Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place of steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to the winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio .
Mike N8GBU
Hello Mike - I use schedule 40 PVC with an OAK closet pole down the center for added stiffness for a horizontal boom. For vertical mast I use two PVC schedule 40 - one inside the other - along with a wood pole. I use PVC end caps on the ends to keep water/ moisture out.
73, Bruce WA3SWJ
At 07:59 AM 2/24/2011, Mike1234 wrote:
Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place of steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to the winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio .
Mike N8GBU
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
And I forgot to mention -- I spray paint it all a flat black --- to help it blend in a little better!
At 09:34 AM 2/24/2011, Bruce Semple wrote:
Hello Mike - I use schedule 40 PVC with an OAK closet pole down the center for added stiffness for a horizontal boom. For vertical mast I use two PVC schedule 40 - one inside the other - along with a wood pole. I use PVC end caps on the ends to keep water/ moisture out.
73, Bruce WA3SWJ
At 07:59 AM 2/24/2011, Mike1234 wrote:
Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place of steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to the winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio .
Mike N8GBU
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
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I'm looking to put up a mast and am curious, why PVC? Is it better than steel?
73's Peter VE7NGP
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Bruce Semple Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 6:41 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PVC
And I forgot to mention -- I spray paint it all a flat black --- to help it blend in a little better!
At 09:34 AM 2/24/2011, Bruce Semple wrote:
Hello Mike - I use schedule 40 PVC with an OAK closet pole down the center for added stiffness for a horizontal boom. For vertical mast I use two PVC schedule 40 - one inside the other - along with a wood pole. I use PVC end caps on the ends to keep water/ moisture out.
73, Bruce WA3SWJ
At 07:59 AM 2/24/2011, Mike1234 wrote:
Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place of steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to the winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio .
Mike N8GBU
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
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PVC will help keep the SWR down by keeping the distance the antenna is from another structure or possible ground that may cause an SWR or effect the radation pattern of your antenna system. Use a wooden closet rod and insert it inside the PVC pipe and put it up and enjoy. WA4HFN Damon ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Ng" [email protected] To: "Bruce Semple" [email protected], [email protected] Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 11:21:47 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PVC
I'm looking to put up a mast and am curious, why PVC? Is it better than steel?
73's Peter VE7NGP
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Bruce Semple Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 6:41 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PVC
And I forgot to mention -- I spray paint it all a flat black --- to help it blend in a little better!
At 09:34 AM 2/24/2011, Bruce Semple wrote:
Hello Mike - I use schedule 40 PVC with an OAK closet pole down the center for added stiffness for a horizontal boom. For vertical mast I use two PVC schedule 40 - one inside the other - along with a wood pole. I use PVC end caps on the ends to keep water/ moisture out.
73, Bruce WA3SWJ
At 07:59 AM 2/24/2011, Mike1234 wrote:
Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place of steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to the winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio .
Mike N8GBU
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
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I can't even believe that some people recommend doing this!
Matt W5LL
On 2/24/2011 11:21 AM, Ng, Peter wrote:
I'm looking to put up a mast and am curious, why PVC? Is it better than steel?
73's Peter VE7NGP
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Bruce Semple Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 6:41 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PVC
And I forgot to mention -- I spray paint it all a flat black --- to help it blend in a little better!
At 09:34 AM 2/24/2011, Bruce Semple wrote:
Hello Mike - I use schedule 40 PVC with an OAK closet pole down the center for added stiffness for a horizontal boom. For vertical mast I use two PVC schedule 40 - one inside the other - along with a wood pole. I use PVC end caps on the ends to keep water/ moisture out.
73, Bruce WA3SWJ
At 07:59 AM 2/24/2011, Mike1234 wrote:
Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place of steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to the winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio .
Mike N8GBU
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
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It would be great if all the Negative Nancys would offer a positive solution instead of just shooting it down that way we can all benefit.
Dave - KB1PVH
Sent from my Verizon Wireless DROID X On Feb 24, 2011 2:22 PM, "Matt Patterson" [email protected] wrote:
I can't even believe that some people recommend doing this!
