Installing DXE-TFK46-HD Fiberglass Telescoping Mast

[@kulanchandrasekaran4462]

Real world, real time, real practical demonstration. So many other talk and talk and show off videos on KZbin. Yours is refreshing because you showed every single step of the project in real time. Nice work.

[@kj7iaz]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@prephampaul]

I have the same mast and those anchors i guy with 8 precut guys, hook em in, get on the ladder and push each segment up until it's all tight. In an HOA so it only goes up a couple times a month for NVIS nets! Great video!

[@kj7iaz]

Thanks. I'm very glad I got it. Works perfect for my setup. And it's easy enough to experiment

[@RobertMacCready]

Kept waiting to see the camera shot of the mast fully extended.

[@kj7iaz]

Haha. Amature cameraman

[@udx-483muddbucket5]

I'm sure you already knew or know, if you don't need the entire height you can partially extend the sections rather than full deployment and make you sections more rigid and stronger. That's what I do with mine. Just a little info for everyone. Great video. ✌✌

[@kj7iaz]

Yeah it works very well that way.

[@JayN4GO]

I put one up 33 ft on a 15ft deck. I used ratchet straps around the corner post. It’s lasted 120mph wind gust in 4 years. The only problem is the fiberglass weathers quickly and will set your hands on fire. Spray with flex seal liquid or clear coat every few years. I drilled a few holes the top and use eye bolts with 550 chord to raise and lower the antennas. Sure beats raising and lowering the mast. I have one corner of a delta loop on one side and a double bazooka on the other.

[@kj7iaz]

Nice. I actually have a pulley set aside to put on top.

[@JayN4GO]

@@kj7iaz nice

[@mikeoscarradio]

I have mine mounted on top of a bucket filled with concrete with a pvc pipe sleeved into the bottom piece. It's guyed in four places at four levels with a GP-9 antenna on top. This makes the total height from ground to tip about 65ft and I leave it up year round. It has survived 60mph wind gusts without issue.

[@kj7iaz]

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[@JayJay-kt8ll]

Question is how do you take it down or slide it down with heavy rotor & a small beam ?

[@djjamminm]

50-65-‘ is nice. Do you have a video like this of yours. I am thinking about getting one of these. Tired of using the top rail pieces

[@NathanVanGilder]

Ratchet straps would work well for securing the mast to the post as well. And far less of a hassle to remove if you ever need/want to take the mast down for whatever reason.

[@kj7iaz]

Absolutely. In fact I almost did that. But then I figured I'd have a perfect good set of ratchet straps in service. Lol. I thought about rubber straps too. If I decide to move it, a couple screws is no big deal.

[@trailbossx2]

That is an extremely cool install, for wire,,,,now i gotta get one,,,looks like fun puttin it up. And looks way solid,,,i got the wino 43 footer for sota, pota,,,but that dx looks great for permanent wire, at home, i thing theyre about 180 ish now,,,gotta get me one, after this cool vid,,,get even more wire up, out back,,,thanks for posting,,,just subbed,,,,de NV1H😎

[@kj7iaz]

Thanks. It works good. Lots of good ideas in the comments too.

[@andy2E0JIU]

I use a 40ft spiderbeam hd mast just cargo strapped to a post roughly same size as yours which is concreted into the ground n yes it whips about in the wind but only supports an efhw wire so fingers crossed it wont snap but its been up a year now with no guys

[@kj7iaz]

Nice. They sure do move alot with out guys. Lol

[@winstonchurchill6506]

give that man a cigar cheers from uk

[@kj7iaz]

Haha, yes I agree! Cigars all around. Cheers!

[@mikemcdonald5147]

wow that's big. You can't really appreciate the size until you see a person for scale next to it LOL. had no idea it was so big.

[@kj7iaz]

Haha, yes. Bigger than I was envisioning. But its awesome. Lol

[@hyperionsixzeroeight5064]

I wonder if you could sink the bottom section into the ground a few feet, then strap it to ,the post? This might allow you to extend the mast while standing on ground level?

[@kj7iaz]

Yes, that's the best, simplest idea ever. I might just do that in the spring. Ha. Thank for the idea. I'm laughing at how simple that would be. Haha.

[@davesachs6518]

Hi Jeremy - Thank you for the great video! I just subscribed to your channel. I just ordered this mast due to your video. I had a few quick questions for you: 1.) How did you attach your antenna to the actual mast? 2.) The antenna I will use is a ZS6BKW Dipole. Ideally I need to mount the top of the dipole at least 40’ high. I assume this mast will work good for that? It will be a permanent installation. 3.) I will add 4 guys at two different heights. Is your mast still working good for you? 4.) Lastly, I have read some reviews that have stated the pole tends to slide through the camlock clamps on the bottom two sections and people have added a hose clamp at these locations to support the camlock clamps. Have you had to do this? Thank you again! I am planning to watch all of your videos. Dave, AA9GF 3.)

