The Fastest and Easiest Way to Deploy a Fiberglass Mast

[@Bartowham1]

Awesome. Brilliant. Sheer genius. Thank you. I have recently moved and operating from the house is a no-go. So my renewed interest in operating remotely was tempered by the need for vertical support. This is THE answer.

[@user-mt2qn4yp8w]

This has to be one of the best ideas I have seen so far you put up a dipole antenna anywhere even a temporary one for your home I have mine in the tree and it was a son of a gun to get it wrapped around the branches and only have it maybe about 25 to 30 ft. So now I found a better way to get my antenna up to at least 50 feet. I would like to thank you very much for sharing this video. I like the idea of the gentleman saying about strapping down the bottom of the tube so it won't kick out. We'll have to play around with the bottom so doesn't kick out I live in a very windy area in need to definitely have to figure out a way for get some kick out. Maybe if I make a small base at the bottom to put the PVC pipe on an anchor the base to the ground also. That should help it from kicking out. Thank you again for the great video.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome!

[@algross3338]

This is far and away the best ham radio channel on KZbin. I’m an over the road truck driver, so all my HF work is outdoors. I was about to sell my fiberglass pole. This video proves I can still use my 20 meter dipole This is genius. Thanks WBØAL.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you very much for the kind words! Have fun with that 20 meter dipole. 73 from VE3TWM.

[@mikes6844]

Life took over my hobby for a few years, grandchildren and time stealers, lockdown in the UK gave me a respite to revisit an old friend that first introduced me to taking my hobby outdoors. You. Well your channel has grown since the very first vids out in the cold on the edge of a lake, have HyEnd also that you introduced me to. So a big thank you. Today I found some plastic pipe and with four cargo straps I made one of these supports. Our first venture out with my KX3 can’t be far away, pandemic willing. Thank you 🇨🇦👍🏻 73 de M0AZE MIke

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Hi Mike, glad to hear you are on the verge of getting out there! Yes, the channel has grown since those days...and I owe it all to people like you. Stay in touch. 73 from VE3TWM 🇬🇧🍻

[@QRPSchool]

Looks like a wonderful solution. Thanks for taking the time to show this! -Cliff (N4CCB)

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome, Cliff. Congratulations on hitting 10,000 subscribers, well deserved!

[@BastHoen]

Great video! I have used these poles for many years, but never saw one deployed like this. Thanks for sharing. 73 Bas PA5BAS

[@reallybadaim118]

Good pole. Your voice sounds like an actors who I can remember their name. Thanks for sharing. Great pole to make a loop with.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for your comment!

[@sidmi5utc980]

This is great Tracy and thanks for taking the time to do this. I am going to get the parts to do the same. I think i will use a little piece of aquarium tubing and put the hose clamp through it just to take the "sharp" edge away from the clamp and the strap. I did similar with my mast for permanent home use to avoid the sections slipping.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Sounds like a good plan.

[@kingttx]

Brilliant. There are only two things I'd add to this. One is some protection, perhaps a bit of bicycle innertube, around the mast where it meets the top of the PVC so there isn't such a sharp edge grinding on the mast. The second might be attaching one of those stakes at the bottom of the PVC pipe so a strong wind won't cause it to rotate over. This is excellent.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for your suggestion!

[@brucecairnie3975]

I came back to find this video. With my 30odd foot MFJ mast I will be up and running in the park in no time. Thanks, Tracy!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome! Enjoy yourself, Bruce.

[@Philip-KA4KOE]

Tracy....I tried using an old Bogen Manfrotto tripod for a 32 footer. I bungee corded the top of the tripod to the mast. I then screwed in a dog leash anchor and bungeed the bottom of the mast to the anchor to keep the end from kicking out. It worked! I had it up for 7 hours. Now, I wouldn't trust this arrangement on a blustery day but it was good enough for my activation at K-2175 last Saturday. I hung an N9SAB EFRW from the top. This new antenna has effectively doubled my contact counts.

[@hamradiotube]

Now that’s how you get a dipole up in the air! You aren’t messing around Tracey.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Go big or go home, Mike :)

[@JackJ5225]

I've always thrown a wire in a tree, but you've convinced me that there may be a better and faster way! Excellent video and many thanks for sharing your expertise for this simple, elegant solution! Jack KB4CG

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Jack!

