Great video, I do suggest that one strap be placed lower to prevent the pole from twisting and slipping out from the straps. If they are close then they can pivot if a strong wind comes along
I have the 33ft version of this; here's what I did. I found a six inch piece of PVC that just fits over the top segment. Cut a few opposing slits in one end of it about an inch or so long, and use a hose clamp to compress that end of it to hold it to the mast. That will prevent the top section from falling into the mast. On the top is a basic PVC end cap with an eye-bolt. The eye-bolt has a very small pulley attached to it, sized just right for 550 paracord. When I raise the mast, I have at least 35 ft of cord to either side of the pulley. That way, I can raise and lower new antennas (dipoles, window line j-poles, vertical wire, EFHW, etc) pretty much at will. The only kind of antennas it doesn't work for would be those that need to attach directly to the mast, like a small Yagi or fiberglass vertical.
I ordered the 28.5 - foot version and two sections didn't mate properly. I sent an e-mail and received a prompt reply with a phone number to call. Talked to Paul (yes, a real person) and he explained a short-term manufacturing problem. Two days later I had the new section. Great customer service. This mast is the real deal. No springy, bending wimpy tips. Not meant for hiking, SOTA, etc. But field duty via car transport is easily doable. Will definitely buy another for VHF/UHF vertical.
I'm glad I watched your vid before buying the Max-Gain push-up. I was thinking I would be able to manipulate the whole thing from the attic window, and place the mast onto the wall mounts once my antenna has cleared the peak and eave of the roof. But it really looks like you want this thing to be on the ground when pushed up. I can still attach it to the wall brackets above, but not to do the whole job from that height. And definitely not while standing on a ladder!
I just ordered this pole. I will be using it with my 2M Yagi for portable use. I started a 2m SSB net here in OKC. I use a double halo here at the QTH.
5:56 Pause the video. Notice in the background, there is a brick chimney. This is already the home's built-in ham radio tower ! If instead of mounting this pole to the short fence, he mounted it to the base of the chimney where the pole would rely on the chimney strength, he wouldn't need guy wires, and the pole would have far more rigidity. Also, if he painted the pole it would blend into the chimney, and since the chimney is on the tree side of his home, it would help disguise the entire antenna and mast. I've used chimneys many times as braces for ground-mounted antenna masts. You can also make and secure a metal brace, with a C shaped hook or open eye-bolt, on it near the top of the chimney. This will allow you to feed the mast through the C hook to secure it to the chimney, and at the base you can slide the mast over a smaller pole which is either driven into the ground (pipe or grounding rod) or mounted in concrete in a 5-gallon bucket for temporary use. The chimney is answer to stablizing, securing and hiding the antenna mast. It is your home's built-in ham radio tower !!
@@hamradiocq Oh, that is an entirely different issue. Yes, remain stealthy if you have an oppressive H.O.A. And, NEVER tell your neighbors or anyone in your neighborhood that you are a Ham radio operator. If any of them have R.F.I. problems, imagined or real, they will always blame it on you. I've been through this mill many times and taken to court. The best policy in a tightly controlled H.O.A. with nosy neighbors is to use attic antennas if possible, and operate 2 meters and 440 UHF during daylight hours. Then at night, you can erect a telescoping mast and put up a 40 meter inverted V. If you run 100 watts you will have no problems with neighbor RFI, however if you run 1KW or more, you can have some RFI issues with neighbors' stereos, alarm clocks and computers. Make sure to take down the mast and antenna before sunrise. HF Ham radio and HOA living situations do not mix well. Stealth is the best way to go, and if anyone asks you if you have heard strange noises coming from your clock radio or stereo or computer at night, say "Yes, I too have heard something like that." "I believe it is that new installation that the electric company or cell phone company put in down the block, some kind of cell phone repeater system or something...I saw them working on it in the recent past." Sometimes in life, "honesty is not the best policy" if you want to stay on the air while living in an oppressive and intrusive H.O.A.
