[TVARC] Flagpole Wind Load

[w3us at casa-aloha.net]

Great question Rick!  I’ve had my 6-BTV/flagpole up for about three years now, and yes it does sway a bit in the wind.  I usually lower my flag (yes, I do fly one) when winds are over 12-15MPH.  I recommend a nylon flag as it places less stress on the flagpole.  As for using the tilt - I’ve only lowered mine when under a hurricane warning, such as Ian last year.  The tilt base makes it easy to lower the antenna whenever you feel comfortable doing so.

Good luck, and welcome to the 6-BTV family!

Rusty - W3US

> On Aug 27, 2023, at 16:03, <rick at kd9my.com> <rick at kd9my.com> wrote:
> 
> Hello all,
> I finally got my 6BTV installed this week and disguised as a flag pole (2-1/2” pvc).
> Ground plane is a combination of radials and 45 sq ft of ground screen bonded to an 8’ driven ground rod at the base.
> Preliminary testing shows good results on FT8.
>  
> My question is:
> Do others lower the antenna/flagpole when high winds are predicted?  If so, what speed?
> The whole thing does move around a little with the wind.
> I used the DX Engineering tilt over base so, it won’t be  hard to fold over if needed.
>  
> Thanks,
> Rick KD9MY
>  
>  
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