Guying Antenna Mast | How I Do It

[@crowetrucking]

Good video. Much appreciated

[@AB1Vampire]

Just what I was looking for, thanks for posting, n2eye

[@ryaneickmeyer6191]

Thanks for making this video. I'm gonna be putting up a portable 20m hex beam will need to guy it ALOT(in at least 3 sections along the length of the mast). I will be practicing the knots you showed.

[@ErikNonIdle]

These are really excellent knots and are really easy to untie as well. The trucker's hitch is also a good solution. If you are having a problem with it, don't hesitate to ask!

[@carlsmith8122]

Thank you! This was very helpful.

[@ErikNonIdle]

I am glad to hear it was helpful. The taut line hitch isn't as strong as the truckers hitch, but I prefer it in this instance since it's so easy to adjust when needed.

[@daveorca]

I have used the taut line hitch on my antenna mast in the past. However, I now tie the midshipman's hitch. It's very similar but less likely to slip.

[@patrickbuick5459]

Nice. I have the DX Commander 12.4 Signature with 3 guy levels and have just been using the taught line hitch without the loop multiplier like a truckers knot. Only one loosened some during 100kph winds when a tropical storm hit. If I tighten too much, the sections tend to retract haha. Edit: I'll probably do the hitch at the peg end since I can't reach the upper guys!

[@ErikNonIdle]

I use the trucker's hitch all the time for a ton of different things, but for the mast I really like to be able to adjust the tension with the taut line on the fly. I live in Louisiana and there have been some very strong winds blowing this thing around, but it's stood up just fine to all of it. I just check the lines when I am out doing yard work. I actually have to do some maintenance to the DX Commander this weekend, and I'll be glad when the thing comes down easy as it does. Honestly getting on the ground and loosening the wing nuts on the radial plate is the worst part of taking it down.

[@jollyfinequality9865]

Thank you. Great explanation. I will try this out on my dx commander classic

[@ErikNonIdle]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@TurboNorm]

Great detail.

[@MatthewAE4JC]

What cord do you use with your DX Commander?

[@ErikNonIdle]

I bought it a long time ago, but I believe it's 550 paracord I bought from ParacordPlanet. I set this antenna up years ago now and it's been through all season and some wild weather and hasn't had a problem yet. I barely ever even tighten the guy wires with these knots. Having said that, it's probably not a bad idea to change out the cord once in a while just to stay on top of potential weathering.