The mast i have is a bit smaller but it is more safe. I used a wooden pole, that way I could leave it for a long time and professionally mend it into the ground with concrete. I attached my 7M whip antenna to the top of the structure and it turned out to be almost the same height as the one in the video
Unless you've added something of weight to the mast its not 20 pounds. The web page shows a weight of 12.3 pounds for the MK-4-HD. I have the MK-6-HD and its rated at 17.3 pounds. I never intended for this mast to be carried around, like back packing. I carry it around in my car and walk in a short distance where I set up portable or I've made a mast contraption that one of my car wheels is driven over to anchor the mast for use. I have several methods for mounting. I like to take this mast with me when I work special events like biathlons and triathlons. I am usually stuck at the furthest outbound distance from the start/finish line, by request, since I have an elevated antenna that lets my 1/2 watt HT communicate as if I was using a mobile.
I am looking to get into ham radio. If I wanted to use this as the mast for the antenna on my base station, could I do it? I considering raising it when I wanted to talk, and lowering it when i was done. This may be a stupid question, but I just started studying for my tech test today, so my knowledge is very limited.
Radio works has a great antenna much better than a G5rv. The G5rv is a 20 meter antenna and a real sacrifice for other bands. The 80 Carolina windom works well on 80, 40, 20 through 10. They are retiring however so wont be available long.
Are use a MFJ tripod with this mast and I also use a 5 gallon bucket with concrete in it and PVC pipe. Both of my set ups you have to take the bottom section of this mast.
A way to save on weight and have the telescopic capability get 2 pool poles, the kind with the net on the end. the one end fits into teh other and use butterfly nuts to secure
Maybe it will take some time. Last summer I pulled one of those fiberglass orange rods out of the ground often used to mark the street end of the driveway when it snows. Totally sucked.
You have had this about a month, how does it work for you? What antenna did you place on it? Which radios did you use with it? How many contacts have you made with this mast? What other information should I ask about. Guru, impart your to knowledge to us all. Please.
Definitely not a guru....but I really like this mast. I keep it out in the rain and sun and doesn't seem to effect it. I like it because it's quick up and quick down. It's good to hide in the HOA. I had some people come and work on my pool and the guy said, "what is that? doesn't it make your neighbors mad?". That got me to thinking I'd better not leave it up all the time. So, I put up my Chameleon antenna and I put up my Packtenna on it and I sit out side and raise it up at night. It's easy to get up there about 28 feet. I like it. Easy up and down. I wish I could paint it though but they say you can't do that it fit together too snug and the pain would mess that up. I'd rather it was brown or green more outdoor color.
@@hamradiocq Thank, I guess I will get this one then, have been doing some research recently. I live in a valley and it is impossible to even hit the repeater without some additional height
At 1 minute ,:15 seconds you said 15 - 20 pounds . Your Amazon link says " MFJ-1910 Telescoping Fiberglass mast is 33', collapses to a Mere 3.8' and Weighs only 3.3 lbs "
@@hamradiocq last thing anyone wants is the mast costing ££££'s landing in some old greetin faced constantly grassing to the Local authority pensioner ...been there mate!... fixed my stand off mount to my outside kitchen wall with 5 inch anchor hex bolts! that'll shut the old bastard up!
Interesting that you decided to follow some of the instructions for this mast but you didn't follow ALL of the instructions. This mast MFJ EXPLICITLY STATES in the instruction manual that IT MUST BE GUYED!
Very sorry for my comment about the guy ropes and what I thought to be your ignoring the need for them. Seems as though MFJ may have changed their construction of the mast to where it no long needs them. Mine requires the use of guy ropes and I'm a member of a club that has the same model as I do which requires guy ropes to be employed as well.
Great video, I do suggest that one strap be placed lower to prevent the pole from twisting and slipping out from the straps. If they are close then they can pivot if a strong wind comes along
Great point! Thanks!
I have the 33ft version of this; here's what I did. I found a six inch piece of PVC that just fits over the top segment. Cut a few opposing slits in one end of it about an inch or so long, and use a hose clamp to compress that end of it to hold it to the mast. That will prevent the top section from falling into the mast. On the top is a basic PVC end cap with an eye-bolt. The eye-bolt has a very small pulley attached to it, sized just right for 550 paracord. When I raise the mast, I have at least 35 ft of cord to either side of the pulley. That way, I can raise and lower new antennas (dipoles, window line j-poles, vertical wire, EFHW, etc) pretty much at will. The only kind of antennas it doesn't work for would be those that need to attach directly to the mast, like a small Yagi or fiberglass vertical.