[@theoldhobbit3640]

This is exactly the same system I use. So quick and easy to put up and the pole is very stable when I attach my homebrew 10, 20 & 40 clipped dipole up in an inverted V configuration. The only differences I have are that I have cut the bottom in such a way that I have 4 little spikes to stop the tube pushing out from the bottom, and I use tent guy lines instead of ratchet straps. Real easy system and would recommend it to anyone wanting to use a pole setup.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@Bridgestreetnursery]

I use a 20 foot Black Widow crappie pole for my mast. I've been looking for a good way to put it up in the field. Thanks for solving my problem.

[@winstonsmiths2449]

Love this method. I use PVC pipes for desert use with a DIY tarp shelter. I use 10" galvanized nails as tent pegs to penetrate the hard desert dirt. I also sometime use a 10" nail to set my PVC pipe used as a center support over the nail so it does not slip. Drive a NAIL straight into the ground and set the pipe over it. I also use trucker's hitches and/or Eskimo bowline knot to provide adjustable strap length. I am cargo-strap ratchet challenged and NEVER can get them to work as advertised LOL. In soft ground, I used cut to length metal fence wire support poles. The green flat type. Cut a sharp angle at one end and can drive it deeper into the ground which provides additional resistance from being pulled up and also to resistance to being pulled toward the pole by strap/rope tension.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Great tips, thank you!

[@nvrumi]

I'm so happy this video came up on my feed! I've been thinking about deploying a tall, telescoping mast in the field as an alternative or replacement for my base-loaded vertical. I'd like the option of running either a fan dipole or an off-center fed dipole at least some of the time. This installation method will work for that and the additional equipment needed is negligible. Thank you so much for posting this. 73 de AG7TX

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome, and thank you for leaving your comment

[@mumi009]

I also got this idea from Ron. This system is great for uneven ground. I use this setup all the time. I use paracord or 7mm nylon cordage and 30cm rebar as pegs. The 70cm diameter pvc pipe is about 1 meter long. My 12 meter and 15 meter telescope poles stand great, even in very high winds. I even use this setup for my 8 meter squid poles, using smaller diameter pvc pipe. Not all ground is as soft as where you are in this vid. I have to use a short handle hammer to get my pegs into the rocky ground. Not 5 minutes, but still fast. Life is too short to "just throw a wire up into a tree." And the corollary: Getting it back down after the tree branches snare it.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@gregfuller9586]

As soon as I saw this, I thought this is what I have been looking for. Going to do some POTA activations with my kids and local Scouts. I bought two flat PVC caps, glued the bottom to create a carrier - put spider beam pole and stakes and two straps in it, then use the other two straps for shoulder carrying. Great video Tracy! 73, W1TEN

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Greg! Great idea for the carrier. Good luck with POTA and the kids. 73 from VE3TWM.

[@mumi009]

I also got the idea from Ron. I do it even quicker. For not too strong weather conditooions I put the hose clamp directly on my 12m Spiderbeam pole, made some loops with paracord and put them on the hose clamp. I then use some paracord and good, light weight tent stakes. I have used the PVC tube, but for the 12m Spiderbeam I found it not necessary. I did take an end cap for PVC tube, put a long nail in it and set the Spiderbeam pole in in to keep it from sliding off to the side. I also found this useful with the PVC tube. I also sometimes just lean the extended pole against a tree. This method is useful in my vacation qth which is on very rocky ground, and it is very difficult to hammer stakes into the ground. 73! David SV0SGS

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for sharing your experience, David! I must admit I am reluctant to fasten the hose clamps to my poles due to fear of damaging the pole. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.

[@mumi009]

Outdoors On The Air i haven't seen any damage to my spiderbeam pole. been doing it for a year now. cut a piece of innertube to put between hose clamp and pole. that is what spiderbeam basically sells for its 18m and taller poles. vy 73! david sv0sgs

[@berjo77]

Nice! I’ve been running over and over this in my mind and now buying parts. I’m repurposing a 30’ smoke detector pole, without the attachments for detector tests. It’s a stout fiberglass, bit heavier than the pole you’ve erected, but think it’s fine. I’ll add to my base a foot or so to be sure. Great video, appreciate your work!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, John! Have fun with that project.

