I am so glad I found your channel. My XYL and I just sold our place out in the high desert prairie land north of Prescott,AZ where I had a 2-acre antenna farm into an HOA with tight restrictions and a very small lot. I’m going to watch all of your episodes to see if I can get a handle on this.
Good video Bob. I hope that that setup brings you many contacts and even more fun. I think that overcoming our particular challenges is a big part of the fun of amateur radio. Any bloke with a fat wallet can have a tower and beam installed but crafting and operating a little pistol station, overcoming various issues (like HOA CC&R) demonstrates much more skill and creativity, IMO. I hope to work you on the air someday. Safe travels and have fun!
You're speaking my language @Al_Dente1. Working in the HOA has made me so much more versatile that if I had not had to overcome the obstacles. We'll catch up on air some day!
Bob, that was a fantastic video! Your editing skills are pretty good. I can’t wait to see the “How to” to put the permanent mast installation because I’ll need it to put one 25’ PORTA-MAST at my QTH in Phoenix. It’s going to give more options to test prototypes on a daily basis with more testing time than setting up time!
Thanks for the compliment; fantastic gear deserves fantastic videos! Its NOT a natural talent and something I'm still developing; I only see my mistakes. I'm working on something else pretty special right now, and once that project is complete, I'll start editing the ground install video. I'll share the tips and tricks of what I did that I hope will help others move out on it. This is easily going to be one of my favorite antenna set ups here at the QTH in the HOA.
@@HOAHamRadio I just don’t care about any of the benefits. Don’t care what my neighbors do, and we still have zoning and nuisance laws that can be used to enforce civility, but with actual due process. It’s not really about a stereotype, it’s just a conclusion based on an examination of the facts. Only been a homeowner 10 years but I’ve never encountered a situation where I wish there was an HOA.
Great video! I have purchased the Mast and will be following your instructions. Could you make a video describing the Schedule 40 build? Certainly looks cleaner than just the pipe sticking out. N3ATO here on the Space Coast.
Bob - approximately how much height is lost when the Cha Porta Mast is installed in the ground with the sleeve/concrete? Great series btw! Subscribed, as my parents live in a HOA Community just north of Tampa area. Thanks and 73
Check out the chart on page 15 www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hz2phkovxballha30xgt4/Porta-Mast-User-Guide-221115.pdf?rlkey=rynmbta2cs1pnmhiw0v65b4sj&e=1&dl=0 The in ground section is not considered part of the length. I.E., a 20' porta mast is actually 21 1/2 feet long, meaning in the ground, you still get 20 feet. Hope this helps.
Hey Bob, Great Video. What about digital modes? I'm just south of you in the Sarasota area. I'm also looking for a good compromise antenna due to HOA restrictions. I would like to run digital in addition to SSB, so I was wondering if the antenna would be good enough for that. My other thought was to install some Landscaping with large trees and shrubs, but that will be kinda expensive. 73.
If I'm getting out SSB voice, digital should be just fine. I don't do digital, but I can't think of a single reason why it wouldn't work. Here I talk more about my actual setup, which is now "permanent" -- ruclips.net/video/9TIkoeSqI8E/видео.html
It is pretty beefy @shawnp6653. I haven't had any major storms blow through since my installation, but the manual on the Chameleon site has the 20' mast at 95MPH wind survivability; it assumes and in ground mount like I showed.
@@HOAHamRadio That's pretty good! Just was wondering how it would hold up to 'surprise' pop-up type storms. Good luck with it and thanks for the reply.
@steveverhoef5667 for the little I've operated so far, from Tampa Bay FL, I've made it as far south as Puerto Rico (1193 miles) and as far north as Montreal Canada, (1316 miles). I expect to get into Europe, but recently, Europe has been hard for me to reach with any of my antennas (that's unusual for me). I'm running 100 watts.
Depends on weight and wind load; Chameleon has some guidelines in their manual -- www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hz2phkovxballha30xgt4/Porta-Mast-User-Guide-221115.pdf?rlkey=rynmbta2cs1pnmhiw0v65b4sj&e=1&dl=0
Looks like a great solution to the HOA environment.. I'd def be installing this as an option if I were in a HOA.. I've got one of those types of flag poles in my yard.. I might do something similar with it and a sloper.. thx for sharing your ideas and testing the products.. 73 k0klb
Using a 20' mast minus 2' in the ground and minus another 5' from the top of the mast to the next section where the wire antenna is attached, it looks like only about 13' above ground for the top of the antenna wire when all is said and done. Correct?
Great observations @jackh7356 and I'll confirm this is a future video; right now the mast is down for some other activities. I believe Chameleon compensated for the "in ground" portion, so you don't loose that length, but again, I will confirm both measurements at my next set up.