Great ideas, thank for posting.
I ordered the 28.5 - foot version and two sections didn't mate properly. I sent an e-mail and received a prompt reply with a phone number to call. Talked to Paul (yes, a real person) and he explained a short-term manufacturing problem. Two days later I had the new section. Great customer service. This mast is the real deal. No springy, bending wimpy tips. Not meant for hiking, SOTA, etc. But field duty via car transport is easily doable. Will definitely buy another for VHF/UHF vertical.
Yeah this sucker is heavy sturdy. I love it
I'm glad I watched your vid before buying the Max-Gain push-up. I was thinking I would be able to manipulate the whole thing from the attic window, and place the mast onto the wall mounts once my antenna has cleared the peak and eave of the roof. But it really looks like you want this thing to be on the ground when pushed up. I can still attach it to the wall brackets above, but not to do the whole job from that height. And definitely not while standing on a ladder!
I just ordered this pole. I will be using it with my 2M Yagi for portable use. I started a 2m SSB net here in OKC. I use a double halo here at the QTH.
How well has it worked over the past two years?
5:56 Pause the video. Notice in the background, there is a brick chimney. This is already the home's built-in ham radio tower ! If instead of mounting this pole to the short fence, he mounted it to the base of the chimney where the pole would rely on the chimney strength, he wouldn't need guy wires, and the pole would have far more rigidity. Also, if he painted the pole it would blend into the
chimney, and since the chimney is on the tree side of his home, it would help disguise the entire antenna and mast. I've used chimneys many times as braces for ground-mounted antenna masts. You can also make and secure a metal brace, with a C shaped hook or open eye-bolt, on it near the top of the chimney.
This will allow you to feed the mast through the C hook to secure it to the chimney, and at the base you can slide the mast over a smaller pole which is either driven into the ground (pipe or grounding rod) or mounted in concrete in a 5-gallon bucket for temporary use. The chimney is answer to stablizing, securing and hiding the antenna mast. It is your home's built-in ham radio tower !!
Hey Jennifer, this is, The Guy. You make good points. However, I wanted to stay stealthy and incognito so I didnt get a call from the HOA.
@@hamradiocq Oh, that is an entirely different issue. Yes, remain stealthy if you have an oppressive H.O.A. And, NEVER tell your neighbors or anyone in your neighborhood that you are a Ham radio operator. If any of them have R.F.I. problems, imagined or real, they will always blame it on you. I've been through this mill many times and taken to court. The best policy in a tightly
controlled H.O.A. with nosy neighbors is to use attic antennas if possible, and operate 2 meters and 440 UHF during daylight hours. Then at night, you can erect a telescoping mast and put up a 40 meter inverted V. If you run 100 watts you will have no problems with neighbor RFI, however if you run 1KW or more, you can have some RFI issues with neighbors' stereos, alarm clocks and computers.
Make sure to take down the mast and antenna before sunrise. HF Ham radio and HOA living situations do not mix well. Stealth is the best way to go, and if anyone asks you if you have heard strange noises coming from your clock radio or stereo or computer at night, say "Yes, I too have heard something like that." "I believe it is that new installation that the electric company or cell phone company put in down the block, some kind of cell phone repeater system or something...I saw them working on it in the recent past." Sometimes in life, "honesty is not the best policy" if you want to stay on the air while living in an oppressive and intrusive H.O.A.
The mast i have is a bit smaller but it is more safe. I used a wooden pole, that way I could leave it for a long time and professionally mend it into the ground with concrete. I attached my 7M whip antenna to the top of the structure and it turned out to be almost the same height as the one in the video
Unless you've added something of weight to the mast its not 20 pounds. The web page shows a weight of 12.3 pounds for the MK-4-HD. I have the MK-6-HD and its rated at 17.3 pounds. I never intended for this mast to be carried around, like back packing. I carry it around in my car and walk in a short distance where I set up portable or I've made a mast contraption that one of my car wheels is driven over to anchor the mast for use. I have several methods for mounting. I like to take this mast with me when I work special events like biathlons and triathlons. I am usually stuck at the furthest outbound distance from the start/finish line, by request, since I have an elevated antenna that lets my 1/2 watt HT communicate as if I was using a mobile.
