116. Narrowboat comms mast takes shape

[@ruthscott5166]

James, I bet you had no idea that folks would be so generous when you began this blog. It's been quite amazing. Can't wait to see your lighting installed and your galley put together. Cheers!

[@lloydlawrance7784]

We have the same 4G antenna fitted on a short mag mount pole (same as Silver Fox). We have our router mounted high up in the corner, adjacent to the rear bulkhead and get a strong wifi signal thoughout out 58' narrowboat. Thanks for filming what your doing, it makes strangely compelling viewing before bed every night.

[@cskeise]

James...How about putting tube inside another tube with drill holes and a pin to adjust lower or higher, keep giving the boat the love... 💙👊😎

[@thjakits]

Hi James! AWESOME build! Comms mast - I would second other's suggestion to install with a hinge. Ask Narrowboat Hands to help you out - basically a lockable hinge with a tube extending far enough up, so you can clamp in the mast - for when you want to remove it or shorten it or...? Make sure to have a plug in the cables.... You then keep the mast up on open areas and just quickly unlock and lay down the mast before hitting overgrown canal edges, bridges, tunnels. You could have brackets on the extended tube part that let you hook in the new windlass you got gifted ad use that as a lever to lay down the mast! Furthermore - I'd shoerten then mast, so it can lay down about 1 ft away form the chimney.... (You probably will need some deck-cover for when you have to pull the chimney...) All the best from a different Canal location!! (Panama Canal...) Cheers, Thomas

[@judithmallinson5178]

Loving the start of your videos - keeps us all guessing! Your dad's rendition of Wild Horses 🐎 was fab. 🥰😍 xx

[@meettheparents3489]

Thanks, Judith, appreciate that ...

[@Londonmagnetfishing]

good morning James I'm glad to see you received your phone holder .we use this for making a videos with found it good looks like you're doing pretty well on your parcel deliveries . just shows that your viewers are interacting and enjoying your videos will done

[@sarkybugger5009]

Hi James. I think you'd be better off fitting sockets for the antennae on the outside of the boat, so the whole mast can be removed and stowed inside. You just know some toe-rag will try to steal it at some point. It will also allow an antenna upgrade without running new cables inside the boat. Take care.

[@TheDaf95xf]

Hi James. Lovely introduction again 👍🏻 Still loving this boat build 🤣

[@jerrydownes2105]

Hi James greetings from Oz, enjoying your vlog. A thought for your com. mast mounting. Google spring loaded antenna base. One of these fitted to the base of your mast will allow you to bend the mast over to 90 degrees and will also save your mast from damage by trees. Very common on 4wd’s over here. All the best, Jerry

[@spudgun9315]

"WILD HORSES" 🐎 fantastic start to the vlog, acoustic album on the horizon 👍

[@meettheparents3489]

Thank you, mate ... “Unplugged in Kilworth” ?

[@spudgun9315]

@@meettheparents3489 bang there it is 👌

[@floatybyboaty]

I keep fast forwarding to the ‘Pressie’ opening, 🥳

[@christinegibbins6105]

James what a beautiful intro to the vlog, the scenery and the music was a delight. Thank you, just about to watch it again!! Take care.

[@HBrip]

How about short steel pipe welded to aft bulkhead which will accommodate mast, rotary washing line and big umbrella?

[@robg3545]

Lovely bit of Wild Horses there. Reckon the mast should sit on something solid.Poles have a wind-loading leverage and sometimes want to resonate in gusty wind. Maybe try 3" of scaff pole with a bolt thru it as a "cup"and weld it to the outside back wall so the mast can sit into it, then an easily undoable U clamp at roof height secure the upper. The cables then wouldnt need to run all the way down the mast and can feed thru the back wall under the lip of the roof which is much less exposed to weather (or make a small rain cover). (pre attached moulded plugs are hard to get thru glands) You then hopefully shouldnt need to extend the cables but if you do,search "SMA female adaptors" but your wifi should be the same strength right thru the boat with no walls. As long as shielded data cable is spaced an inch or two from 12v cables, its shouldnt pick up noise. Good luck!