[@MrTommy001]

I just got a 31' telescoping antenna pole (actually a Jackite kite pole) and a 10-meter Endfedz antenna I intend to put up next to my house. You just showed me how to secure the bottom end to the ground. Thank you!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome!

[@rogerparrett3242]

Wow! Just wow, Tracy! I've got 40 foot spiderbeam that takes me a good 20-30 minutes to measure out, stake, and deploy. Not to mention I can use an extra pair of hands in the process, and also not to mention the area I need for guy lines. I'm going to Home Depot this morning to get some straps and PVC and try this out today. 73... Roger / NQ8RP

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Have fun with that, Roger! 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.

[@timg5tm941]

I cannot believe I haven't seen this video before. Awesome solution Tracey 73!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you and 73, Tim!

[@RSwrightMD]

Tracy - nice pictorial. Looks like a great method!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Scott!

[@normnpat]

Thanks for this video. I purchased a 33' fiberglass pole from MFJ sbout a year ago and have not deployed it yet to date. I have mobility issues and this is definitely an answer to how to use the pole. 73 Norm, KD9HAV

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome! I hope you can get out soon with your new pole. 73 from VE3TWM.

[@steveverhoef5667]

Since getting on HF all I have used is various ground mounted antenna with loaded coils. Your finished before I have untangled my 4 radials, I actually timed it.

[@jean-noelschwentzel1989]

Very great job. You have a perfect response to erected my 12m Spiderbeam fiberglass poles for futures Sota operations with Delta Loop antenna. Thank you so much. Jean-Noël - F4GDZ

[@mikereaves6911]

Great idea! I'll be building one. Believe I'll put a removable end cap with a spike to insure the lower end doesn't slip sideways. Thanks for sharing.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for your comment and have fun out there!

[@gravestonemyth]

Love it. Another KZbinr turned me on to the Bosch surveyor's tripod, which also does a great job.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Interesting, thank you for the heads up. I must admit I fiddled with similar tripods several years ago and was never comfortable with the stability I was ability to achieve. This mount has worked much better for me.

[@neilpoff8578]

I'm a newbie and this looks like a great way for me to get started. Thank you so much.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome!

[@andykeddie7602]

What a great idea Tracey, guess I wont need to bring the garden fork along on expeds any more! As a previous commenter wrote, I'd be inclined to peg the base of the pipe too, to prevent it sliding sideways. All the best, M0KED.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

It's an interesting point.

[@MarkWarrick]

Brilliant!! Saves me a couple hundred bucks and it’s easier than a ground screw.

[@kszx11]

Oh my word that is cool! I will definitely be trying that! Wow! Thank you!!! What size tube should I use and what size and length of cargo straps do you recommend?

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Go for a tube that is 75-80% as tall as the bottom section of the mast. The straps should be at about a 45 degree angle when the unit is deployed, so make sure they are long enough to do that. Get ones that are a bit longer and you can use the ratchet to adjust to the ideal length.

[@gregmalonewa3gm680]

How long and what width are the straps

[@radioaxe6964]

Absolutely love it! I am a big fan of field portable vertical work and will definitely give this a run. I will try some aquarium tube (or similar) around the hose clamp to protect the straps a bit. Thanks Tracy for sharing.

[@sidmi5utc980]

Good idea Radio Axe, I've just read your comment after i posted similar.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

That seems like a good idea to me!

[@kszx11]

I would use 4 zip ties to create 4 individual loops around the pipe clamps. Then you can use carabiners to attach or remove the straps anytime.

[@radioaxe6964]

@@kszx11 another good idea!

[@kszx11]

This mount idea is really what I’ve been looking for. This will be made by the end of the week for sure. Just in time for summer fun.

[@sharonjuniorchess]

Just bought a 6m fibreglass fishing pole at a rally and am now thinking about how I am going to support it. I love the simplicity of this arrangement.

[@zeebraeend]

Excellent idea, although I am a bit worried about being stable. Do you not think one more of the tentpegs hoseclamped to the underside of the pvc pipe would keep it from "getting swiped off it's feel" even better? Kind regards, Xander.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Interesting thought, Xander. When the four straps are set up, they exert enough downward pressure that an anchor is not really necessary. But I am a fan of sensible over-engineering so why not?