Great ideas! I've had one of these masts lying around for about a year and just recently decided to put it up. Thanks for the walk-through! 73!
Yeah, I like mine a lot.
I have a 50 foot version of that pole by MFJ..Still sitting in my garage 5 years later...It is a great Temp antenna pole
It's great
Instead of the tape to stop the pipe colapsing, use a hose clamp
I am looking to get into ham radio. If I wanted to use this as the mast for the antenna on my base station, could I do it? I considering raising it when I wanted to talk, and lowering it when i was done. This may be a stupid question, but I just started studying for my tech test today, so my knowledge is very limited.
Dustin H yes this one works for exactly that reason I can raise and lower it at will. Keep in mind the heights you want to achieve
Looks good brother! I have the MK-6-HD at 37' ground mounted and guyed for my 102' G5RV. Great mast...well built and worth the $$. :)
Thanks!
Radio works has a great antenna much better than a G5rv. The G5rv is a 20 meter antenna and a real sacrifice for other bands. The 80 Carolina windom works well on 80, 40, 20 through 10. They are retiring however so wont be available long.
Are use a MFJ tripod with this mast and I also use a 5 gallon bucket with concrete in it and PVC pipe. Both of my set ups you have to take the bottom section of this mast.
That's a good idea. This is working for now... I need a more perm solution though.
Pu12 telescopic antenna is still used here in my country...
who is the manufacturer of this mast as I am in the market for a mast I can use for Ham Radio here in the UK and this mast looks ideal for my needs
See description
mfj do one the same can be purchased from waters and Stanton
best mast I have found is the MK-6-HD it is a 38' pole. They have different sizes. I think the pole in this video is a MK pole also.
I think that's what this is.
Please, who makes this mast?
A way to save on weight and have the telescopic capability get 2 pool poles, the kind with the net on the end. the one end fits into teh other and use butterfly nuts to secure
Great ideas man!
I use the Chameleon antenna, Mimi and mel pole. but the wire antenna works the best. very good antennas Chameleon. n3reb
Impecable ..como se llaman esos.cierres para los tubos..?
Excellent video very informative and useful.
I think I'll get one of these as it seems easy to put up and down.
Yeah it's still going strong after being out in the weather over 2 winters. Please use the link in the description I get a small credit for it.
That could come in very handy!
Yeah I love it.
Would be nice if they showed the mast with the antenna and cable you need to shove up there.
Maybe it will take some time. Last summer I pulled one of those fiberglass orange rods out of the ground often used to mark the street end of the driveway when it snows. Totally sucked.
How do you Earth ground your antenna being the mast is fiberglass???
With lots of wishes and hope
You have had this about a month, how does it work for you? What antenna did you place on it? Which radios did you use with it? How many contacts have you made with this mast? What other information should I ask about. Guru, impart your to knowledge to us all. Please.
Definitely not a guru....but I really like this mast. I keep it out in the rain and sun and doesn't seem to effect it. I like it because it's quick up and quick down. It's good to hide in the HOA. I had some people come and work on my pool and the guy said, "what is that? doesn't it make your neighbors mad?". That got me to thinking I'd better not leave it up all the time. So, I put up my Chameleon antenna and I put up my Packtenna on it and I sit out side and raise it up at night. It's easy to get up there about 28 feet. I like it. Easy up and down. I wish I could paint it though but they say you can't do that it fit together too snug and the pain would mess that up. I'd rather it was brown or green more outdoor color.
You have used it a few times? Has it helped to make contacts or is it more ease of use and the neighbors don't know? HOA's are such a pain.
Ray Konold a little of both I also like that it's fairly mobile I can take with me. it's heavy and works well. would take it for a long weekend
is this something portable and temporary or it can also be used as a permanent solution?
I have had it up like that for over a year in all weather.
@@hamradiocq Thank, I guess I will get this one then, have been doing some research recently. I live in a valley and it is impossible to even hit the repeater without some additional height
Can you drop a link as to where you can get the straps without clips....like you're using??
