Difference between revisions of "HAM Shack/Antenna Tower"

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= Non-Tower Options =
 +
* [http://www.ebay.com/itm/Non-penetrating-roof-mount-w-mast-pole-for-satellite-dish-and-antenna-/182012333204 Roof Mast]
 +
= Telescoping Mast =
 +
== Current Mast ==
 +
* http://www.mgs4u.com/Antenna-MK-8-HD.htm
 +
** It is important that each tube not be extended farther than 12 inches from the bottom of each section.  As per the instructions, these are absolute minimums
 +
** The screws on the quik-clamps are reverse threaded
 +
** The clamps were glued on by greg and jeff with two part epoxy
 +
** Only one guy ring was purchased, for the thinnest section of the pole.  It is not yet known if it is needed.
 +
** Jeff has hardcopy of Original instructions (kept at his office).
 +
== Alternative Designs ==
 +
* http://telescopingantenna.blogspot.com/
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* https://sites.google.com/site/g1hznhamradio/homebrew-radio-mast
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 +
= Tilting Mast =
 +
* 2 x 1-1/2" Steel Flange ($9.30 / ea)
 +
* 2 x 1-1/2" Steel Nipple, 3" ($9.30 / ea)
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* 2 x 1-1/2" Steel Nipple, 6" (~$12 / ea)
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* 1 x 1-1/2" Tee ($8.57 / ea)
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* 2 x 1-1/2" Elbow ($8.32 / ea)
 +
* Plate (Free)
 +
* 4 x Grounding Rods (?)
 +
 +
Total:  $86.41
 +
 +
 +
 +
== Base Options ==
 +
=== Design considerations ===
 +
* We can't drill holes in the building
 +
* Want something we can leave erected 24/7
 +
* Can't be higher than 20' above property (city ordinance, needs source)
 +
=== Options ===
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* Heavy Concrete Pour
 +
** Cons: Need landlord approval, cost prohibitive
 +
 +
* Semi-permanat tripod
 +
** Description from Darryl:  Since you are leasing no concrete could be used, but maybe three long and stout ground-stakes might be driven and bolted to the tower legs.  If you do this it would be best to set the bottom section to a well-painted steel plate at least 1/4 inch thick with holes for the ground-stakes.  I have done this a couple of times.  I got the steel plate at Service Steel at 4208 E Schrimsher Ln SW, Huntsville, AL 3580.  They cut my plate to the rectangular size requested.  If you make a stable and level base and attach the three legs securely to the ground-stakes, it should not need any guy-lines.
 +
** Pros:  More Portable than a concrete pour. 
 +
** Cons:  Easier to steal
 +
* Military Surplus Pole Kit
 +
** Cons:  Easiest to steal
 +
 +
* Sleeves Magnetically Mounted To Sheet metal Wall of Building
 +
** Cons: Darryl (has mounted several antennas) has said that it's doubtful that the magnetic force thin sheet metal could provide would hold the tower up when strong winds hit it.
 +
 +
* Non-penetrating Roof Saddle
 +
** Cons:  Good for mounting an antenna to, but not a mast.
 +
 +
= Metal Tower =
  
 
==Overview==
 
==Overview==
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* Hinged Base Plate: https://www.protelecomsupply.com/rohn-products-llc-25g-hinged-base-plate ~$350
 
* Hinged Base Plate: https://www.protelecomsupply.com/rohn-products-llc-25g-hinged-base-plate ~$350
 
** This is expensive, can we get someone to weld a custom one together?   
 
** This is expensive, can we get someone to weld a custom one together?   
 +
** Called Gigaparts, they don't sell these, but recommended MFJ in Starkville, MS.
 +
*** Have emailed in a request --[[User:Omegix|Omegix]] ([[User talk:Omegix|talk]]) 16:55, 4 February 2015 (CST)
 +
*** [http://www.mfjenterprises.com/HelpDesk/ticket.php?track=5T3-XVR-8PXZ&Refresh=33088 MFJ Says to try Texas Towers, and that baseplates are typically sold with the tower]
 
* Concrete (likely to be purchased by a concrete supplier)
 
* Concrete (likely to be purchased by a concrete supplier)
 +
** "$90/cubic Yd + fees for loads under 4 cY.  and they do not dig holes or any other kind of site setup just show up, pour concrete, and leave my cement mixer is a 1.25 cubic Ft mixer so you'd have to load it 21 times to make a single cubic Yd and the ham tower will probably need 2 cu Yds also plus the cost of dry concrete, of course."  ~Enabrintain
 
* Shovels for digging the hole
 
* Shovels for digging the hole
 
* Rebar
 
* Rebar

Latest revision as of 13:15, 31 August 2016

Creator:
Omegix
Status:
Your Status
Born On:
16:38, 4 February 2015 (CST)
Last Updated:
13:15, 31 August 2016 (CDT)

Non-Tower Options

Telescoping Mast

Current Mast

  • http://www.mgs4u.com/Antenna-MK-8-HD.htm
    • It is important that each tube not be extended farther than 12 inches from the bottom of each section. As per the instructions, these are absolute minimums
    • The screws on the quik-clamps are reverse threaded
    • The clamps were glued on by greg and jeff with two part epoxy
    • Only one guy ring was purchased, for the thinnest section of the pole. It is not yet known if it is needed.
    • Jeff has hardcopy of Original instructions (kept at his office).

Alternative Designs

Tilting Mast

  • 2 x 1-1/2" Steel Flange ($9.30 / ea)
  • 2 x 1-1/2" Steel Nipple, 3" ($9.30 / ea)
  • 2 x 1-1/2" Steel Nipple, 6" (~$12 / ea)
  • 1 x 1-1/2" Tee ($8.57 / ea)
  • 2 x 1-1/2" Elbow ($8.32 / ea)
  • Plate (Free)
  • 4 x Grounding Rods (?)

Total: $86.41


Base Options

Design considerations

  • We can't drill holes in the building
  • Want something we can leave erected 24/7
  • Can't be higher than 20' above property (city ordinance, needs source)

Options

  • Heavy Concrete Pour
    • Cons: Need landlord approval, cost prohibitive
  • Semi-permanat tripod
    • Description from Darryl: Since you are leasing no concrete could be used, but maybe three long and stout ground-stakes might be driven and bolted to the tower legs. If you do this it would be best to set the bottom section to a well-painted steel plate at least 1/4 inch thick with holes for the ground-stakes. I have done this a couple of times. I got the steel plate at Service Steel at 4208 E Schrimsher Ln SW, Huntsville, AL 3580. They cut my plate to the rectangular size requested. If you make a stable and level base and attach the three legs securely to the ground-stakes, it should not need any guy-lines.
    • Pros: More Portable than a concrete pour.
    • Cons: Easier to steal
  • Military Surplus Pole Kit
    • Cons: Easiest to steal
  • Sleeves Magnetically Mounted To Sheet metal Wall of Building
    • Cons: Darryl (has mounted several antennas) has said that it's doubtful that the magnetic force thin sheet metal could provide would hold the tower up when strong winds hit it.
  • Non-penetrating Roof Saddle
    • Cons: Good for mounting an antenna to, but not a mast.

Metal Tower

Overview

This is a planning page for putting up the Antenna Tower at the Make Shop

Instructional Resources

Parts Needed

Capabilities Desired

  • Needs to be tilt-able so we can easily service the equipment mounted on the tower without climbing it
  • Needs to be semi-portable, meaning that if we ever move we can unbolt the tower and take it with us.
  • Electric wench would be preferrable for taking it up and down, but we could probably do alright with a hand crank.

Antennas \ Equipment Desired

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