SOTABEAMS 33' Compact Antenna Travel Mast 10m Look & Feel

[@va2dv1]

Exactly the review I needed, ordered one 2 days ago and I was wondering how stiff it was. Looking forward to use it with my HyEndFed

[@hamradiocq]

Ha, Yeah, I got mine in 2 days from the UK to Missouri! I love it.

[@vironpayne3405]

The windiest day without dry leaves blowing, trees moving, with minimum wind noise.

[@W7LDT]

Been using that Sotabeams mast for about 3 years, Love it. Ive never, ever taped it and its never, ever collapsed. The MFJ collapsed twice during Field Day while taped. My concern about taping the good was is concern that glue goo may make it hard to put up and down.

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for the tip Larry

[@johnlagreca6288]

My neighbors KNOW I'm crazy. My 33' MFJ was up 48 weeks a year for 3.5 years with a wire vertical using 10 12' ground radials. I think the UV finally got it. Had to tape the joints for sure. Ran 0.5 to 1KW through it with a remote controlled trans-match at the base. Tons of contacts 80-10, 40 was best with 30/20 next best. Got to love vertical elevation take-off angle. NZ, Tasmania and South Africa were my best from US Northeast. I like the tire idea, I did a remote vehicle mount using the 2" receiver hitch with the MFJ pole.

[@KX4UL]

I have had my eye on this mast and drive on support for awhile. This would be perfect for my needs. I have to have one for sure now. Thanks for the demo!

[@hamradiocq]

In a couple days I'll be posting a video of me uaing it

[@hamradiocq]

I like the setup

[@TechGearJunkie]

I was putting up my wire antenna the other day and my neighbor asked if I was "taking pictures". Gotta love neighbors.

[@hamradiocq]

I was asked in a park once if I was flying a kite while putting up an antenna. I said yes.

[@markvolstad9380]

The key to using a lightweight mast is to use an equally lightweight antenna! Most commercial antennas (SotaBeams being a notable exception) are simply too heavy. I use a homebuilt 66 ft doublet that weighs only 10 ounces, including 43 feet of open wire feedline. I built it using 24 AWG wire and run 100 watts without any issues. (See my article in June 2023 QST for details.) Unless it's exceptionally windy, I don't bother guying the mast.

[@alzeNL]

Nice - i have this mast but havent extended it in the field, so this is a very useful video for me to watch before going out and trying it in the field.

[@MrMesospheric]

Also exactly the review I needed. Thanks for at least a reasonable amount of windy day in the review, too - we don't all live in flat-calm deserts! Now, Iceland again...

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for the comment I really appreciate it.

[@n1rbd]

They include a foam buffer in the bottom of the Tactical Mini (I have both). No clue why they didn't include it with the Compact Travel.

[@hamradiocq]

Yup

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Glad you got that tire mount to put the mast in. I never considered in getting a high mast like this, but i might, now that I have seen your video. Hope to see a video with it in use. Thanks!

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for thr comment if the weather permits I will use it this weekend ans make a video

[@davidsradioroom9678]

@@hamradiocq Great! I look forward to it. 👍

[@hgjobe]

Do you have a link for the tire mount?

[@MyTube4Utoo]

I think I'd definitely consider that before the MFJ at $179, or whatever it is.

[@hamradiocq]

Yup I like it.

[@KentWilliams]

How do you hook antenna up to mast?

[@hamradiocq]

For now just tape. Need to attach a carabiner to it or something.

[@javierpolendok5mhc]

On the description doesn’t say where you can purchase it but great video and I want one. I tried looking at DX engineering but no luck for the 33’. 73 de KI5GLT

[@vladimirv1763]

Bought also one this Summer, imho it's not really usable - not really stiff enough for a sloper, already 10m endfed bends the mast very strong. Also not long enough for a 20m vertical, maybe only if you take 5/8 wavelength. Possibly ok as a GP, didn't tried it out yet.

[@hamradiocq]

I hear you Vladimir

[@sphexes]

What do you use to attach the actual antenna to the top? Zip tie! Plastic doohickey? Some other widget?

[@hamradiocq]

Electrical tape, easy on and off

[@davidwilliamson2115]

you could tune the mast itself, it should work. that is why you need the bag to keep the cdirt and grime out

[@DonDegidio]

Happy Thanksgiving Tom to you and the family. I have two 12m Spiderpoles outside for almost two years with no guys that have withstood 70 mph gusts and icing. The lower section is attached to 4x4 posts for our shadow box fencing out back. I believe they are much heavier and longer than to SOTABeams poles, but don't do any hiking, so weight not a problem. 73 WB3BJU

[@hamradiocq]

Great comment thanks so much. Happy Thanksgiving. I'll give this a try and see how I like it.

[@edbeckerich3737]

Did you ever use that pole to support an antenna?

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah I have videos of it in my channel.

[@jeffdyer2109]

I have the 40 foot spiderbeam. It works well. I think mine is longer when it's retracted. Not by much though. I hope it serves you well.

[@hamradiocq]

40 feet sounds like a monster. I'm hoping this never falls over.

[@rogerlafrance6355]

Best to do it on a flat surface

[@hamradiocq]

Yep.

[@Aussat]

Good one Tom, I have the 12 meter version and use it every time I'm portable, have a piece of foam in the bottom. Great poles! You will find it great I'm sure. I have used it in some high winds and have never taped it and all is well however I see the reason you do this. 73 ZL1MY

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for the advice Kiwi! Love it.

[@hcy0]

Very cool, I always planned to buy such mast, not yet shure if I should take this one or a bigger (13 m). It's also very helpful for Geocaching.

[@4428314]

Another informative video! Thanks for your time. I am getting one, I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving. KG5OBD

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah so far i love it. Compact and bettef than the mfj. Good luck

[@garylanders1470]

Must suck going through life scared of your own shadow. Grow some balls man!