[@kj7iaz]

Thanks for the comment . It's been great. 1 it depends on the antenna, I switch antennas alot so I use zipties, or electric tape. 2 it should work great for that. 3 yeah definitely need guys, 4 at 2 height should be good, since you are doing it more permanent, another set so 3 total (or more) would be better. 4 I have seen that. But minimally. I just tighten the cam Locks more and it's fine. You'll be able to tell if it slips, your guys will look loose. Then you can address it, if you don't mind the extra time and effort, the hose clamps are probably helpful.

[@Hank_W6IR]

Since this video is 6 months old you have some user data. How is it holding up in the wind? Any collapsing of the sections? What do you have on it?

[@kj7iaz]

I have not had any issues aside from tightening one of the lower sections a bit. I've had several wire antennas including the fan dipole and trapped from my videos. No issues with the mast, very positive towards it. Lots of wind and cold weather up here too. Nothing but good things to say.

[@Hank_W6IR]

Yes I have one. I had to put screw clamps on all the sections to keep it from collapsing in the wind. And even then it appears to have shrunk about a foot. I have a 2/440 antenna on top along with a small crossbar and inv vees for 80-30 hanging up there. As well as wire for an inv L for 160. If it shrinks any more between now and summer I will probably drill holes thru each section and use a bolt/cotter pin to keep it up in the air.

[@kj7iaz]

@@Hank_W6IR put a hose clamp inserted through rubber hose above the clamps. See the dx commander for reference. Probably better than holes, atleast worth a try.

[@Hank_W6IR]

@@kj7iaz that's what I've got already.

[@kj7iaz]

Weird I'd think that'd solve it. It's been rattling around in my brain as a backup plan incase of slippage.

[@mitstax]

A hose clamp would allow easy tightening around the support post and mast. Just put those over the support post first, slide the mast through the hose clamps and slide up.

[@kj7iaz]

I actually do that for my painters poles around the yard

[@mitstax]

@@kj7iaz gotcha. Would making the support wood taller help?

[@kj7iaz]

It has been fine. I've had it up for awhile. I think I was mostly just nervous haha, the guys help and I haven't had any issues.

[@mitstax]

I have a homemade mast. I use a 10' top rail from a chain link fence attached to a 10' fiberglass pole. Use with my triband antenna. I pounded a 7' t post about 4' into the ground with an old dish tripod. All slid over the t post and tightened up. It works well for our area.

[@kj7iaz]

Sounds solid. Its fun to see how everybody finds different solutions for similar problems.

[@djjamminm]

How is the mast holding up for you? Make a new video of the antennas on? I got this and like it a lot.

[@kj7iaz]

Its been goodm i haven't had a chance to make any new videos. Kids, work, life. Lol. I've been hoping to though I want to do an endfed half wave. Then put it up vertical. Might be a dx machine! Lol.

[@chhupparustom]

Nice indtructive video. What about running the actual antenna wires to the top?

[@kj7iaz]

I have a series on antennas. They hang from this, check them out.

[@TaxPhd100]

How did you solve the wobbling that you mention in the video? Guy wires? And if so, how many levels of guy wires? Is one enough?

[@kj7iaz]

I put 2 levels of guys, 3 around 6 total. . It helps a ton. It's probably a normal amount of wobble. I got the guy kit from dxengineering.com it had 4 ground screws and a giant roll of rope, worked great. I still get nervous and pull it down if there is a big storm or lots of wind. Although I've missed it alot and it's been perfectly fine.

[@TaxPhd100]

Thanks! FYI, I’m the new guy that was at the YRC meeting last Monday. I’ve got a lot to learn, and I’m enjoying your videos.@@kj7iaz

[@kj7iaz]

Oh fantastic! Email me at [e-mail] with you number and callsign I'll get you added to my contacts.

[@djjamminm]

I love this mast. How did you ground yours? From the antenna or mast?

[@kj7iaz]

I didn't ground the mast. Or the antenna, my equipment is grounded though.kind of. Lol. I operate portable frequently and don't ground those set ups, so figure why do it at home.

[@djjamminm]

Yes sir, I did get one. 😃

[@garyclark4930]

I ended up putting hose clamps on it. It started collapsing once I put a 2 meter 5 element antenna and rotter on it.

[@kj7iaz]

Good to know, did that help? I'm curious if it'll hold a hex beam, even lower if need be.

[@garyclark4930]

It stopped mine from collapsing. I don't know about a hexbeam. @@kj7iaz

[@richardsparks9904]

If you don’t use all sections, leave the smallest diameters collapsed.

[@kj7iaz]

I liked the idea of less weight in the air and more down low. Might be a fun experiment to compare both ways though.

[@ch716]

How is this mast holding up? I’m wondering if it’s suitable for permanent installation.

[@kj7iaz]

It's been great. The first month or so, I adjusted a few clamps otherwise it's been perfect. Rain wind snow.

[@ch716]

@@kj7iaz thanks! That’s great. Thanks for the video.

[@djjamminm]

How is it working?? I just ordered a mast! Do you have a video with you antenna on it?

[@kj7iaz]

Its still working great. Check out my antenna Playlist, they all went on there. I know it's been a few months,hopefully it's still helpful. Did you get one?

