[amsat-bb] Re: PVC

[Edward R. Cole]

First off,  The originator asks a very open-ended question.  His only 
use of PVC was for a vertical antenna.  So what is his intended use 
for a PVC mast?  Except for very small wind-area antenna, it will not 
likely hold up.  Why would one use inferior materials in place of 
easily obtained steel (best) or aluminum (satisfactory)?

Does he need an insulated mast?  Does he plan an antenna that has to 
be isolated from nearby metal because...?  (it would affect the pattern?)

Thick-wall fiberglass is considerably stronger than PVC and has all 
the characteristics.  But neither will have the strength of 
steel.  Adding wood inserted inside helps (somewhat).  I made a 
18-turn 432 helical beam with 1-1/4-inch wooden closet pole and it 
lasted two winters before snow-load broke it.  I was too cheap for 
metal or fiberglass.  Wood must be carefully selected for antenna 
material and probably not match using metal for strength/weight ratio.

Some antennas have used PVC tubing for part of the structure.

Perhaps a better answer would come with more details of what is to be 
supported by the PVC mast.

And re: negative nancy - she may have extensive experience to speak 
from. ;-)  I thought that was what the query was about - experiences 
by others using PVC.  Not everyone will have positive experiences with PVC.

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 10:31 AM 2/24/2011, 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" <mattpatt at 1starnet.com> 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: amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On
>Behalf Of Bruce Semple
> >> Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 6:41 AM
> >> To: AMSAT-BB at amsat.org
> >> 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
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> _______________________________________________
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>author.
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> >>>>
> >>> _______________________________________________
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> >>>
> >> _______________________________________________
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> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
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> >>
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
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>_______________________________________________
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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