[@PsychoSmart]

I had that thought as well. Maybe 4 pegs around the bottom, or just attach a pvc test plug with a long piece of all thread or a clean out screw and just run a long spike through that.

[@WI9LL]

Instead of that, just cut the PVC at a 45 degree angle and use a couple mallet taps to set it in the ground. Alternatively if you have to mount it on something hard, you could flip the PVC over and have the angled portion pointing up. One less peg to carry.

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

Small piece of rebar driven into the ground ?

[@mikestone9129]

Great idea, just got my Spiderbeam 12m mast and it's awesome. Very strong all the way to the top. And your pvc pipe method works perfectly and quick.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Nice! Be sure to check out my version 2 video.

[@uwegewinner6343]

Hello Tracy Thanks for the viedo. It has inspired me to adopt your attachment style. However, I use slightly stronger tent pegs, I have made these from angle iron 20 x 20 mm. But the execution with you, with the PVC pipe is great. Thanks and 73 de DG1RUG

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Great tip! Thank you and 73 from VE3TWM.

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

I can see another taller one for the Ballun box on my HyEndFed ! 👍 What do you think Tracy ?

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Height is might!

[@K3RRR]

Great video, Tracy… I've been using a four dollar Home Depot metal fence post to support my 33 foot fiberglass pole. It works well but often requires a 3 pound sledge to sink the fence post deep enough. I like your approach a lot better. This is so good, I'm also going to spread the word on your video on Twitter and Facebook. 73 de Robert K3RRR

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Robert! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@N1IA-4]

Ingenious! I wonder if this is something I could utilize in my back yard. I just now am looking for a way t o put up a 22 ft fiberglass pole for my doublet. It would sure save drilling into my lanai. hihi.

[@bradleyjohnson452]

I like it. I have one similar to that but it uses a reversible base with a short spike to prevent the base from wandering. Great video as always

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for your comment!

[@DrHWO]

Excellent video, Tracy. Thank you. I used heat shrink tubing on the hose clamp and a few turns of self amalgamating tape beneath the attachment point for the hose clamp to prevent downward slippage. 4mm paracord was sufficient to hold everything taut. 12m Spiderbeam is my mast of choice, although I did wimp out and use the webbing guy belt which attaches at 7m. This provides 4 additional anchor points which are easy to deploy as the mast is already vertical. All told, the additional guying added a mere 5 minutes to the whole process, making less than 10 minutes in all and dramatically adding to stability and my confidence. I was able to source an end cap for the outer pipe which reduces the risk of the bottom sinking into soft soil. For the totally bananas, sand off the cut edges of the outer pipe to avoid injury. 73. 2E0HWO

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Great tips, thank you for sharing! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@davidniemi4051]

Great video. You've given me some additional options on setting up my DX Commander antenna when portable. Thanks de VA3NIE

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@sanebedlam]

I honestly thing most people complain that they take too long as they want to validate their choice not to purchase one. I have used buddipole stuff but have swapped to a speaker wire dipole which I plan to convert to a linked dipole which I string up either in a tree or now that I got one to mess with a a 24' telescopic fishing rod. Weight is my big concern doing SOTA so I'm always looking to shave ounces as long as I can do so without loosing functionality.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@ntc490]

I've been surprised how well a speaker wire dipole works, too.

[@trustin.p9504]

Very nice. This will be a great setup for a portable shortwave wire antenna mast. Cheers👍

[@o2bnov0307]

Bravo! Thank you for sharing this with everyone!!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome!

[@SomeRandomPerson163]

Thanx for the video! That gave me an nice idea how to make it even simplier, want to test it

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Please share your results!

[@johnbauman4005]

And...?

[@rossen_nikov]

Hello, and thank you for the video you shared. I would kindly add some small addition to your setup. If you use another 4 ropes of any kind and tightened them around the bottom of the PVC pipe you will get rid of eventual slip of the unsupported bottom part in case of rapid wind blow. Regards, Rossen LZ5RG 73

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for your suggestion. Your modification makes sense to me. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.

[@Brighamdoc]

HOW have I not seen this before! I love it. Thanks Tracy for your time and great advice. Where do you get a 50 foot push up pole now days?