I have the 25 ft mast. How did you get the extra two rings for the upper mast that you show in your video? Couldn't find them on the Chameleon website.
I believe Chameleon may just not have posted them to the website yet; you can reach out to their Sales Department; I've let Don know you will be asking. DONSSHERMAN@GMAIL.COM
As you have installed the radials, what is to prevent someone walking by and tripping on them? 2nd: If it is a sloper end fed wire, why use radials? Thanks for any thoughts. 73
I use radials per the manufacturers recommendations. As far as tripping on these, they are in my yard which is private property...people don't walk through my yard. If I were to do this in an area with traffic I would likely try to get the radials deep into the sod or slightly under ground.
I am so glad I found your channel. My XYL and I just sold our place out in the high desert prairie land north of Prescott,AZ where I had a 2-acre antenna farm into an HOA with tight restrictions and a very small lot. I’m going to watch all of your episodes to see if I can get a handle on this.
Thanks for watching @larrytaylor7753 and I hope I can help. I hope something I have or will share is a help to you.
Fantastic video production quality! Great review too.
Thank you for watching and the positive feedback.
Love the 13 Colonies event. Got the sweep and sent out 14 SASE’s just yesterday. I hope to get your QSL card someday. 😊
Congrats @forgetyourlife, can't wait to work you!
Good video Bob. I hope that that setup brings you many contacts and even more fun. I think that overcoming our particular challenges is a big part of the fun of amateur radio. Any bloke with a fat wallet can have a tower and beam installed but crafting and operating a little pistol station, overcoming various issues (like HOA CC&R) demonstrates much more skill and creativity, IMO. I hope to work you on the air someday. Safe travels and have fun!
You're speaking my language @Al_Dente1. Working in the HOA has made me so much more versatile that if I had not had to overcome the obstacles. We'll catch up on air some day!
Bob, that was a fantastic video! Your editing skills are pretty good. I can’t wait to see the “How to” to put the permanent mast installation because I’ll need it to put one 25’ PORTA-MAST at my QTH in Phoenix. It’s going to give more options to test prototypes on a daily basis with more testing time than setting up time!
💯👌🍻
Thanks for the compliment; fantastic gear deserves fantastic videos! Its NOT a natural talent and something I'm still developing; I only see my mistakes.
I'm working on something else pretty special right now, and once that project is complete, I'll start editing the ground install video. I'll share the tips and tricks of what I did that I hope will help others move out on it. This is easily going to be one of my favorite antenna set ups here at the QTH in the HOA.
Brilliant
Always means a lot when @digitalanalogueham watches and drops a compliment!
"I love living in an HOA" words I have literally never heard in my life...
73 K9MKE
There are more of us than you think. To hate the HOA is the stereotype and a lot less common than thought...IMHO.
@@HOAHamRadio I just don’t care about any of the benefits. Don’t care what my neighbors do, and we still have zoning and nuisance laws that can be used to enforce civility, but with actual due process. It’s not really about a stereotype, it’s just a conclusion based on an examination of the facts. Only been a homeowner 10 years but I’ve never encountered a situation where I wish there was an HOA.
@@osculant Beauty of living in the USA is you can can have your opinion, I can have mine. Thanks for the view.
@@HOAHamRadio glad to give it, thanks for the video
Excellent
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for the video
My pleasure, I enjoyed making this on a lot as I thought it might help others.
I don't live in an HOA-controlled neighborhood, and I LOVE to see folks who do, get over on them. :D
Thanks for the view and comment @MrTommy001. More antennas to come about which they will have no clue.
Bob this is awesome. Excellent explanation on what this is. Looking forward to your "how to" videos on setting it up.
Thanks for the kind words @hamradiobasics; this one was fun!
Great presentation
Thanks for watching and the compliment, appreciated!
Great video! I have purchased the Mast and will be following your instructions. Could you make a video describing the Schedule 40 build? Certainly looks cleaner than just the pipe sticking out. N3ATO here on the Space Coast.
Here you go N3ATO, hope this helps ruclips.net/video/h61XSsExds4/видео.html
Bob - approximately how much height is lost when the Cha Porta Mast is installed in the ground with the sleeve/concrete?
Great series btw!
Subscribed, as my parents live in a HOA Community just north of Tampa area.
Thanks and 73
Check out the chart on page 15 www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hz2phkovxballha30xgt4/Porta-Mast-User-Guide-221115.pdf?rlkey=rynmbta2cs1pnmhiw0v65b4sj&e=1&dl=0
The in ground section is not considered part of the length. I.E., a 20' porta mast is actually 21 1/2 feet long, meaning in the ground, you still get 20 feet.
Hope this helps.
Great info! Thx!
