erik Morse? N9OJR
-- Ron Watkins, AI7AK
602.743.5272
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Re: Looking for Antenna advice
The roof height is approx 20ft at the peak. So, I would need 3 fence rails and enough tension to make sure it doesn't drape down onto the roof itself. Ron
no mention of height you want.? Fence rail is sometimes used as tower masts but is very heavy to raise.? I use 5 Military MS44 5' Aluminum masts sections and one fiber glass comaflage mast on top supported on a fence post to hold a 40M dipole. Ebay is full of offers for these sections.? The angle of the two sides of a dipole must not go smaller than 90 degrees so the end poles of the fence support the dipole to prevent that problem.? When Radio Shack went out of business they took away our supply of masts. ?
On Tuesday, May 12, 2020, 11:46:03 AM EDT, Dennis Lawrence < kf7ryx@...> wrote:
Ron, regarding the use of the Top Rail Fence, that would be the cheapest option most likely.? They come in 10¡¯ lengths and interconnect.? Just connect as many as you need.? If you need say 25 feet, just cut the bottom pole to length and you should be fine. ? Dennis ? From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ron Watkins
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2020 8:07 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [QueenCreekHams] Looking for Antenna advice ? Can you point me to a suitable mast? I have seen Dave Casler's one made from fence top rail, is that the best option? It would barely clear the top of the roof, making me think it would still drape over the roof itself. Im assuming?that is a bad condition to have. ? On Tue, May 12, 2020 at 7:54 AM Dennis Lawrence <kf7ryx@...> wrote: The most simple solution is to use a different mast.? It is obvious that the mast you are using is not suited for the weight of the antenna. Dennis KF7RYX ? From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ron Watkins
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2020 6:57 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [QueenCreekHams] Looking for Antenna advice ? Im trying?to put up an antenna and having issues as shown in the attached picture. Basically, I cannot get the antenna up because the spiderpole is just bending over and causing the antenna to drape over the roof instead of being elevated. If I apply enough force to raise the antenna off the roof, the pole bends over far enough to touch the roof itself. Please provide some advise?how to resolve this issue.
--
--
-- Ron Watkins, AI7AK
602.743.5272
|
Re: Looking for Antenna advice
Ron, Please see the following link with various masts from Amazon. ?
You could also install a roof mount tripod with a mast, shown here: ??
And yet other option would be to use the tree that looks to be on the left, just outside of the picture? Get some paracord and hoist the antenna up into the tree and use it as a free mast.
Many options. Get creative.
Good luck... ?
Kind Regards,
Erik Morse? N9OJR
|
Re: Looking for Antenna advice
PS. call Dx Engineering 1-800-777-0703 they are a great help and may have advice to solve your problem.
On Tuesday, May 12, 2020, 01:06:54 PM EDT, Thomas Miller via groups.io <k8pnw@...> wrote:
no mention of height you want. ?Fence rail is sometimes used as tower masts but is very heavy to raise. ?I use 5 Military MS44 5' Aluminum masts sections and one fiber glass comaflage mast on top supported on a fence post to hold a 40M dipole. Ebay is full of offers for these sections. ?The angle of the two sides of a dipole must not go smaller than 90 degrees so the end poles of the fence support the dipole to prevent that problem. ?When Radio Shack went out of business they took away our supply of masts. ?
On Tuesday, May 12, 2020, 11:46:03 AM EDT, Dennis Lawrence <kf7ryx@...> wrote:
Ron, regarding the use of the Top Rail Fence, that would be the cheapest option most likely.? They come in 10¡¯ lengths and interconnect.? Just connect as many as you need.? If you need say 25 feet, just cut the bottom pole to length and you should be fine. ? Dennis ?
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ron Watkins
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2020 8:07 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [QueenCreekHams] Looking for Antenna advice ? Can you point me to a suitable mast? I have seen Dave Casler's one made from fence top rail, is that the best option? It would barely clear the top of the roof, making me think it would still drape over the roof itself. Im assuming?that is a bad condition to have. ? On Tue, May 12, 2020 at 7:54 AM Dennis Lawrence <kf7ryx@...> wrote: The most simple solution is to use a different mast.? It is obvious that the mast you are using is not suited for the weight of the antenna. Dennis KF7RYX ? From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ron Watkins
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2020 6:57 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [QueenCreekHams] Looking for Antenna advice ? Im trying?to put up an antenna and having issues as shown in the attached picture. Basically, I cannot get the antenna up because the spiderpole is just bending over and causing the antenna to drape over the roof instead of being elevated. If I apply enough force to raise the antenna off the roof, the pole bends over far enough to touch the roof itself. Please provide some advise?how to resolve this issue.