[@lesgill8490]

James ref the pole, making it like flag pole, where on a hinge, also like the new lamp posts, that can be lowered down to change the bulbs, hope you know what I mean.then it could be clipped to the side of the boat, when travelling.

[@gonzo_the_great1675]

Not only will tech change every few years, but also you will damage cables that are part of a mast that is being mounted and dismounted. You could run a length of round conduit inside the boat, from the stern to your fireplace. Then you can easilly withdraw/replace cables as required. (It's always worth running a few of these around anyway, for future use, before you close in the walls.) Where your cables will loop from the mast to the cable entry box, have a look out for something you can use as a flexible conduit from the mast to the cable entry. The sort of thing you will see running around the engine bay of your car, is ideal. Even a bit of hose may work. 240V inverters can be electrically noisy, especially cheaper ones. So running your RF cables separate (even by 6" or so) is a sensible precaution to build in, whilst everything is accessible.

[@ds3591]

Hay James, it you put a dampener on that stove pipe it will hold the heat down and make your stove burn less cola and firewood. Love the door fans.

[@cjstein2000]

Glad you got the video. Missed watching the vblog while I have my breakfast here in Thailand 🇹🇭

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I’m sorry about that Jim - hope it didn’t ruin your day 😊

[@aj_bovangles_adventures4430]

Great vlog again ... 3 weeks eeek exciting ... stay safe 🙏

[@BEAR_UK]

Might need to rethink the length of the pole. Most I see are a like a half meter long if that. Personally I think a magnet on the bottom of the pole, if it’s short one would be better. Means it can be laid down on the roof. File a flat edge into the base and it shouldn’t role about on the roof when it’s down. Also means that you can mount the pole anywhere on the roof to suit your cabling needs.mount your router away from the stove and tv, will aid in giving a clear WiFi signal.

[@geodun]

You could make the mast in two sections. When moored, both sections are used, when cruising you pull the top section down and stand it next to the lower section.

[@J1mbo888]

Just to add. Just run all the cables in the same Trunking. The Radio/TV/Phone signals are in screened co-ax. Your power supply cables are DC so generate zero interference. There will be more interference radiated from the LED lighting than anything else ! Get hold of an old AM radio and wander round the boat to trace RF Noise.........

[@miketipping1583]

We met Jono at Crick a few years ago and talked Wifi on boats just before he did his installation. My friend copied him like for like, same router, pole, 4g antenna. Great for signal but both of them subsequently found they didn't need the pole and it was a pain to get up and down. I think both switched to the same antenna you have it mounted on the top of the boat without the pole.

[@harrypottergibbons]

I wouldn't drill a hole in the roof, as it will not seat with constant removal. I would use a couple, or 3, pipe mounts on the outside. Also, may be good to feed the cables inside the tube. Just an idea.

[@AndyJenkins999]

Very good indeed. We’re it mine I would be hinging the pole instead of a lift out to prevent people snipping cables and walking off with expensive pointing aerial. I am looking at the 5G version now to future proof but think it’s same footprint. Good vid cheers.

[@colinpearson2255]

Hi James, while I am no expert I have noticed that most coms towers are placed at the bow of narrow boats, I am now presuming watching this its to eliminate cable interference as the electrics from the bow are mostly light and socket related. Just an observation 😀

[@geodun]

Your router should be as close as you can get it to the antenna. The WiFi signal should be fine anywhere in the boat but the shorter the antenna cable the more 4G signal it will get to the router.

