Hi Bruce
I believe it was on this list that I read of an alternative to fiberglass booms (of which there are none in my local sales area). My new 10' boom comprises sched. 40 conduit with an snug-fitting 8' length of doweling placed inside. Others have removed any 'play' between the doweling and the conduit by spraying expanding foam inside the ends of the conduit. I suppose one should cap the ends, too. The total cost of this for me was CAN $20. The antennas, rotors and mast are on sawhorses now, but as far as I can see the conduit-dowel boom has an appropriate stiffness.
I agree, this is a good way of doing it - ISTR I've seen it mentioned previously on the -BB.
Howard mentioned the much-documented advantages of polarization switching for LEO satellite work. In this same context, is it worth the additional work to include the remote logic required for V and H polarizations along with RHCP and LHCP?
It's a nice to have, but not as much as being able to switch R/LHCP. I currently use the WIMO polarisation switches and they happen to have all four polarisations built in.
73, Howard G6LVB