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You can order direct from DX-Wire in Germany or Spiderbeam sells one. Good luck!

[@Brummiejohn200]

Great idea I'm going to get me some pipe and make one for my fishing pole I use for my radio antenna the simple ideas are the best, atb John.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Have fun with it, John!

[@gregmalonewa3gm680]

Great idea Terry. Looks easy

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Sure is!

[@briantwaster5084]

Really cool idea! I am going to put one together. I appreciate you putting this video together!

[@cwqrpportable]

Thanks for the time and work required on your part to share this with us Tracy. What a fantastic, simple solution. 73 de Brent

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome, Brent!

[@rcbrush99]

Great idea. That looks so efficient.

[@KevinW8BRY]

Brilliant! Thanks for the video Tracy. Will be making this this week for my Sotabeams antenna I just got. Kevin

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Enjoy it, Kevin! Be sure to check out my new video on version 2 of this.

[@blomidon]

I Missed this video the first time round. Just came across it on PE1OUW's QRZ page. Just what I need when I don't have a deck, my car's bike rack or even an upturned picnic table to help hold up my Spiderbeam pole. Off to Canadian Tire now to get some cargo straps! TNX. VO1OK

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Upturned picnic table 😂 Thank you for your comment, Michael!

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

Best I've seen yet ! KUDOS 👍

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you!

[@W6OWH]

Ignore my comments just made by me on the other video about the support... you just solved my issue... Off to Lowe's ... will use nylon cord and line adjusters at the base ... good job pointing out the issue of soft camping pegs... they bend... good ones are stiff... off I go and Thanks 73 N6BOB

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Get out there and enjoy the hobby! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@dennisjoiner3717]

Awesome idea! I'm going to send this video to my son (N9LUC) because he'll love it too. He's getting into POTA. Thanks for sharing. N9XFX

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you!

[@theoview]

Great idea Tracy ! A 33 foot is equal 10 meters . Used the EFHW configuration is the 20 and 10 m Han band. Right Tracy ?

[@mattghoward]

Thanks - a great video and has given me some great ideas.

[@KD9ZHF]

2.2k likes. you're a star now. 🙂 great video.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

😂 thank you!

[@DavidBrown-ph2bm]

That’s an awesome idea thanks for sharing it.

[@adrian_sp6def]

Definitely I need try this. This is brilliant!

[@livesciencetutors2459]

Fantastic! Just bought an RV...so looking forward to trying this out at a campsite. Norm, VE7APF

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for your comment, Norm! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@paulblachowski753]

like the video . I cut the hook off on one side of the straps so I have a single strap . It looks much nicer. Also I took a cap , cut off the bolt head , put a point on it & used the threads for the cap. I did not glue the cap on so I could take it off if needed. Still used hose clamp but put it thrue loop of strap after cutting hooks off.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for sharing your mods!

[@herrwabbaloo937]

Excellent idea and demonstration. Subscribed!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you!

[@mw0lge]

great solution, but I would want something at the bottom of the PVC to peg it, to stop the bottom kicking out

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

The biggest problem I have faced is with support pegs getting pulled out of the ground. I think I've got that issue licked and will post another video later this year to address the matter.

[@mw0lge]

I use small ratchet straps on a canvas tent, the 'pegs' are road 'fencing' pins, made from rebar. Do a google search for 'road fence pins'. I cut them to a foot or so, they never move. May be a bit overkill, but better safe than sorry :) atb, 73 Richie.

[@thormusique]

Thanks for sharing this, I'm really blown away by how easy that is to set up! A question: I'm assuming you can probably just pre-attach the hose clamp and tie down straps to the PVC pipe, so you're just carrying that as a unit, correct?

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Absolutely correct.

[@thormusique]

@@OutdoorsOnTheAir Great, thanks!

[@craiger953]

Love the idea. I was going to use a 5 foot fence pole and strap my telescoping flagpole to it. This looks even easier. And I already have tent stakes.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Good luck and have fun!

[@cainlee5711]

the top of it is 5/16". how would it fit on an antenna like a protron 99 where the base of the antennas is 1.25"?

[@airliner1980haj]

Brilliant idea. Will have to try it out

[@DD0ULQTC]

A wonderful setup. I want to understand the physics behind that.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

It doesn't look right, but it works (most of the time).

