Ham Radio - Using Fiberglass Poles for HF Portable Operation

Explanation of benefits of fiberglass poles as supports for HF wire antennas.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• HF
• Portable
• Ham
• Radio
• Par
• Endfedz
• Wire
• Antenna
• Yaesu
• Icom
• Kenwood
• Jackite
• qrp
• amateur
• pole
• fiberglass

[steveinkentucky]

I'm thinking about getting a Jackite pole myself. I'm considering mounting options; either inside the pole or around it. I have a painter pole with a 1 1/2" pvc pipe for a 6m omni. I also have an RV sat tripod that holds the painter pole. Would you mind measuring the base of the antenna and letting me know how wide it is? I am thinking that it could fit inside a bigger piece of pipe, or a smaller piece inside it for the base.

[twmckim]

Hello Steve! The very bottom of the pole has a plastic fitting and is slightly smaller than 2.25 inches in diameter. I would suggest using a support that the pole could drop into (i.e. the support pipe being outside of the bottom of the pole rather than inside); my thinking is that dropping the pole into a larger diameter pipe would be more structurally sound. Jackite used to sell an excellent ground mount stake for the 31' pole; though expensive it was very good. 73 de VE3TWM!

[jefffrench1]

Nice video. Thanks 73s K6EDA Jeff

[ve6kk]

Steve, I use a 22 ga. zip cord (R/S 278-1385) dipole (see QST) for 30m, 23.1 ft radiators (split the halves to make 46ft.), 34ft feed (all one piece no splices), and one for 20m: 16.7 ft. radiators, 24.5 ft. feedline, no balun straight to the SGC2020. 100ft roll does both. Nice and light. Tie center to pole, ends to tree, lawn chairs etc.Trailer mount is next. PS pole is good for hanging wires over branches etc. 73 Peter

[ve6kk]

Thanks for the vid Tracy! I too love my 31 footer. I found a heavy umbrella stand for $5 at the local thrift shop and keep it for cabin portable. Will try end fed soon via W5JH tuner on the web. Trailer mount is next. PS pole is good for hanging wires over branches etc.  73 es gud dx Peter

(Will try to post info on zip cord dipole next)

[steveinkentucky]

I can't really afford more EndFedz antennas right now. I have a very light Balun Designs QRP balun (1110cw) with wing nuts (3x2x1.5"). It is easy to cut mono bands, and put end rings on. Much simpler than multi-band SWR matching. Do you think if I ran the RG-8X up the pole, and fastened the balun at the top, there would be any problem with a vee? The coax is the heaviest part. How do you think this work would with the Jackite pole? Thanks, Steve

[steveinkentucky]

Thanks for the info. I ordered the 31 foot, regular model in black. I fastened two painter poles together with hose clamps yesterday and it was more trouble than it was worth. They leaned over terribly, the sections bent (I think they relaxed o.k. when the went back into the main tube), and as they didn't collapse very far, they took up the entire length of the right side of the car. I used an EndFedz 20m. I'll type another reply with a question.