[@djjamminm]

DOES THIS WORK GOOD? I would like this one.

[@kj7iaz]

It's been working great for. Check out the other video to see how easy it is to build. 10/10 recommend

[@C_Law]

You got a ladder! 😂

[@kj7iaz]

I did, and I needed it

[@kjb_tennessee]

Thanks for the video. I work on a ship 30 days on/ 30 off and looking for a solution something I can lower when at work. This looks very rugged and able to raise lower every month. Price is $196.99 as of today 8 December 23.

[@kjb_tennessee]

Sorry that price is without the clamps or guy rings

[@kj7iaz]

The kit is convenient, but if I remember correctly the guy kit was separate from the pole and clamps. It would definitely work like you are thinking. Very easy up and down. I have another video on it too, watch that if you haven't yet. You'll see how easy this thing is. Also, read through the comments, lots of good ideas to mount it, etc.

[@kjb_tennessee]

Thanks, yes read them all!

[@rgt622]

SORRY TO BOTHER YOU LOOKS GOOD FOR WHERE I LIVE IN UK,CAN IT HOLD A ANTENNA ARE BEAM ON TOP

[@kj7iaz]

Maybe temporarily. Its not a substitute for a tower. But you could use the bigger section and not go as high and it would probably work.

[@jonathanleung2972]

How big is the shipping package? Is it just as long as the sections, or longer? I need to make sure of parcel receiving company will take this oversized shipment.

[@kj7iaz]

It came in two boxes, the sections are long and heavy, I'd call dxengineering to get specifics on it. The hardware comes in a reasonable package.

[@jonathanleung2972]

@@kj7iaz thank you!

[@lonewolfhamradio]

I subscribed because I’m curious of what you are going to put on that mast !

[@kj7iaz]

Thanks. I've put up several different wire antennas. Check out the antenna Playlist on my page. I'm pretty sure I can get a small beam or hex beam on it if it is guyed all the way or not all the way extended. It's definitely heavy duty. It turns into a workout tuning all the trapped dipole elements. Thanks for witching

[@harveyhollander7718]

Now that the Mast is up....what is the next step/next video?

[@kj7iaz]

Thanks for the comment, Check out my antenna series Playlist. I currently have a fan dipole up on it. An when time allows, ill be doing a trapped dipole build. Let me know what you think.

[@harveyhollander7718]

I either missed the details of the Dipole on top of the Mast or you did not record it....I could not find it in your playlist. I did notice several wires at the base of the mast at the beginning of the video however I would like to see the details of those wires/plans for those wires@@kj7iaz

[@harveyhollander7718]

Oh, and I think your videos are great and as a noobie I am still learning and hope to decide what radio, antenna and location I will choose to participate.@@kj7iaz

[@kj7iaz]

@harveyhollander7718 yeah I edited it out, for the sake of time and varieties of installations. My installation, I zip tied it to the top of the mast, then put a couple wraps of electrical tape to secure it. I use reusable zipties, the ones with a rubber edge on one side, they work great. Feel free to email me or find me on Facebook. I'd be happy to help you figure out your specific situation.

[@forgetyourlife]

Without a shim that metal strap is going to eat into the fiberglass over time.

[@kj7iaz]

Your right, i didn't think of that. Maybe ill slide something in between. Thanks :)

[@brownj2]

No antenna?

[@kj7iaz]

Check out my antenna series.

[@lawrence3242]

I don’t want to say anything derogatory. I hope your liability insurance is paid up.

[@kj7iaz]

Haha. Funny.

[@migueldominguez1931]

Price and link i want something like that 25 to 30 ft for my waveform 4×4 mimo panel antenna

[@kj7iaz]

I got this from dxengineering.com. they had some options, check them out.

[@migueldominguez1931]

OK thanks

[@Macro-photographer]

Out of personal experience NEVER trust bungee cords for securing something important, or tall, or heavy! Lol

[@kj7iaz]

Haha. Yes, but they can work temporarily.

[@ragheadand420roll]

Will there be a video when it falls Put a live cam on it pls 😂

[@kj7iaz]

Great idea. Lol. Remember the holiday hole from several years ago? I see potential. Lol

[@lawrence3242]

Don’t know the outer diameter of the bottom section but it might slip inside a pvc pipe that is in 5 ft. of concrete. Securing it to the wooden post is very amateurish construction.

[@kj7iaz]

Yeah, I suppose I'm a bit amature. I thought about doing just that, but already had the post. Although I keep thinking that I should do a few pvc holes around that yard that I could cap and use them for painter poles . They could be center or end supports for testing stuff or making orientation changes, etc. Wanna come over and dig the holes? Lol.

[@WillShattuck]

No need to be mean about the way someone chooses to do something. We all can only do what we can do. Sheesh. You did great man.

[@GoonyMclinux]

Most people only put antennas up semi permanently , if I popped cement in every time I built an antenna I would have a parking lot. 😂

[@sa4997er]

Thank you for sharing. VE3ITU.

[@kj7iaz]

My pleasure