Ham Radio Antenna Military Mast Tower, Setup & Review

[@robertjohnson2586]

I really like that! Thanks for sharing

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for the nice comment!

[@BackwoodsLaw]

We used those in the Army, you should have had 2 or 3 aluminum rings with 5 holes drilled in them. They look like a big washer and will fit just right in between the sections about 3 down from the top and then another 3-4 sections down towards the ground. Those are your guy anchors for the mast. The kits we used had the dacron rope in them with 5 stakes for each guy system. Hope that helps some.

[@Stuff_happens]

Backwoods Law those are camo poles though. Think you are talking about the OE-254?

[@1fishjunky]

I bought one of these off Ebay. I mainly use it when I go camping and put a 18 ft Antron 99 on it. It is super stable on the tripod. I also set it up in my back yard with a Maco Y quad and used it for a week before I got my tower set up. It worked good and was stable with the beam on it. It wasn't to windy though at the time.

[@richardowens9061]

I bought three sets of these with both aluminum and fiberglass sections. I use either fiberglass or aluminum sections depending on the type of antenna I'm supporting. If it's my coax fed five band fan dipole, I use the aluminum sections all the way up and if it's a ladder line fed wire antenna I use the fiberglass sections. And, I use the aluminum sections with the tripod piece because the fiberglass sections can't withstand the stress put on them when used for supporting the tripods. Otherwise, the sections are interchangeable. I really like these because they can support a decent amount of weight and when properly guyed they can withstand a lot of wind, like you might have near the ocean or in a large open field. But, they are HEAVY. Each set is about the size and weight of a set of golf clubs, or heavier. I've used all three of them together to support a 40m full wave loop antenna with no problems. You definitely want to use the guy rings as well as the tripods for heights over about 16 feet. You don't want something that heavy toppling over onto anyone or anything.

[@hamradiocq]

Interesting comment, thanks friend!

[@johnwest7993]

I used to have one. I liked it. Had to get rid of it when I moved and had no storage space.

[@VanishingNomad]

I have this same set up. I put the tripod up first, and use stakes and cargo tiedown straps to anchor it down. Then I put the mast up, and use the plates for the guy wires.

[@saxmusicmail]

Drill the tripod piece and base poles to accept hitch pins, the type with U-shaped retainer. That will keep them together when you slide the mast pieces up the center. Those pieces don't need the hitch pin as gravity will keep them together.

[@davidhart4789]

Get a package of the RV leveling blocks. Place them under the low legs to level your tripod.

[@hamradiocq]

Yep

[@francisboudreaux3880]

I like the idea too. I have two arrangements with fiberglass poles. I did placed 8" PVC for eye hook and pulley on top. Also used guys.

[@trailbossx2]

Ive got 2, of those setups,,,mine are fiberglass, and have a different base, not a tripod,,,and guying is EVERYTHING,,,,when done with guying, its ROCK SOLID,,,got them both at a hamfest,,,i think i paid about 125, for each kit,,,,and theyll NEVER wear out,,,,they are heavy too, but QUALITY,,,,,could easily use for a permanent setup, when guyed properly,,,,and you can add, extra components, at any time, to go way higher, too,,,,super cool vid,,,thanks for posting!!!,,,,just subbed,,,great channel,,,,,de NV1H😎

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah, just a huge pain to lug around and put up

[@trailbossx2]

@@hamradiocq it's all military surplus,,,,,they use us, sap grunts to lug it around, np,,,,LOL,,,😎

[@gene2200]

Be any good for terrain tv antennas! Guy in town has the small triangular type 40ft tall

[@briancombatengineer12b91]

Those weren't meant originally for use for a antenna. Those are camouflage netting push poles. They normally come with 2 or 3 sets of butterfly spreaders that are made of fiberglass to give the exterior of the net a smooth stretched out surface. I used them in the guard back in the 90s.

[@gregoryburbage7906]

perfect for a wire inverted v antenna or a light aluminum vertical, or possibly a screwdriver type vertical antenna....guyed properly, that thing could be a permenent fixture in my backyard. I like it alot

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for the comment.

[@idontgivearadsass]

I have 12 of the aluminum ribbed peices with guy wires on a tilt base when you tilt it up do the first 6 guy it then lower it put the other 6 and guy that it 45ft tower and when you tilt up all 12 it will bow alot but its fine is was about 180$

[@skiball2000]

Have you solved the problem of use on un-level ground? It’s a well known, and possibly scientific fact that perfect level ground is almost as elusive as unicorns.

