EMT Conduit Antenna Mast

[@abe677]

Extra points for using a shovel with flip flops. Nice job.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Hahaha, Florida Style!

[@belaoxmyx4398]

Consider running the coax through a garden hose before burying. You won't have to dig it up if you want to change or remove it. You can use a barrel connector on the existing coax to pull the replacement through. - Nice video!

[@JxH]

A PL259 connector is about 18mm in diameter. Common 5/8-inch is 15mm. Even a rarer 3/4-inch hose (19mm) would BARELY accept it, and with even the slightest crush from being buried, forget it. Don't use a garden hose, use a larger and stiffer pipe maybe 1-inch diameter. Or don't bother; just direct bury and rip it out when it's going in the garbage anyway.

[@princearthur4946]

Excellent idea! KB4MIT

[@joewoodchuck3824]

Wouldn't plastic conduit be cheaper than hose? Also, there's a diameter consideration. At least there's a choice of sizes with conduit.

[@Ropetangler]

@@JxH I think that the idea of the hose or conduit was to make any replacement of the coax easy if that becomes necessary, just use the old coax to pull the new line through, - no need to dig up the lawn to re bury the new run of coax.

[@JxH]

@@Ropetangler Why not use a conduit that is correctly sized, as opposed to a "garden hose" ? Rest assured that I understand the basic point of a buried conduit. My gawd, is there anyone that doesn't ?

[@davidrice5603]

Best overview I've seen - and I've watched 15-20 already.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Thank you for watching! 73 N4VFR

[@Swoop180]

Nice project, this is precisely how i did my mast for my flagpole and it works great! That being said i really think H.O.A's are too far in to peoples business and should examine themselves in the mirror first, Blue skies Capt! KC5JSR, 73'

[@XBKLYN]

Nice job. EMT conduit is a great resource for all kinds of antenna work....I use the one inch stuff to hold up my wire antenna...super strong and 17 bucks for 10 feet...can't beat it!

[@Retroactive1972]

New sub here. Just got in to 11 meter band. Super brand new at this... I like the idea of having coms of any capacity during a black out. great idea man....

[@PopeyeKF4LBG]

Nice set up, Neighbor. We live in Riverside. 73 de KF4LBG... Beautiful garden!

[@daveborchard2019]

You could stealth that mast by training some vines to grow up the mast. Then it will look like a support structure for your vine! Another idea is to have mounts on the mast to hold small potted plants. Then it would become a structure to hold your garden pots!

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Great ideas! Thank you.

[@CurmudgeonExtraordinaire]

Plant some kudzu? I've considered welding together a 20 ft tower out of rebar so that it would look like a scaled down version of one of the old style oil drilling rigs / derricks... Then plant some aggressive growing vines by the legs and let it take over it... Of course, the BEST solution is not to move into an area with HOA Nazis in the first place...

[@davidplowman8855]

Nice. I’m doing the same thing using chain link top rails with a j-pole for my 2meter. 73

[@warp9988]

I love it. Thanks for this video. Helps me plan a mast.

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

Cool video Darren, cheers n 73

[@Chipotle661944]

Nice. I'm looking for cheap and practical antenna mast ideas. Thanks for sharing your solution. Looks great.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Mine is still up and survived 2 hurricanes. Also, I never did grounded my mast. All I have on it is a 2m/440 J-Pole.

[@JumpswithGoats]

Nice set up but direct burial coax cable? Maybe some 1/2 PVC electrical conduit six inches deep not only would protect it from water intrusion but will also make it easy to replace the coax in the future. Use 90 degree fitting pull points at the antenna and into your shack. Just my 2 cents.

[@scottlogsdon5607]

I'm considering it. I have lots of storms in warmer months so I have to add grounds everywhere

[@jameyevans29]

I wrap one coil (with a zip tie) of coax where it connects to the antenna to take the strain off of it

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Good idea.

[@hikingfish3]

Love the mast idea (no grounding?). You are right close to that huge tree with plenty of near horizontal branches. Couldn't you just swing an Ed Fong or N9TAX from a branch?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

The trees will attenuate my xmit and rcv signals but it still works hitting the repeaters in my area. Simplex goes out about 10 miles. I think you could use an Ed Fong/N9TAX antenna in the trees. The hardest part is getting the antenna to the highest branch. 73 N4VFR

[@saxmusicmail]

When you run a bolt through thin wall pipe like that no matter how much you tighten the nut you'll never really get it tight. It just collapses the pipe. Instead, use nylock nuts. Those are nuts with a nylon insert that will stop the nut from spinning freely. Just snug it up, but don't distort the pipe. The copper coat is a good thing, too.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Good tip! Thank you!