Matt W5LL
On 2/24/2011 11:21 AM, Ng, Peter wrote:
I'm looking to put up a mast and am curious, why PVC? Is it better than
steel?
73's Peter VE7NGP
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On
Behalf Of Bruce Semple
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 6:41 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PVC
And I forgot to mention -- I spray paint it all a flat black --- to help it blend in a little
better!
At 09:34 AM 2/24/2011, Bruce Semple wrote:
Hello Mike - I use schedule 40 PVC with an OAK closet pole down the center for added stiffness for a horizontal boom. For vertical mast I use two PVC schedule 40 - one inside the other - along with a wood pole. I use PVC end caps on the ends to keep water/ moisture out.
73, Bruce WA3SWJ
At 07:59 AM 2/24/2011, Mike1234 wrote:
Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place
of
steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to
the
winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio .
Mike N8GBU
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the
author.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
program!
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program!
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Hmmm... how about not being cheap and buy a steel or aluminum mast? That's my solution....
Matt W5LL
On 2/24/2011 1:31 PM, Dave Webb KB1PVH wrote:
It would be great if all the Negative Nancys would offer a positive solution instead of just shooting it down that way we can all benefit.
Dave - KB1PVH
Sent from my Verizon Wireless DROID X On Feb 24, 2011 2:22 PM, "Matt Patterson"[email protected] wrote:
I can't even believe that some people recommend doing this!
Matt W5LL
On 2/24/2011 11:21 AM, Ng, Peter wrote:
I'm looking to put up a mast and am curious, why PVC? Is it better than
steel?
73's Peter VE7NGP
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On
Behalf Of Bruce Semple
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 6:41 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PVC
And I forgot to mention -- I spray paint it all a flat black --- to help it blend in a little
better!
At 09:34 AM 2/24/2011, Bruce Semple wrote:
Hello Mike - I use schedule 40 PVC with an OAK closet pole down the center for added stiffness for a horizontal boom. For vertical mast I use two PVC schedule 40 - one inside the other - along with a wood pole. I use PVC end caps on the ends to keep water/ moisture out.
73, Bruce WA3SWJ
At 07:59 AM 2/24/2011, Mike1234 wrote:
Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place
of
steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to
the
winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio .
Mike N8GBU
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the
author.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
program!
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Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
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How about not wanting to interfere with the antenna pattern...? Fiberglass is very expensive... Didn't you ever overtighten the ubolts mast clamps and see that aluminum crimp a bit??? Good suggestions on all but the owner/user will decide... 73. Dee, NB2F
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Matt Patterson Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 3:32 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PVC
Hmmm... how about not being cheap and buy a steel or aluminum mast? That's my solution....
Matt W5LL
On 2/24/2011 1:31 PM, Dave Webb KB1PVH wrote:
It would be great if all the Negative Nancys would offer a positive solution instead of just shooting it down that way we can all benefit.
Dave - KB1PVH
Sent from my Verizon Wireless DROID X On Feb 24, 2011 2:22 PM, "Matt Patterson"[email protected] wrote:
I can't even believe that some people recommend doing this!
Matt W5LL
On 2/24/2011 11:21 AM, Ng, Peter wrote:
I'm looking to put up a mast and am curious, why PVC? Is it better than
steel?
73's Peter VE7NGP
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On
Behalf Of Bruce Semple
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 6:41 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PVC
And I forgot to mention -- I spray paint it all a flat black --- to help it blend in a little
better!
At 09:34 AM 2/24/2011, Bruce Semple wrote:
Hello Mike - I use schedule 40 PVC with an OAK closet pole down the center for added stiffness for a horizontal boom. For vertical mast I use two PVC schedule 40 - one inside the other
- along with a wood pole.
I use PVC end caps on the ends to keep water/ moisture out.
73, Bruce WA3SWJ
At 07:59 AM 2/24/2011, Mike1234 wrote:
Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place
of
steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to
the
winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio .
Mike N8GBU
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the
author.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the
author.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
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Up here ten foot of gray electrical 1-1/2-inch PVC runs about $9.95 and ten foot of 1-1/4 ID schedule-40 aluminum about $15. When I am going to mount several hundreds of dollars of antennas on a mast am I going to risk losing them by saving $5?
My nearly $3K 2m eme array (four antennas+H-frame+144-foot of coax+ elevation bracket) are supported by 3-1/2 feet of 2-inch sched-80 steel pipe! The 16 sq-foot wind area array has withstood >65mph winds sustained over a 30-hour period that stripped the ring gear on the Ham-III rotator (azimuth drive). I now use Ham-IV with steel ring gears. That array and mast have been up 11-years. You would not do that with PVC.
The H-frame has combined aluminum and fiberglass on the vertical masts which support the 21-foot long 2m x-yagis. PVC would not be suitable even with wood. The fiberglass has wooden dowels inserted in the ends to prevent crushing the fiberglass with antenna clamps. I added short split lengthwise aluminum tubing to sheath the fiberglass at the clamp locations.
You probably are not looking at a project this big but steel and aluminum are not that expensive. So is there another reason to want PVC?
Ed
At 11:32 AM 2/24/2011, Matt Patterson wrote:
Hmmm... how about not being cheap and buy a steel or aluminum mast? That's my solution....
Matt W5LL
On 2/24/2011 1:31 PM, Dave Webb KB1PVH wrote:
It would be great if all the Negative Nancys would offer a
positive solution
instead of just shooting it down that way we can all benefit.
Dave - KB1PVH
Sent from my Verizon Wireless DROID X On Feb 24, 2011 2:22 PM, "Matt Patterson"[email protected] wrote:
I can't even believe that some people recommend doing this!
Matt W5LL
On 2/24/2011 11:21 AM, Ng, Peter wrote:
I'm looking to put up a mast and am curious, why PVC? Is it better than
steel?
73's Peter VE7NGP
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On
Behalf Of Bruce Semple
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 6:41 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PVC
And I forgot to mention -- I spray paint it all a flat black --- to help it blend in a little
better!
At 09:34 AM 2/24/2011, Bruce Semple wrote:
Hello Mike - I use schedule 40 PVC with an OAK closet pole down the center for added stiffness for a horizontal boom. For vertical mast I use two PVC schedule 40 - one inside the other - along with a wood pole. I use PVC end caps on the ends to keep water/ moisture out.
73, Bruce WA3SWJ
At 07:59 AM 2/24/2011, Mike1234 wrote:
Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place
of
steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to
the
winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio .
Mike N8GBU
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the
author.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
program!
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Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 ====================================== BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep [email protected] ====================================== *temp not in service
I previously suggested using a wooden "A" frame, wooden "T" mast, etc. Wood is a MUCH better structural material than PVC and has been used for thousands of years in construction. Yes, using wood may cost a little more than PVC. However, when painted, etc., wood will last for decades whereas PVC is a very unknown quantity and the life of it is going to depend on a LOT of variables and most of those variables are not good where the structural strength of PVC is concerned.
Glen, K9STH
Website: http://k9sth.com
--- On Thu, 2/24/11, Dave Webb KB1PVH [email protected] wrote:
It would be great if all the Negative Nancys would offer a positive solution instead of just shooting it down that way we can all benefit.
PVC is CHEAP! However, it has no real structural strength and, in cold weather, often gets brittle and fractures. PVC is made for carrying things like water and is definitely not made to be able to withstand any forces other than moderate pressure (i.e. water pressure).
People do make things from PVC on which they do put structural forces. However, doing so is at their own risk and quite often the structure does not survive.
Glen, K9STH
Website: http://k9sth.com
--- On Thu, 2/24/11, Ng, Peter [email protected] wrote:
curious, why PVC? Is it better than steel?
don't forget what the sun will do to it.
I really would use wood before PVC.