[@kc3ppb]

Are you still using this mast? How did it hold up? Looks perfect for what I need.

[@hamradiocq]

I have it in storage, but I plan on using it in the next month or so as I moved to a bigger house with a big yard. That thing is massive and heavy. You'll need to guy wire it for success.

[@phatforrest]

Thanks for making me spend money! ;)

[@DaveJohnsonad5nm]

Money well spent my friend. I bought several 44' kits through DRMO at 29 Palms for next to nothing and donated them to a variety of emergency services groups across the country but kept 2 sets for myself.

[@phatforrest]

@@DaveJohnsonad5nm Absolutely! We've used mine for emcomm and personal use in the Maine woods. Great gear.

[@Bushy556]

Would you recommend the aluminum or the fiberglass mast kits?

[@hamradiocq]

Depends on your needs but this one is crazy heavy

[@skiball2000]

Aluminum is obviously the more durable choice. I purchased 36 aluminum sections a few years ago. Yes it was pricey but once once the you’ve made the original purchase, the payoff will last a lifetime.

[@vladimirjandetski8013]

Can it handle 10m yagi?

[@hamradiocq]

Yes, but it would need guy wires and stability.

[@1fishjunky]

I put a 2 Element Maco Y quad on mine and it did just fine. It was plenty stable. I had it up for a week with no Guy wires but it wasn't very windy.

[@raynestormwayne7849]

We got that it’s heavy dude!

[@hamradiocq]

It's really heavy

[@skiball2000]

When deciding between fiberglass or aluminum the aluminum poles are obviously the more durable choice. I purchased 36 aluminum sections a few years ago. Yes it was pricey but once once the you’ve made the original purchase, the payoff will last a lifetime.

[@mikemcdonald5147]

they also make those poles in fiberglass which is lighter weight and shouldn't effect the antenna any as they aren't metal.

[@davidwilliamson2115]

the second ring is a spreader ring

[@hamradiocq]

Ok, thanks.

[@normjacques6853]

I had the same thought: Base antenna 'tower!' Add a little (or a lot of) concrete, and...??? Have you set it up that way, or are you using it strictly as a 'vacation' tower? Also, where did you get it? Thanks! 73 KC1MGW

[@hamradiocq]

Bought online. Have it stored at moms house

[@davidwilliamson2115]

Try tuning the mast itself as an antenna

[@DaveJohnsonad5nm]

I have the 44' guy ropes but no tripod. The ground spikes are useless in our soft soil here so I use mobile home anchors. I replaced the plastic guy rings with steel guy rings. Place your anchors 25' from mast with 50' between anchors. You can walk it up one tube at a time letting the height rest against 2 of the guy ropes to full height and adjust your guys from bottom up. It's a one man set-up as long as you're not dealing with much wind. I'm near 60 and can have mine up in 15 to 20 minutes.

[@VanishingNomad]

Also, the poles are not for a tripod exactly. Theya re universal construction poles that the military uses for large tents, cammo netting support frames etc.. What you are calling the "base" goes on top, and the camo netting goes over that, so the pole does not rip it. Using it as a communications tripod is only one possible configuration for the poles.

[@hamradiocq]

VanishingNomad I need to mess with jt more no instructions

[@VanishingNomad]

I had friends in the military explain it to me. I guess the poles just come in the bag, and the military builds whatever they want with them. That's why you have two bases, when you only need one when using it as an antenna mast.

[@mikemcdonald5147]

actually that is the base its so it doesn't sink in the ground. There are things that look like big paddles we called spreaders that hold the camo.

[@kd5you1]

I'm sure you figured this out already lol but anything you add to the pole will increase the weight which will make it harder to lift.

[@hamradiocq]

Oh yah. This thing is a chore to put up.

[@kg4tri]

Get some 1 inch thick plywood about 1 foot square us the for leveling your slope wasn't that much a couple of pieces under 1 leg should help

[@buddyadelsberger5083]

shovel will level it, dig out the offending leg

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah, Buddy. I'll do that during a long term setup.

[@thatonegayfurry4177]

army: yea its portable you dont need a forklift to move it do ya XD

[@bigyellek]

Fiberglass would be much better.

[@hamradiocq]

Agreed this thing is too heavy.