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Video should have a Dramamine disclaimer… lol
Great video!
LOL @robg-KD9YBZ, I'll have to keep that in mind. Or, start charging admission to the virtual amusement park ride 🙂
This video was so awesome..
especially the ending...with
the whole Hoa spinning around
in the aerial shot.
Great work !!
73
De
Kevin K9KEV
Thanks for that kind and positive feedback. This is AWESOME gear!
Hey Bob, Great Video. What about digital modes? I'm just south of you in the Sarasota area. I'm also looking for a good compromise antenna due to HOA restrictions. I would like to run digital in addition to SSB, so I was wondering if the antenna would be good enough for that. My other thought was to install some Landscaping with large trees and shrubs, but that will be kinda expensive. 73.
If I'm getting out SSB voice, digital should be just fine. I don't do digital, but I can't think of a single reason why it wouldn't work. Here I talk more about my actual setup, which is now "permanent" -- ruclips.net/video/9TIkoeSqI8E/видео.html
Nice! Added to potential solution list. How well does the mast handle the wind with/without flag and antenna? Thanks fro sharing. 73.
It is pretty beefy @shawnp6653. I haven't had any major storms blow through since my installation, but the manual on the Chameleon site has the 20' mast at 95MPH wind survivability; it assumes and in ground mount like I showed.
@@HOAHamRadio That's pretty good! Just was wondering how it would hold up to 'surprise' pop-up type storms. Good luck with it and thanks for the reply.
For your in-ground installation of the CHA Porta-Mast, did you do anything special for grounding, as I understand that the mast is anodized?
Just followed the manufacturers instructions...
I’m curious how far your making contacts with this setup…. I only operate portable. This has me thinking a little.
@steveverhoef5667 for the little I've operated so far, from Tampa Bay FL, I've made it as far south as Puerto Rico (1193 miles) and as far north as Montreal Canada, (1316 miles). I expect to get into Europe, but recently, Europe has been hard for me to reach with any of my antennas (that's unusual for me). I'm running 100 watts.
Do you think this would work as a mast for a cobweb?
Depends on weight and wind load; Chameleon has some guidelines in their manual -- www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hz2phkovxballha30xgt4/Porta-Mast-User-Guide-221115.pdf?rlkey=rynmbta2cs1pnmhiw0v65b4sj&e=1&dl=0
Looks like a great solution to the HOA environment.. I'd def be installing this as an option if I were in a HOA.. I've got one of those types of flag poles in my yard.. I might do something similar with it and a sloper.. thx for sharing your ideas and testing the products.. 73 k0klb
Thanks for watching Kevin. Gotta up my game to compete with tractor, silo, and corn stalk antennas 🙂
@@HOAHamRadio haha.. You're up gaming me by a long way already my friend.. Keep up the very informative videos.. 73
Using a 20' mast minus 2' in the ground and minus another 5' from the top of the mast to the next section where the wire antenna is attached, it looks like only about 13' above ground for the top of the antenna wire when all is said and done. Correct?
Great observations @jackh7356 and I'll confirm this is a future video; right now the mast is down for some other activities. I believe Chameleon compensated for the "in ground" portion, so you don't loose that length, but again, I will confirm both measurements at my next set up.
Four pages of complaints on the BBB website regarding Greyline antennas; mine included. Their rating is an "F."
I hear nothing but BAD NEWS about them...same as your situation. Sorry to hear.
I have the 25 ft mast. How did you get the extra two rings for the upper mast that you show in your video? Couldn't find them on the Chameleon website.
Same question here, also can you please post a link to the cam-jam? Thanks!
Here is an Amazon affiliate link for the camjam: amzn.to/3pCANBD
I believe Chameleon may just not have posted them to the website yet; you can reach out to their Sales Department; I've let Don know you will be asking. DONSSHERMAN@GMAIL.COM
Can we see it raised with the wire antenna attached, or did I blink?
5:45
LOL @Sprocket2, you blinked. I think at least twice in the video I am raising it with the wire attached. Thanks for stopping by and watching.
As you have installed the radials, what is to prevent someone walking by and tripping on them? 2nd: If it is a sloper end fed wire, why use radials? Thanks for any thoughts. 73
I use radials per the manufacturers recommendations. As far as tripping on these, they are in my yard which is private property...people don't walk through my yard. If I were to do this in an area with traffic I would likely try to get the radials deep into the sod or slightly under ground.
@@HOAHamRadio Fair enough. I'm sure your video will help others in an HOA. 73
I wonder if a flag with some bacon on it would be over the top ?
Bacon, that's like adding an Amp! Makes everything better.
If you're president of the HOA you don't have to worry about any of this Bob.
For sure! That is one valid option for addressing the challenge.