[Ham-Mac] PVC as a Mast for 2-meter antenna

[John E Bastin]

On Jul 19, 2005, at 11:51 AM, Scott Clausen wrote:

> Hello,
>
> At my old QTH I had trees for hanging antennas. At the new QTH I  
> need a mast to attach a 2-meter antenna to the house. I'm looking  
> at mounting either a parelectronics omni or a W5ncd GP-2 2-meter  
> antenna.
>
> Has anyone used PVC for a mast or is it to fragile? I'm also  
> thinking of trying a painter pole but wonder if it is also a little  
> too fragile. My QTH is very about a mile off the Straits of Juan De  
> Fuca and high winds can be an issue on occasion.
>
> Does anyone have any recommendations for a good mast? While I'm at  
> I'd welcome any recommendations for 2-meter antennas or thoughts on  
> the two I have mentioned previously.

In my experience, PVC tubing is too flexible to useful as an antenna  
support mast. It also doesn't seem to hold up well to side stress.  
I've used PVC tubing clamped to my tower to support wire antennas,  
but I always have to truss it, to keep it from bending under the strain.

For the type of thing you want, I've used galvanized water pipe of  
various sizes. Use Schedule 80, and you'll never have to worry about  
it bending in the wind.

Hope this helps.

73,

John E Bastin, K8AJS
jbastin at sssnet.com
http://www.qsl.net/k8ajs/