A Temporary Antenna Support
My Design
Figure 1 shows one of the variations I designed. To build this version, you will need several lengths of PVC pipe. In my case, I used two ten-foot lengths (3.05m) of one-inch (2.54cm) PVC pipe. One of the pipe lengths is used as the main vertical support and the other one is cut into the various lengths used to construct the support.
The method I used was to cut a two-foot (.61m) length of the PVC and then cut one end to make a point as illustrated in Figure 1. Two other lengths are cut to one foot (30 cm). Then these three pieces and the vertical pipe are glued to the X fitting.
If you can’t find the X coupling, then you may use two T couplings and construct the support as shown in Figure 1B. You could also use threaded couplings, which will allow the support to be broken down into a smaller package and carried in the trunk of a small car.
To use the support, all you need to do is to put the pointed end on the ground, then step on the cross members and push the support into the ground until the cross member is flush against the ground. Before planting the support, you may want to put your antenna on the vertical support, depending on what kind of antenna and how tall your vertical support happens to be. But this is your option, depending on what antenna you are putting up. I only had a small two-meter antenna to put up, so I just used a stepladder to install the antenna on top of the support.
Another Way
Figure 2 shows how a small vertical with radials could be erected and also how a J-Pole could be installed. There are many variations of how antennas may be put up and the convenient use of PVC allows many variations in construction. This is one reason no dimensions are shown on the two illustrations. Obviously you will use the dimensions to fit your particular project. Happy erecting!
Originally posted on the AntennaX Online Magazine by Richard Morrow, K5CNF
Last Updated : 29th April 2024