[@reynradio]

Great video and well demonstrated. Best regards👍🏻

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you! 👍

[@TI3IES]

Great solution!

[@MegaCadr]

What kind of pvc pipe? (Wall thickness or schedule or whatever) Thanks for sharing this!

[@W9HJBill]

I was hoping he would answer this question, but alas no. I went back through the video and paused both videos to look for markings. I saw "ecomar PVC-U DN75". The DN75 means it is 75mm in diameter (2.95" or close enough to 3" in the US) Nominal Diameter. The PVC-U is a different material than standard PVC ... it is Unplasticized, which means it is more ridged, doesn't flex, and is a little bit more durable. As far as wall thickness, I have yet to determine that, but just by looking at stills, I would venture a guess that it would be the equivalent to Schedule 80, as it appears pretty thick. Finding 3" Schedule 80 pipe in the US isn't as easy as running down the the big box stores. They usually carry only Schedule 40 pipe and at best 1-2" Schedule 80. Ordering from a manufacturer is cost prohibitive at about $60 for 10 feet (usually the minimum) and another $60-70 in shipping.

[@MegaCadr]

@@W9HJBill great research! Thanks!

[@santossalinas7209]

@@W9HJBill It looks like 3" electrical conduit. It is not your standard PVC pipe. You won't find that size at your big box store but, at an electrical supply company should carry it.

[@jean-francoisgrun7524]

This is perhaps the best idea since hot water! You can even use dog ground « screws » from the dollar store for more stability. I will definitely try this. Again, thanks for sharing and have a great day! 73 de VE2VHE

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Hi Jean-Francois, thank you for the dog ground screws idea! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@dangermandave67]

That looks great for POTA. The summits I activate for SOTA in the western US are too rocky for me to get stakes in the ground. I use a ring that fits around the telescopic pole that has holes for tying guy ropes. I tie the guy ropes around rocks and stack rocks around the base of the mast. Doesn't take long. Works well. 73 de K7DMJ

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for sharing your experience! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@Redhawk03a]

Killer idea! Thanks. Dumb question: how would you recommend affixing a VHF antenna (like a comet or DBJ-1) to such a telescopic?

[@zagainnature]

Thanks for sharing this awesome idea!! 73

[@LY-cy3cy]

Thanks for sharing this tip, was looking for a solution, I got it now. 👍✌

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome, hope you get to go out and try it soon.

[@paulhastings3109]

Looks do able and a wonderful idea. Will get me outside and on the air portable. What's your favorite antenna 73 KQ4CD

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Hi Paul, I hope you do get out and try portable ops! If I had to choose just one antenna and had the room to put it up, I'd go with the HyEndFed Field Day. If I could only put one up for 40, I use the HyEndFed 4 band mini. 73 from VE3TWM.

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

Hi Tracy, great vid,...always a simple solution somewhere, brilliant. Im still using the HiEndFed 3 Band Antenna as well, nice bit of kit, used in a sloper config.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you! Glad to hear (but not surprised) the HyEndFed is working for you.

[@granitebuilt5836]

Great video. Great idea. I'm in the process of getting a 12m spider pole and this gives good flexibility of where the pole can be set up if there are no other objects to anchor to and space is limited that would prohibit long guy lines. This makes a very small and reasonable footprint. Would you recommend a longer stake than 7" or would that be adequate for this setup provided the soil is nice and firm? Thanks.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for your comment! Longer is usually better, but I've had more practical experience since recording this video and have changed my thinking on the stakes. Due to multiple instances of having the poles come down where I have deployed on rain-soaked soil, I have started using screw-in ground anchor pegs. I'll be showing these off in a future video.

[@YU5KBM]

Have you ever tried placing a wire through the pole itself I have 5 m long fishing rod that I would like to use as a permanent antenna so have you ever tried like treading The Wire through the rod itself and how it affects the antenna. Great videos thanks for the videos and best 73s de YU5KBM

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Hi Branko, to answer your question I have never run the wire inside the pole. In my estimation it's more work for negligible gain. There would be no practical difference in performance regardless of whether the wire is inside or outside the pole. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.