No mention of who makes it, where to buy, price?
Max-Gain Systems, available from their web site.
did that come all in one like your showing
The fiberglass rods and the connectors did come as 1 unit together. Please see description link for details.
Nice vid...... Are you going to do an update video with the a antenna mounted?
rgp415 I need to do that I raise and lower the mast a lot and use different antennas
is this mast strong enough for a rotator to be mounted the the top for mobile use
No I don't think so. Fiberglass, heavy, but I wouldn't do that.
If this is the Max-Gain mast, then no. They specifically state that these masts are not intended for rotators or large antennas.
You can get aluminium tele pole that you can fit the rota at the bottom 👍
Calm winds are easy. How does it hold up to 50-70mph winds with gusts?
In Missouri that never happened, I think it would be ok if it was well stablized at the base.
Where did you order this from .... ? I’m looking for one for a portable repeater antenna ....
Hey James I got it here. Fiberglass Mast: mgs4u.com/fiberglass-push-up-masts/?v=7516fd43adaa
could it be installed to the side of the chimney to give an extra 20 feet height?
Probably yes.
Where did you purchase the pole from?
See description
Could a person use a PVC different sizes thick wall and Howard like you got for that fiberglass pol
Yes they could, but it has to fit perfectly.
Have you had any issues with the sun deterioration of the mast. Invisible splinters of glass.
No, none at all. It's been out in the weather over a year now same spot.
Is it better than the military fiberglass mats antenna pole ? VA2SOB
Yes, it is. Lighter.
At 1 minute ,:15 seconds you said 15 - 20 pounds . Your Amazon link says " MFJ-1910 Telescoping Fiberglass mast is 33', collapses to a Mere 3.8' and Weighs only 3.3 lbs "
It's old video, things change.
do you think this is durable enough for a permanent setup?
This thing is tough and heavy. I've had it outdoors for about 3 years now and it's fine, just a little dirty, stay swet.
That almost as tall as me 😂😂 5’7.5 The Condo said I could use one, but I wonder how they may feel with a wall clamp toward the top😂😂
Hope it all worked out.
Could this mast be used on a GMRS antenna?
I don't see why not.
take up the slack by puting a hose clamp around that section of mast
Maybe you could have bolted it to the chimney, get another 20 feet higher!! Jimmy.
Yeah, I wanted to be able to raise and lower it to be on the down low
Can you ground it?
it's fiberblass
Ok so who makes this mystery product?
Try reading the description. Link is below. Mystery solved.
Anyone know how to buy this in Canada? or where?
Do you not have Amazon? amzn.to/2W1ZgN0
@@hamradiocq When I click on the link, it opens up to show a very flimsy MFJ fibreglass mast that is nothing like the one in the video.
NO HOA? built a directional antenna! :)
revadan I havr hoa. This is my night stealth
what pole is that? how tall?
sort the fence Mate... bit wobbly! been there mate mast in neighbours garden! oops sorry!
Hilarious
@@hamradiocq last thing anyone wants is the mast costing ££££'s landing in some old greetin faced constantly grassing to the Local authority pensioner ...been there mate!... fixed my stand off mount to my outside kitchen wall with 5 inch anchor hex bolts! that'll shut the old bastard up!
Interesting that you decided to follow some of the instructions for this mast but you didn't follow ALL of the instructions. This mast MFJ EXPLICITLY STATES in the instruction manual that IT MUST BE GUYED!
Very sorry for my comment about the guy ropes and what I thought to be your ignoring the need for them. Seems as though MFJ may have changed their construction of the mast to where it no long needs them. Mine requires the use of guy ropes and I'm a member of a club that has the same model as I do which requires guy ropes to be employed as well.
20 pounds isn't very heavy unless you are 8 years old eh.
Nelxon M. Let's drop it on your head and see
A cheap photo tripod costs..what? About $20? Invest in one, mmmmmkay?
not that simple
3:50 Che ignorantone!
Neanche i principi base delle costruzioni conosci...
Il laccio rosso dovevi fissarlo A LIVELLO DEL TERRENO.