How to look after your telescopic pole

Look after your SOTABeams, Spiderbeams or other generic fibreglass roach pole.
My pole suffered a mishap and I don't want yours to!
#SOTA #sotabeams #hamradio #amateurradio #carbonfiber #carbonfibre #carbon6

[@BobBroeking]

Agree... I have had a mishap with my fiberglass Spiderbeam pole when it fell leaning against a tree and a near miss with my carbon 6. Good advice once home to ensure it is dry before set aside. I have learned the slower and more methodically I go during set up and tear down the less chance I have of damaging the masts I am using. :-) Bob

[@theradiorover]

Hi Bob, We do give our kit some abuse and accidents do happen. The Spiderbeams stuff and Sotabeams stuff is well made though. 73, Fraser MM0EFI

[@M0RSF]

Good point made in this video. I like your idea of using a section of plumbers pipe wedged in some rocks to protect the pole too. All the best. 73 Chris M0RSF

[@theradiorover]

Cheers Chris. All the Best!

[@willian.direction6740]

My carbon 6 got so stuck one time in a section near the top i resorted to tapping it with a block of wood to free it up. Like you say no amount of twisting it would free it. My very thin top section is glued inside the section below helps stiffen it even more. To dry all my poles out I extend them fully and lay them out in the sun all day that seems to evaporate any moisture but I live where it never snows so easy to do. Good advice Fraser. vk5cz ..

[@theradiorover]

Ah, sun. I remember that thing. Haven't seen it for a while though! All the Best for Christmas and the New Year Ian. 73, Fraser MM0EFI

[@KL3NCH]

Excellent advice. Somewhere I read or heard that it's a good idea to wash and dry a new pole's sections before first use. I didn't and some grit / FOD (no doubt from the manufacturing process) made some unwelcome spiral marks. Another neat little video Fraser.

[@theradiorover]

I've never read that. Makes sense though. Cheers, Fraser MM0EFI

[@brianfields4479]

Nice one Fraser. I normally stick the wife's hair dryer on it. Now my next tip is not for everyone, but it's similar to the jelly fish sting on your foot situation. But , yes always look after the poles. Go well my friend.

[@theradiorover]

Funny you should mention that Brian, I did contemplate that approach. However, -15°C windchill put me off the idea. 🤣 Cheers, Fraser MM0EFI

[@kennethblackwell1137]

Nice video,,,,,thanks.....I enjoyed it.

[@theradiorover]

Thanks! Hope you found it useful. Fraser MM0EFI

[@PortableRadio]

Yes, drying the pole after a wet activation prolongs it's lifespan, not only in icy weather. I also like to take the Carbon 6 for longer hikes. To minimize detuning, don't run the antenna wire too close and in parallel to the pole. 73 Stephan 73 Stephan

[@theradiorover]

Stephan, I think I will experiment with verticals and the carbon pole. I'd like to run my 10 m and 20 m verticals from it. 73, Fraser MM0EFI

[@PortableRadio]

@@theradiorover go for it Fraser, experiments are always fun! 73 Stephan

[@JohnTarbox]

Sometimes it really pays to deal with reputable merchants, which turns out to be much cheaper in the long run. FWIW, you look like a teenager (a good thing) in that bunnet.

[@theradiorover]

It must be the youtube filters! 53 in March. Ah well, at least I still have my hair. All the Best for the Season John! 73, Fraser MM0EFI

[@IrishHamRadio]

I do that all the time.... Eh.... Not! 😁 Think I better though in fairness, and as you say... At least SOTABeams have spare sections for sale.

[@theradiorover]

It is a pain, but I promise to do it every time it gets wet. 🤞