--
--
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Re: Looking for Antenna advice
no mention of height you want. ?Fence rail is sometimes used as tower masts but is very heavy to raise. ?I use 5 Military MS44 5' Aluminum masts sections and one fiber glass comaflage mast on top supported on a fence post to hold a 40M dipole. Ebay is full of offers for these sections. ?The angle of the two sides of a dipole must not go smaller than 90 degrees so the end poles of the fence support the dipole to prevent that problem. ?When Radio Shack went out of business they took away our supply of masts. ?
On Tuesday, May 12, 2020, 11:46:03 AM EDT, Dennis Lawrence <kf7ryx@...> wrote:
Ron, regarding the use of the Top Rail Fence, that would be the cheapest option most likely.? They come in 10¡¯ lengths and interconnect.? Just connect as many as you need.? If you need say 25 feet, just cut the bottom pole to length and you should be fine. ? Dennis ?
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ron Watkins
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2020 8:07 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [QueenCreekHams] Looking for Antenna advice ? Can you point me to a suitable mast? I have seen Dave Casler's one made from fence top rail, is that the best option? It would barely clear the top of the roof, making me think it would still drape over the roof itself. Im assuming?that is a bad condition to have. ? On Tue, May 12, 2020 at 7:54 AM Dennis Lawrence <kf7ryx@...> wrote: The most simple solution is to use a different mast.? It is obvious that the mast you are using is not suited for the weight of the antenna. Dennis KF7RYX ? From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ron Watkins
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2020 6:57 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [QueenCreekHams] Looking for Antenna advice ? Im trying?to put up an antenna and having issues as shown in the attached picture. Basically, I cannot get the antenna up because the spiderpole is just bending over and causing the antenna to drape over the roof instead of being elevated. If I apply enough force to raise the antenna off the roof, the pole bends over far enough to touch the roof itself. Please provide some advise?how to resolve this issue.
--
--
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Re: Looking for Antenna advice
Ron, regarding the use of the Top Rail Fence, that would be the cheapest option most likely.? They come in 10¡¯ lengths and interconnect.? Just connect as many as you need.? If you need say 25 feet, just cut the bottom pole to length and you should be fine. ? Dennis ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ron Watkins
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2020 8:07 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [QueenCreekHams] Looking for Antenna advice ? Can you point me to a suitable mast? I have seen Dave Casler's one made from fence top rail, is that the best option? It would barely clear the top of the roof, making me think it would still drape over the roof itself. Im assuming?that is a bad condition to have. ? On Tue, May 12, 2020 at 7:54 AM Dennis Lawrence <kf7ryx@...> wrote: The most simple solution is to use a different mast.? It is obvious that the mast you are using is not suited for the weight of the antenna. Dennis KF7RYX ? From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ron Watkins
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2020 6:57 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [QueenCreekHams] Looking for Antenna advice ? Im trying?to put up an antenna and having issues as shown in the attached picture. Basically, I cannot get the antenna up because the spiderpole is just bending over and causing the antenna to drape over the roof instead of being elevated. If I apply enough force to raise the antenna off the roof, the pole bends over far enough to touch the roof itself. Please provide some advise?how to resolve this issue.
--
--
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Re: Looking for Antenna advice
Ron, you have several options, depending on how high you need it.? A very simple and easy mast is the Harbor Freight flag pole.? It is 20¡¯ tall and telescopes down to about 5¡¯.? Very sturdy and works well¡easy to put up and take down.? Cost is about $50-60 depending on the discount coupon you can get in the mail. ? Another option is a telescoping TV antenna mast.? There is a large selection on Amazon and Ebay.? Lengths come in pretty much whatever you need.? I saw some that were over 40 feet. ? And there are always the Military poles so many people use.? 4¡¯ long and you just add as many as you need.? Again, they are available on Ebay and Amazon. ? Hope this helps. Dennis ?
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Show quoted text
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ron Watkins
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2020 8:07 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [QueenCreekHams] Looking for Antenna advice ? Can you point me to a suitable mast? I have seen Dave Casler's one made from fence top rail, is that the best option? It would barely clear the top of the roof, making me think it would still drape over the roof itself. Im assuming?that is a bad condition to have. ? On Tue, May 12, 2020 at 7:54 AM Dennis Lawrence <kf7ryx@...> wrote: The most simple solution is to use a different mast.? It is obvious that the mast you are using is not suited for the weight of the antenna. Dennis KF7RYX ? From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ron Watkins
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2020 6:57 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [QueenCreekHams] Looking for Antenna advice ? Im trying?to put up an antenna and having issues as shown in the attached picture. Basically, I cannot get the antenna up because the spiderpole is just bending over and causing the antenna to drape over the roof instead of being elevated. If I apply enough force to raise the antenna off the roof, the pole bends over far enough to touch the roof itself. Please provide some advise?how to resolve this issue.
