Author Topic: 5 gal bucket tilt up comms mast system  (Read 1005 times)

Offline Romeo Foxtrot

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5 gal bucket tilt up comms mast system
« on: March 05, 2018, 01:47:57 PM »
Perhaps you, like myself, live in an HOA governed community w rules on amateur radio HF antennas, but still want/need a way to deploy HF comms i na simple, functional and effective, mainly NVIS configuration.

Well, i figured i'd share my solution to the problem.

It is based around a 5 gal bucket, sacrete, some rope, pvc pipe, misc connectors,  and 2 sections of 10' chain link fencing top rail, all purchased at local box store.

Fill bucket w sacrete, add water, insert 2" pvc w end cap, make knot in nylon rope at ends, slide into concrete, cut hole in lid, slide over pipe, set it and forget it until hard, 1-2 days...

get sched 40 3/4 pvc, some connectors, t adapter and the like, build device to hang antenna from..

connect top rail, insert new t adapter into it, attach antenna, feedline, tilt up and connect to rig.  No guying required, at least for my gv5r and random long wire antennas...

i carry this to front of home, or between homes, and am able to get hf comms ups, then take down as required, nary a word from neighbors or hoa nazi's...

good for field work too....

enjoy and 73's....




Offline JohnyMac

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Re: 5 gal bucket tilt up comms mast system
« Reply #1 on: March 05, 2018, 02:46:24 PM »
AWESOME Home Brew project RF!  :pirateThumbUp:

You know, I have not even thought about the restrictions some home owners have who live in a HOA community.

Great read!
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Offline Jackalope

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Re: 5 gal bucket tilt up comms mast system
« Reply #2 on: March 05, 2018, 03:16:26 PM »
Nice project!  I would never live in an area with a HOA, I like being able to use my property as I like.  Plus, I don't think my chickens would like a HOA either. :-)

Offline Romeo Foxtrot

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Re: 5 gal bucket tilt up comms mast system
« Reply #3 on: March 05, 2018, 04:06:26 PM »
Jackalope et al:

There are many among us who have to live/choose to live, in condo/hoa governed communities for a variety of reasons.

the goal of this post is to show and tell folks that they have simple, functional options if they are creative and willing to be a bit unconventional...

I have many more projects i'll share too, i have  full on comms toc in my home, and the balance of antennas for vhf/uhf and wide band scanning in attic, all out of site, but 100% functional....

At any given time, i can monitor HF/SW/local LE/FLEA/etc., VHF/UHF/FRS/GMRS and communicate on all bands to local members....

Doesn't always have to be a SETI antenna farm to get comms up...

being stealthy has its advantages....  8)

Offline JohnyMac

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Re: 5 gal bucket tilt up comms mast system
« Reply #4 on: March 05, 2018, 04:43:35 PM »
Not only does it makes sense being in a HOA because it is near work, it is also safer in today's world in some areas of the country.

Its amazing what we do to live today. MrsMac and I had to relocate six times in our life for work. Oh well such as life.
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