[@reidtillery2856]

I'm going to build something very similar and affix it to the apex of my shack's roof. Thank you for this great idea. 73 Captain, de K9RFT

[@mikestone9129]

Looks good. Gave me some ideas to work with.

[@ederwin9189]

Great use of materials available! That would not work as well where I live as the base would fill with water, freeze and burst in winter but you don't have to worry in FLA 😅

[@CurmudgeonExtraordinaire]

Drill a 1/8" hole near the bottom as a drain hole?

[@TheComingGlory]

@@CurmudgeonExtraordinaire Could also add a rubber ring around the top of the 4-foot pipe.

[@CurmudgeonExtraordinaire]

@@TheComingGlory -- What would a ring around the top of the pipe do? Unless you are talking about basically making a grommet... But you would need to cap the pipe that is going into the 4-ft section of pipe also... Even with that though, you probably should consider a drain hole...

[@princearthur4946]

Great presentation!

[@testchannel-mr1pt]

Great idea. Looks really good....

[@DarrenN4VFR]

@@testchannel-mr1pt thanks, its still holding up in the tree canopy.

[@rctestchannel-xi9gg]

That’s a great testimony for the design and materials. Am looking to install my 2 meter - 70 cm antenna in the same fashion.

[@Prariedog]

I like your project ,great antenna

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Thank you

[@darkmoon4916]

Great video, excellent ideas.

[@matts.8342]

I understand that since it's a j-pole it doesn't need an RF ground, but should this have a lightning arrester at the base with a ground rod next to it? I've been thinking about doing something similar except using it as a point to tie off an EFHW extending from the house.

[@willhoward9190]

Thumbs up, but would liked to have known more about the base and cement.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

@@willhoward9190 the base was dugged up from the ground Direct TV base. I just recycled the base for this project.

[@dr2man]

Liked your idea, looks like the video is 2 years old, How is it working today?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

It's still up and survived several hurricanes.

[@aliensojourner]

Thank you for this video.

[@DB-rg2dk]

Would this setup work well for a tv antenna? Possibly adding guy wires

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Yeah, maybe you can anchor the mast to your house eaves to add additional support.

[@DB-rg2dk]

@@DarrenN4VFR I was looking at 1" and 3/4 inch 10ft galvanized steel pipes to build this, but then saw your EMT piping build which would be cheaper and lighter. The DTV pole I'd be using is sitting about 2 ft from the structure so yes, tying into structure via guy wires will have to happen

[@harlanhair9893]

That was very helpful😃👍🏻

[@davidabraham1969]

The instructions with my j-pole say to not attach it directly to a metal pole. Yours is OK?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Really? It's been working fine so far. Next time I'm home, I'll put it on a SWR Meter to check it out.

[@jamesisbell9699]

Great video. KO4BYU here and private pilot. Keep up the good work.

[@DavidBrown-ph2bm]

I like the idea of the setup, does it need to be ground to a wire just in case of lightning strikes?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Yes, but I don't have one. I took a lightning strike at a nearby utility pole and the surged didn't destroy my radio.

[@HighSpeedGolfCart]

When you do videos like this you need to show some after work such as SWR readings. Show a clip using the antenna to see if it's viable how far out it will reach, line noise, deflection from trees if any. Showing how to do it is fine, but showing it works is better.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Great ideas for future videos! Thank you!

[@DK5ONV]

Now that looks really cool! Great job done, Capt. Darren. Looking forward to make contact with you. 73's de Your Friend Uncle Guenter

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Thank you for the kind words Uncle Guenter. 73 de N4VFR

[@cavdvr99]

Good video, just wondering how it held up to big storms? With the tree branches swaying in heavy winds? Did you take it down during hurricanes?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

J-Pole Mast is still standing inside those branches. Been through several hurricanes and been up for over 2 years.

[@AllanChristine]

well done it looks good all the best Allan G6TMO stoke on Trent UK

[@kd5inm]

Is the jpole for 2m? If you try to use it for 70cm then uhf frequencies will be absorbed by leaves in the trees. I have found that to be the case in the woods.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

I primarily use this Jpole for 2m APRS digipeater.

[@easttexasengineering3489]

Darren, I'm new in the game, What is the J-pole for? Building something similar for a HAM radio set up. Any help would be greatly appreciated..