[@Londonmagnetfishing]

hi James I definitely agree with this message .I'm a qualified computer engineer and I would say the same

[@quebot1111]

Always love ❤️ your choice of music for your vlogs. Please be sure you have enough water,food,coal and firewood this week. I’m hearing rumors of trouble there

[@terencekelly5050]

To correct the angle of the pole when up on side of boat make top bracket X number of inches longer then bottom one

[@jbzoom]

You could use two key clamps, one cup and one straight through, to fix the mast to the bulkhead - they are designed to match standard poles. The electrical interference from the 12 volt shouldn't be a problem - it is 230v ac that usually causes trouble. But you could put the router near the stern as another alternative. long external cable runs are vulnerable to accidents, especially with boathooks, etc. as well as vandals - best avoided.

[@miketipping1583]

Why don't you put the router at the back wall of the boat? The wifi coverage will be great wherever you put it in the boat but as the antenna is hard wired you'll have to pull cables out to replace it so you really want a connection close to where it comes into the boat. Adding an extension would allow you to have a connection where it comes into the boat so it can easily be swapped and put the router somewhere else in the boat but any connection in the wire will degrade the signal so... personally, I'd stick the router on the top of the wall on the opposite side to the door it on the outside of the utility cupboard.

[@adrianrichards1951]

Very impressed with the size of your pole, James. It seems that a long one is going to give you the best chance of a decent signal; compare yours with Johny London's (Project Narrowboat), for example, so I wouldn't shorten it. Bracket fittings at the stern could be better than a hole in the roof.

[@colinpearson2255]

Oh and I forgot, maybe drill a hole and have the cable running down the inside of the mast ( be safer and hidden away )

[@cskeise]

Great minds think alike... 💙👊😎

[@J1mbo888]

Top Navigating Young James :-)

[@geoffmorgan9071]

Hi James is it a good idea to run cable along the outside of the boat? As you may know the the steelwork can get extremely hot on a hot summers day. I've fried eggs on our boats roof in the past. Then you can get extreme cold as you are experiencing at the moment which won't be good for electric cables, they could become brittle

[@colsphotography3319]

James, I need to talk yo you about the length of you pole 👀 surely it doesn't need to be anything like as long? You had looked at other boats. are they all the same size? My understanding about the wifi is that the cable should be short and the router mounted high up and as near the aerial as possible for good internal coverage. Is a short hinged comms mast above the bow hatch with the router up inside the cabin not possible in some way? Keeps it well away from the hot chimney too 🔥

[@zulu5282]

I was going to say the exact same thing.

[@MsVanorak]

ikr! I went to look for the vlog from narrowboat qroject (johnny London) to reference to James. in one vlog he shows it quite well and he lifts it out and lays it flat on the roof when he is on the move. his is on the bow and I really don't think it is that tall.

[@gizmoinasia6080]

Do you need the pole so high? be easier to cut the pole down and mount it on top of the roof, with a bracket that you can fold down or lift out and when cruising lay flat on the roof, this system worked well on my boat no problem.

[@islaws4589]

A decent ally telescopic extension pole for paint rollering would have worked well for your mast. You could have it permanently clamped upright on the rear of your boat then just extend it upwards to use it. They extend to around 3 metres although some of it may have had to poke through into your engine bay tho if the retracted length was too tall for bridges. They are strong, I used to use one for a ham radio antenna on a hilltop. Edited: one here on Amazon - 1.4m collapsed, 4m extended - www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0055CURZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_t1_QH00R01BCXXRQGH8YCAX

[@Climber485]

Hi James, Do you need to have an extended comms pole? The ones I have seen used by continuous cruisers tend to be just mounts for the receivers, short and surface mounted to fit under bridges, if you where permanently mooring an extended pole would be the way to go. If an extended pole is the way you want to go then the comment by John Neal, referencing journey with Jonno seems good, either clamp it to the gunnel walkway and handrail or perhaps some sort of pivot at handrail height so it pivots up vertically into a holding cup on the gunnel to keep it upright and when lowered, it pivots down to rest on a bracket on the side that holds it horizontal. The other idea would be something telescopic but then you would have to manage the change in cable length each time it was raised and lowered (re-purposing a telescopic pole used for attaching rollers for painting ceilings perhaps?). Anyway, just some ideas for you to consider 👍

[@jamesfblaisjr]

Perhaps run the comms cables inside a pvc pipe? Secure, less resistance than the cables laying against the metal roof and esthetically pleasing look. BTW, what about grounding the comms mast? Cheers!

