PVC Mast Strength

[Mudfoot]

Going to mount my 13b2 vertical and wish to use a non conductive mast. I will be using a TV rotor.

I am thinking of using 1-1/2" PVC with a 1-1/4" piece glued inside for extra strength. I am thing the mast will be around 25-26 inches long.

Do you think this will be strong enough to support the beam?

PVC is schedule 40. I will figure out some sort of UV protection also.

Thanks

 

[Robb]

I used a 3/4 in wooden dowel gorilla-glued into a 1 in piece of schedule 80 to hang my 10-80m dipole. It is just about 5 ft long and has no real vertical wind stress on it, as the dipole is set up as an inverted "V". Dunno about supporting your vertical though, as I'm not familiar with it. What band(s) is it for?

Fiberglass would probably be best - IMO.
Even that has its limitations.

 

[W5LZ]

I have no idea if it would be strong enough. I think it probably would be, but don't take my opinion for very much. I know I'd feel easier if it were schedule 80 with a solid filler of some sort (wood?), or maybe fiberglass? There's more 'sail' area on that beam than you may think.
- 'Doc

 

[Mudfoot]

Thanks for you reply.

It's a 2 meter beam by Cushcraft. It's 15 feet long and weighs around 6 lbs.

 

[BOOTY MONSTER]

i used 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 inch pvc for a mast on my first homebrew (just a wire starduster) . it did ok just to see if i could make something work . since you're looking at a permanent installation id suggest something more durable . $10 will get a brand new fiberglass handled shovel at home depot or lowes . id trust that more for the short length you need .

 

[Mudfoot]

i used 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 inch pvc for a mast on my first homebrew (just a wire starduster) . it did ok just to see if i could make something work . since you're looking at a permanent installation id suggest something more durable . $10 will get a brand new fiberglass handled shovel at home depot or lowes . id trust that more for the short length you need .

Now that's a good idea.


Thanks!

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

Going to mount my 13b2 vertical and wish to use a non conductive mast. I will be using a TV rotor.

I am thinking of using 1-1/2" PVC with a 1-1/4" piece glued inside for extra strength. I am thing the mast will be around 25-26 inches long.

Do you think this will be strong enough to support the beam?

PVC is schedule 40. I will figure out some sort of UV protection also.

Thanks

I would go with ABS pipe rather than PVC as it seems to be tougher.It works well in an RF environment and the black colour is already UV resistant. Sleeve one size into the other and with the short length you are looking at it will not be a problem.

 

[Mudfoot]

I would go with ABS pipe rather than PVC as it seems to be tougher.It works well in an RF environment and the black colour is already UV resistant. Sleeve one size into the other and with the short length you are looking at it will not be a problem.

Mmmm, ABS...Is that a standard hardware item?

Sounds good also...

Edit: read where ABS can deform under sun exposure.

http://www.ehow.com/m/about_6079874_abs-pipe-vs_-pvc.html

 

[Robb]

You could also use a piece of steel tubing - and then use a piece of sched 80 as a sleeve over the steel tube to insulate it.
That'll 'git her done' too . . .

 

[Mudfoot]

You could also use a piece of steel tubing - and then use a piece of sched 80 as a sleeve over the steel tube to insulate it.
That'll 'git her done' too . . .

True, but I want it to be non vindictive so it will not interfere with lobe pattern.

 

[BOOTY MONSTER]

True, but I want it to be non vindictive so it will not interfere with lobe pattern.

i try to not piss off my mast so it doesn't get mad and then vindictive .

 

[Mudfoot]

i try to not piss off my mast so it doesn't get mad and then vindictive .

Lol, crazy auto complete Google Android Text.

"Non Conductive"

That auto complete has got me in trouble a few times.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

I don't use auto-complete for the same reason I don't use auto-answer on my cell phone. As for the ABS deforming in the sun, I haven't seen it yet. You may possibly see a small indentation in the material where the U-bolt is clamped tight but I have seen that in aluminum masting as well. I have had antennas supported with just a single thickness of ABS and they lasted for years with a much longer piece,about 5 feet. With two thicknesses there will never be a problem. As for availability, ABS is found wherever PVC or copper pipe is found. It is the heavy walled black stuff used for sink and tub drains etc.

 

[Mudfoot]

Picked up a cheap shovel with fiberglass handle. It will be the snizzle. Strong and sturdy. A 1" dowel with fit inside perfectly for extra strength under the clamps.

Thanks for all the valuable input.

Mark~ac8eo

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

What size is the handle? How well does it fit the antenna mount which I believe takes a 1 1/2 to 2 inch mast?