[@andy2E0JIU]

Great job,liked this one 👏

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Thank you for watching!

[@TeamTopKick]

Hows it performing with it in the foliage of the tree and did you add a lightning arrestor and ground? I have mine mounted to a tree but imma add a section of pipe so it peaks up past the top of the tree.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

It's still performing well. I swapped out my J-pole antenna and replaced it with a Tram ground plane vertical. Well, no lightning arrestor nor ground rode on this set up. If I added another section to past the tops of those trees, I would have to guy the mast. I'm happy with this height so far.

[@kayakbassfishing473]

give me the link to the coax cable you used please sir I want to use the same high quality cable you use ok?

[@kenmartin1211]

Great job! How did the J-Pole work ? Thanks 73 KC3ZDW

[@DarrenN4VFR]

It's still up and doing well even after a lightning surge. My APRS DigiPi is still down and I haven't had too much time to trouble shoot why it's not working. I suspect a bad sound card.

[@kenmartin1211]

@@DarrenN4VFR Ouch! That is a worry among all Amateur Radio Operators . Hope it works out for you... Glad the J-Pole didn't get hit . What type of Lightning Arrestors were you using ?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

@@kenmartin1211 None on the J-Pole. I have lightning arrestors on the HF. I dont remember what company I'm using. Here's the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHrFc5eAaKief7ssi=ZOy8KdUq_zQ3X0kF

[@MJ-cb5mk]

What was the total length of the anchor pipe you put in the ground? How far did you pound the pipe in the ground? Weep holes towards bottom for water to drain?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

I don't really remember, probably maybe about 2-3 feet deep and maybe 4 feet above the ground. No weep holes for drainage. I think it's open at the bottom of the pipe. 73's

[@jorben1990]

Going to be doing this for my helium miner , what’s the highest you think I can get it using the material you did while keeping it structurally sound? Love the DTV pole idea, I install them for work and have tons of those poles.What should I search for on Home Depot or lowes for the pipe?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

If you have those DTV pipes, measure the diameter and goto HD or Lowes and get a conduit pipe in a smaller size so it can slide inside the DTV pipe. I dont remember the exact size however, if I were to guess, I would get a size 1/4 smaller. Maybe 1 1/2" diameter. I can put 2 conduits together without using guy wires. Remember to get a smaller size diameter for the upper sections and use the bolts in a crisscross pattern to prevent twisting. I hope that clarifies it a little. Happy New Year!

[@larryward3790]

Another option for the cross bolts would be to use "EYE BOLTS", because you can use them for the guy wires. Just a thought. N4GST 7 3@@DarrenN4VFR

[@jorben1990]

Thanks for the great content. Subd and liked !

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Thank you Luis!

[@AlvinMcManus]

Do you find you need the beads at the feedpoint or are you "just in case"?

[@nol_yaw]

I'm getting ready to do the same thing. i also have a J pole are you sure the paint on it won't hurt the performance of it?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

@@nol_yaw i haven't done testing, but it still working.

[@nol_yaw]

@@DarrenN4VFR Ok great... as far as the poles go if i wanted to put a 3rd or 4th pole to make it longer what sizes would i need besides the 1 1/2 and 1 1/4

[@DarrenN4VFR]

@@nol_yaw I'm not sure, you may have to guy it also if it's a stand alone. Measure it and see if a 1 inch pole would fit.

[@nol_yaw]

@@DarrenN4VFR ok thanks

[@waynedoomad2573]

Great video.

[@waynedoomad2573]

Ok get it done

[@Excalibur32]

Nice project, thanks for sharing! Is the pole set to a fixed height? Would making it adjustable/telescoping be useful?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Mine is set up as a fixed height. I would need to modify it if I were planning to make it adjustable. I also have an EZ Push up Mast. It's 33' adjustable.

[@pinchpoint]

Hello: Do the 10 foot mast sections you’re bolting together have pre-drilled holes? Thank you.

[@HAMRADIOJOE4178]

Water is going to go into that white pve pipe next to the mast, cover it up. other wise, nice set up

[@toms.7913]

Looks great. I like how the J-Pole is hidden in/behind the tree. Did you attach a grounding rod to your mast? Thanks

[@DarrenN4VFR]

No, no grounding rod attached to the mast.

[@HarishKottayam]

Excellent setup.. Is it grounded in the basement of the old TV base or it is not required..

[@DarrenN4VFR]

I did not ground my 2m/7cm J-pole antenna mast. It's working well and haven't been strucked by lightning yet. Lightning would probably hit the trees before a direct hit but I'm taking the risk. I do however have a lightning arrester in my window passthrough.