--
--
|
Re: Looking for Antenna advice
Can you point me to a suitable mast? I have seen Dave Casler's one made from fence top rail, is that the best option? It would barely clear the top of the roof, making me think it would still drape over the roof itself. Im assuming?that is a bad condition to have. Ron
On Tue, May 12, 2020 at 7:54 AM Dennis Lawrence < kf7ryx@...> wrote: The most simple solution is to use a different mast.? It is obvious that the mast you are using is not suited for the weight of the antenna. Dennis KF7RYX ? From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ron Watkins
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2020 6:57 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [QueenCreekHams] Looking for Antenna advice ? Im trying?to put up an antenna and having issues as shown in the attached picture. Basically, I cannot get the antenna up because the spiderpole is just bending over and causing the antenna to drape over the roof instead of being elevated. If I apply enough force to raise the antenna off the roof, the pole bends over far enough to touch the roof itself. Please provide some advise?how to resolve this issue.
--
|
Re: Looking for Antenna advice
The most simple solution is to use a different mast.? It is obvious that the mast you are using is not suited for the weight of the antenna. Dennis KF7RYX ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ron Watkins
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2020 6:57 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [QueenCreekHams] Looking for Antenna advice ? Im trying?to put up an antenna and having issues as shown in the attached picture. Basically, I cannot get the antenna up because the spiderpole is just bending over and causing the antenna to drape over the roof instead of being elevated. If I apply enough force to raise the antenna off the roof, the pole bends over far enough to touch the roof itself. Please provide some advise?how to resolve this issue.
--
|
Looking for Antenna advice
Im trying?to put up an antenna and having issues as shown in the attached picture. Basically, I cannot get the antenna up because the spiderpole is just bending over and causing the antenna to drape over the roof instead of being elevated. If I apply enough force to raise the antenna off the roof, the pole bends over far enough to touch the roof itself. Please provide some advise?how to resolve this issue.
--
|
Arizona Red Cross Comms Drill - 5/30/2020
Arizona Red Cross Comms Drill - 5/30/2020 The Arizona Red
Cross will hold a radio communications exercise on May 30, 7 am to 11
am. All area hams are invited to participate. Due to the COVID-19
environment, we will not be deploying anyone, but asking operators to
work at home or from their vehicle as simulated shelter sites.
There will be 9 different communications challenges for operators of
differing ability levels, equipment, and licenses. We hope to learn how
various radio communications methods we
might use in a real emergency will work from differing locations. We
also want to see the availability of operators with the skills and
equipment to use those methods.
We would like to simulate an environment of a power outage and would
encourage all stations to operate without power from the grid. This can
be a mobile radio in a vehicle, or a base station on battery,
generator, or other unplugged source. But even if operators can¡¯t
participate in an unplugged mode, they can still participate and just
report they are working ¡°on-grid.¡± Everything you need to know is posted on the
website. Just look for the link to the May 30 Arizona Red Cross Comms
Exercise at the bottom of the menu. Encourage as many hams as you can
to participate! Thanks! --Larry AA0LB Larry Buchanan, Volunteer American Red Cross Central and Northern Arizona Chapter Disaster Services Technology (DST) Communications Team Red Cross Chapter Office: 4747 N. 22nd St., Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85016 Larry.Buchanan@... Arizona Red Cross Communications Club Webmaster FCC Call Sign: AA?LB
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QCECG weekly training net - 5/10/2020 @ 8 PM (2000)
Please join us.?
Charge your HT, mobile, or base radio and join us Sunday evening.
QCECG weekly training net - 5/10/2020 @ 8 PM (2000)
Check in and let us know how your are doing.
8 pm at 449.325 Mhz PL 100.0 Hz. - Visitors welcome! Listen over the Internet at
Regards, Joe, N2QOJ
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I tried some guy-wires (3 of them) attached?to the top of the telescoping sections, but they just pulled down the sections and caused it to collapse. I need to find a way to get support without causing it to collapse.
On Sat, May 2, 2020 at 5:37 PM T. Wesley Erickson < twerickson@...> wrote: I¡¯m sure there are lots of people with experience who will be able to give you a good answer, but if you have room to set up some guy wires, you might consider surplus military camouflage support poles. They are made of either aluminum or fiberglass and come in four-foot sections:
?