[@fernandoares9032]

Great idea. I have been thinking of building something to set up my 31 feet pole and you simplified my job. What size pvc pipe do you use. How big is the diameter? 73 ke9le

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

3" outside diameter and 3 feet long. 73 from VE3TWM!

[@neilgettig2877]

Great idea!

[@mikemcdonald5147]

whats the tallest pole you've used with this system so far?

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

My 15m (50 foot) DX-Wire.

[@qvatch]

how fast do the hoseclamps chew through the strap just from slow sawing?

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

It's a fair question. That has not happened to me yet, but I've only deployed it 3 times.

[@qvatch]

@@OutdoorsOnTheAir I expect it depends on how much movement there is. Does the joint wiggle in the wind? Keep us posted either way, it's such a nice and simple design

[@kszx11]

I would use 4 zip ties to make 4 individual loops around the pipe clamps. Then you can use carabiners to attach to the loops so you attach or remove the straps.

[@jimmygerilius8494]

Tie a knot on the strap that's closest to the hose clamp. Feed that knot from the bottom upward between the PVC and hose clamp (from the bottom up). With enough tightening on hose clamp, the knot cant pass downward thru hose clamp, and now both sides of the strap are supporting the PVC.

[@pakeck1]

Tracy great idea. Going to try it

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Good luck and good DX, Paul!

[@evanbetter]

Hi Tracy, excellent! I use a spiderbeam 12m and often don‘t go out because of lack of time for setting it all up. well time is an issue these days. Bus this video leads me to more creativity: why not mount the ropes directly to the pole and minimise package load? there could be a cap at the pole bottom with a kind of long nail to dig into the ground. I have to try this! thanks again.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

I would want to use hose clamps on a fiberglass pole in fear of damaging the pole. But there might be a creative way of doing what you suggest that does not damage the pole. There is also the matter of not having to balance the pole when raising or lowering it while using the PVC tube.

[@evanbetter]

yeah it may not damage the pole itself - my first idea is something like a jarglass ‚rubber‘ (correct word?) - a very strong elastic or a part of a plastic tube pvc that is just smaller than the lowest element of the pole... I‘ll let you know when something works.

[@dankkarlsen]

Nice! 🤩 Question: Have you tried same technique directly on SOTA mast? Maybe no need of this extra pole than? Just a thought. Thanks a lot for showing this smart “how to” video!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome! What you suggest could be done, but not with hose clamps as they could damage the mast. Also, the tube allows you to stand the mast upright without holding it, allowing you to use both hands to attach the antenna and raise the mast with less effort.

[@ddrhaha8129]

Hey do you have any ideas about setting a up a telescoping mast on a 3rd floor condo decK? thanks

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Hi Doug, I sure do. Here are a couple to get you thinking: - bungee the mast to a vertical deck rail if available. - If that option does not exist, use a heavy Christmas tree stand to put up your own (4 foot or so) vertical pole to affix the mast to. I'm sure you will come up with something that will work.

[@ddrhaha8129]

Thanks a lot! And yes I came up with an idea. Im building a 20 ft. Length mast and going to put up a inverted v for 40 meters, completely steath too 😆

[@toms.7913]

What a great idea, thanks for the knowledge

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome!

[@rclark999]

Great video!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you!

[@bthemedia]

That is so awesome! What kinds of antennas can you put up with this? VHF/UHF 2m/70cm as well?

[@bren42069]

I got one to use for vhf uhf with a wire jpole

[@romanhar4151]

Thanks for the video. I would add a ground plate with two hearing, or at least drill two holes on the ground of the pipe, or add a spike on the bottom of the pipe. 73 de Roman, HB9XBK

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Good suggestions for version 2!

[@alanread6596]

Great idea what width is the pipe I have a 12m spiderbeam

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Hi Alan, this is a great question. If you are going to use this mounting technique with the 12m Spiderbeam, the PVC pipe's internal diameter must be just a bit larger than the Spiderbeams' outside diameter. If it's too large, the spider beam will move back and forth and cause the mount to fail. This happened to me on multiple occasions. I suspect this has to do with the weight of the Spiderbeam pole. I need to do more experimentation this year to see if I will continue to use the Spiderbeam with the PVC mount. At the very least, more support straps and firmer ground than I had access to are a must.