I acquired a fair amount of windsurfer mast at a garage sale and have used it successfully as a mast for a 3 element 6M beam and also as a support for a 40M inverted vee with no problems yet. I have clamped two pieces together with hose clamps to get about 22 feet of height with no guying. Each individual mast is about 15 feet. It flexes in strong wind a bit, but that is what it is supposed to do in normal use. I have the antenna rotor for the 6 meter beam mounted on my deck with a sleeve bearing in a tripod.
I know you were asking about PVC, but windsurfer technology has changed over the years and you may also find older masts at garage sales or flea markets.
73, Bill NJ1H
On 2/24/2011 7:59 AM, Mike1234 wrote:
Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place of steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to the winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio .
Mike N8GBU
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
PVC is NOT a structural material. You can sometimes get away with using it for something like a vertical antenna without any real stress. However, using it to support something with any horizontal force is another matter. The colder the weather the more likely it is to fail.
Making an "A" frame or "T" mast from wood is a much better idea, will support a lot more, and definitely will last considerably longer.
Glen, K9STH
Website: http://k9sth.com
--- On Thu, 2/24/11, Mike1234 [email protected] wrote:
Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place of steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to the winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio .
It works well to fill a PVC pipe with a wood dowel the size of the pipe's inner diameter. Then you just need to weatherproof the ends of the pipe with caps or otherwise.
73, Ken N2WWD
On Feb 24, 2011, at 10:58 AM, Glen Zook [email protected] wrote:
PVC is NOT a structural material. You can sometimes get away with using it for something like a vertical antenna without any real stress. However, using it to support something with any horizontal force is another matter. The colder the weather the more likely it is to fail.
Making an "A" frame or "T" mast from wood is a much better idea, will support a lot more, and definitely will last considerably longer.
Glen, K9STH
Website: http://k9sth.com
--- On Thu, 2/24/11, Mike1234 [email protected] wrote:
Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place of steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to the winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio .
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Then what you have is a wooden structure with a PVC overcoat! The PVC is still not the "real" structural material.
Glen, K9STH
Website: http://k9sth.com
--- On Thu, 2/24/11, Ken Ernandes [email protected] wrote:
It works well to fill a PVC pipe with a wood dowel the size of the pipe's inner diameter. Then you just need to weatherproof the ends of the pipe with caps or otherwise.
Then, what's the PVC for?
I went with a closet pole (sans PVC) for my horizontal support, and it's still going fine after something like 10 years up on the roof. Around here (Northern California Sierra foothills), PVC degrades very quickly in the Sun, so it's more of a liability than anything else. It's also pretty heavy for what weather proofing or whatever else you think you're getting. You'd be better off filling the extra diameter with more wood.
The vertical support is steel, held in a wooden tripod.
Greg KO6TH
Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2011 09:11:22 -0800 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PVC
Then what you have is a wooden structure with a PVC overcoat! The PVC is still not the "real" structural material.
Glen, K9STH
Website: http://k9sth.com
--- On Thu, 2/24/11, Ken Ernandes [email protected] wrote:
It works well to fill a PVC pipe with a wood dowel the size of the pipe's inner diameter. Then you just need to weatherproof the ends of the pipe with caps or otherwise.
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
PVC is NOT a structural material....
And no matter how you disguise it with paint or whatever, it still looks like an ugly piece of PVC because they are always naturally curved, limp and bent. Bob, WB4APR
But if you fill it with the wood dowels, they stay relatively straight and also won't get crushed by the antenna U-bolts.
73, Ken N2WWD
On Feb 24, 2011, at 12:07 PM, "Bob Bruninga" [email protected] wrote:
PVC is NOT a structural material....
And no matter how you disguise it with paint or whatever, it still looks like an ugly piece of PVC because they are always naturally curved, limp and bent. Bob, WB4APR
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participants (14)
-
Bill Bordy, NJ1H -
Bob Bruninga -
Bruce Semple -
Dave Webb KB1PVH -
Dee -
Edward R. Cole -
Glen Zook -
Greg D. -
John Becker -
Ken Ernandes -
Matt Patterson -
Mike1234 -
Ng, Peter -
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