?
?
They are available from a variety of vendors, and can be purchased new or used. Please note that some of the vendors on places like eBay are ridiculously over-priced, or impose outrageous shipping charges.
?
I am currently using five of these to support a dual-band co-linear antenna in my back yard (in an attempt to keep a low profile due to HOA restrictions). It is currently unguyed, secured at ground level (set over a pipe driven into the ground), and attached to the fascia board about nine feet off the ground. It appears to be quite stable, although I haven¡¯t had to deal with significant wind yet. In the event of severe weather or intervention by the HOA, it can easily be lowered (and re-erected) by one person.
?
Hope this helps... Wes AG7WQ p.s. Attempts to upload an image meet with a JSON failure message; here is a link to an image:? ?
-- Ron Watkins, AI7AK
602.743.5272
|
New ARRL Podcast - The Eclectic Tech - Episode 4
New ARRL Podcast - The Eclectic Tech - Episode 4
The ARRL began a new podcast a few?weeks ago and it is hosted by Steve Ford, WB8IMY.
The Eclectic Tech podcast brings news, interviews,
and commentary about technology and science -- all with an amateur radio
twist.
This fourth episode has the following topics:
Treating Alzheimer's with RF, listening to the Sun, and the WOW?signal. Stream:
As always, feedback is welcome.
Regards,
Joe, N2QOJ
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Digi Hams,
We have a digital JS8 call 40 meter net tonight at 8 pm Pacific - we are
doing a Zoom call during the comms so we can work out any kinks and plan
tests.? If you are on 40m with digital modes and can get JS8 call
installed please join us.
We use the "group" callsign of "@MTNWEST"
Zoom meeting invite below
Hi there,
Aaron Jones is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: JS8 CALL 40 M
Time: May 7, 2020 08:00 PM Arizona
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
???? Password: Jones
Or Telephone:
???? Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current
location):
???????? US: +1 602 753 0140? or +1 720 928 9299? or +1 971 247 1195? or
+1 213 338 8477? or +1 253 215 8782? or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 219
2599? or +1 669 900 6833? or +1 267 831 0333? or +1 301 715 8592? or +1
312 626 6799? or +1 470 250 9358? or +1 470 381 2552? or +1 646 518
9805? or +1 646 876 9923? or +1 651 372 8299? or +1 786 635 1003
???? Meeting ID: 287 539 5168
???? Password: 378463
???? International numbers available:
Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll):? +16027530140,,2875395168# or
+17209289299,,2875395168#
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During our Sunday night net, a few resources were discussed.
Powergate clones and other rig runner like products: Wesley, AG7WQ, mentioned that he has available a software application that can assist genetic genealogy research.
If interested in getting a copy, contact Wesley at twerickson@... . Thank you Wesley for making that available to us.
Here is a web page that discusses the proper length of coax for your HF station:
Excellent ARRL article on "Wire Antenna for the Beginner". This article covers most everything you need to know:
Another great article on Transmission Lines - "Let's Talk Transmission Lines":
Understanding SWR by Example:
Joe, N2QOJ
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QCECG weekly training net - 5/3/2020 @ 8 PM (2000)
Please join us.?
Charge your HT, mobile, or base radio and join us this evening.
QCECG weekly training net - 5/3/2020 @ 8 PM (2000)
Check in and let us know how your are doing.
8 pm at 449.325 Mhz PL 100.0 Hz. - Visitors welcome! Listen over the Internet at
Regards, Joe, N2QOJ
|
I¡¯m sure there are lots of people with experience who will be able to give you a good answer, but if you have room to set up some guy wires, you might consider surplus military camouflage support poles. They are made of either aluminum or fiberglass and come in four-foot sections:
?
?
?
They are available from a variety of vendors, and can be purchased new or used. Please note that some of the vendors on places like eBay are ridiculously over-priced, or impose outrageous shipping charges.
?
I am currently using five of these to support a dual-band co-linear antenna in my back yard (in an attempt to keep a low profile due to HOA restrictions). It is currently unguyed, secured at ground level (set over a pipe driven into the ground), and attached to the fascia board about nine feet off the ground. It appears to be quite stable, although I haven¡¯t had to deal with significant wind yet. In the event of severe weather or intervention by the HOA, it can easily be lowered (and re-erected) by one person.
?
Hope this helps... Wes AG7WQ p.s. Attempts to upload an image meet with a JSON failure message; here is a link to an image:? ?
|
Erik
Joe Sammartino
T. Wesley Erickson