[@johnneal7832]

Watch Journey with Jonno James,he put 2 little brackets to hold his mast,1was like a cup at the bottom and the other had a bolt to hold it tight with no knocking in the wind etc.If you do need an extension for the 4g use rg58 cable not rg174,it's thicker with less loss,just keep it as short as possible👍👍

[@mickkoi1]

Hi James I have the same type of antenna and I have my router in the front corner on the boat and the WiFi is great at the stern which is 60ft away never had any issues I have the huawei router if that’s useful info

[@TairnKA]

Before getting into your video, I'm presuming the mast can be lowered for tunnels (before you leave a moorage)? Maybe add a lockable hinge?

[@quebot1111]

Oh and that was a great idea with the pole. It actually looks good. If you lye it down by the chimney,will it melt it?

[@denniseaton5520]

When moving will the chimney not be removed, low bridges etc, so in theory nothing to lean it on.

[@DarrenMalin]

possible a very silly question :) How are you going to go through tunnels with that huge mast ?

[@_-martin-_]

A hole through the roof for the antenna rod? Think about water and moisture ingress, especially after wear and tear. Better put it on the outside, maybe get a larger diameter pipe that can be welded to the boat in which to put the antenna rod.

[@steveroperfilms]

Great entrance under the bridge. Some sort of hinge? Cheers.

[@MsVanorak]

Jodrell Bank?

[@foghornleghornish]

Long pole?

[@RelaxingsoothingMusic]

Lovely intro with great music! You're dad? Needs credit! In the summer, maybe a live acoustic with you both!! As an intro!?

[@meettheparents3489]

Thanks, mate ... summer can’t come soon enough, eh?

[@davidsedlickas8222]

Lying your antenna alongside your chimney will melt the casing if you've had your fire on.

[@robg3545]

Hmm. Can I play devils advocate? say youre cruising. You stop for lunch. You want to check email or upload something. Are you really going to want to put up the mast every single time, then pull it down to continue cruising? Your 4G antenna might work lying down, but if it does, I'm wondering if NB Silver Fox's solution for a magmount 4G on the roof might not be a better option, plus it saves on damage to the coax from continuous movement and means shorter cables. The extra height for 4G is less needed than theTV aerial as you'll always be much closer to a cell tower than a TV transmitter. Just a thought!

[@Orxenhorf]

Don't let the antennae sit near the chimney pipe when it's folded down, not unless you like the smell of melting plastic that is.

[@paullowden1643]

Good work. How do you find the time to do your day job? Are you on some kind of sabbatical or extended leave? Great employers you have.

[@AndyBilham]

Good question, and one I've been trying to figure out ever since James started this vlog series!

[@paullowden1643]

@@AndyBilham It’s a mystery!

[@shanegreen2583]

That’s going to be a pain in the 🍑 lifting that up all the time. Don’t forget to have spare cable for when you move it too

[@spacemandan5906]

wild horses by the Sundays?

[@ianlindsay8557]

Great content as always James .was that your dad playing and was it wild horses?

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Thanks and yes it was 👍🏼

[@carlcraine5226]

You might can get away with using a stainless clamp on fishing rod holder on the grab rail to hold the coms antenna.

[@darrengoodley7861]

Amazon sell a perfect length magnetic based pole.Your poll is far to long and for some reason it’s always scruffy boats that have the long scaffolding poles and it’s unnecessary,don’t ruin your boat because no matter what you do that pole will look scruffy

[@pocketchange1951]

👍👌🇨🇦❤