[@jeffneves7]

Great job! I had two sections of ten foot threaded 1.5" EMT conduit screwed together and bolted to the side of my garage at my previous qth I'm going for 3 this time around at my new place, but I'm doing a fold-over setup with a 33ft vertical on top of it. Should be fun!

[@DarrenN4VFR]

That's good that you can attach it to the garage. Kinda prevents from guying.

[@reidtillery2856]

Love it .

[@supermaestro67]

Hello. question: what is the minimum size of the iron pipe 12 meters for lifting the yaghi fm antenna Dimensions antenna gauge L*W*H: 5500*900*1760 MM Weight: 5 KG? thank you!

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Merry Christmas, I don't recommend a yagi on this mast. It may fall and damage your elements. It's your decision if you want to try it.

[@wxfield]

Ummm.. Have you read any of the ARRL Antenna books or guides? They do describe the effects of vegetation near or around a radiating antenna.

[@edwardutter6975]

Are not worried about strong winds moving and getting into your antenna ?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

2 weeks ago I had 70mph winds which broke my DX Commander in 3 places while my 2meter J-pole is still standing in the trees using this EMT Conduit Mast.

[@edwardutter6975]

@@DarrenN4VFR Perhaps the tree branches prevented the antenna from breaking. Here the tree limbs would destroy my tv antenna if it was within their reach. I hope to have my license soon.

[@TheMultisportGeek]

Very stealthy.

[@motorcityman8982]

Helpful. Thanks.

[@reysfaust]

Good job Captn. 73 de AK7RF

[@waynedoomad2573]

Looks good .did you ground the mast

[@DarrenN4VFR]

You know what? I did not ground the mast. I should. I also put a lightning arrestor at the window pass through.

[@thomasb4329]

Kind of a really small detail question. What size of bolt did you use?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

To tell you the truth, I don't remember. I just estimated the diameter of the tubes and took an educated guess on the length of the bolts and take considerations that you will have nuts attached.

[@thomasb4329]

@@DarrenN4VFR Thanks for the reply! I actually ended up building this mast for my J-pole at my new QTH and it has worked amazingly! XYL is also pleased that the poles can be painted and blend into the background. Thanks for the video!

[@DarrenN4VFR]

@@thomasb4329 That's so awesome! I'm glad I was able to help a fellow ham save some money than buying a push up mast. 73's de Capt Darren N4VFR

[@kc8ntvles956]

Great job good video...73 👍

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Thank you for watching Les! 73's

[@kayakbassfishing473]

Hey did you make your own j pole antenna? or buy it?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

I bought my J-pole from a fellow Ham. www.jpole-antenna.com/

[@daviddecosta5359]

Does it move or sway in the wind at all?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

No, it's pretty stout.

[@wilharris5930]

cool

[@hymlog]

...So Now the Base Pole can Fill with Water and freeze and crack the pipe. ...Been there ...Done That!

[@yakovdavidovich7943]

OP doesn't look like he lives in a place that freezes much...

[@jasonblessing3644]

What size are those magnetic

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Are you referring to the Ferrite Beads? They're 11mm diamters. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CDU0D8I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@stevet7522]

Will those emt pipes rust? Or are they fairly rust resistant?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

It will eventually rust but I don't know the duration.

[@stevet7522]

@@DarrenN4VFR if it's more than a couple years then it will be worth it to make one of these. Thanks for the reply.

[@dougputhoff3215]

Nice

[@Atomshamradio]

Sweet

[@eduardofuster4511]

wont it break even without guy wires Sir? message back Sir... Nice setup Sir

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Hello Eduardo, I'm not using guys wires on this setup. So far it's holding up good to strong winds in Florida. Not yet tested in Hurricane Winds. 73's

[@lufknuht5960]

no guy wires?

[@DarrenN4VFR]

None. It survived 40 mph winds from Hurricane Ian.

[@jhenrybaker1825]

N5DDZ thumbs up ! ... 73s

[@thomasrogen3739]

Good job but you are way too close to the trees

[@kayakbassfishing473]

put the mast in the tree man ..

[@larryhaney6608]

the tree will block your signal

[@DarrenN4VFR]

I hit my local repeaters fine, yes it will attenuate the xmit and rcv signals.

[@bigslots3143]

Wouldn't want to have any twerking pipes

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Hahahaha. Let's see 'em twerk! lol

[@demizer1968]

Sweet