What is the preferred mast setup for a Scantenna ?

[stevej88]

I've been reading through all of the posts that I could find relating to the Scantenna, and I'm still not quite sure what I should use for the mast. I'm going to be using a chimney mount, and planning to use a 10' mast. Should I just use a standard 1 1/4" 16-gauge steel mast for the entire length, or 1 1/4" grey PVC conduit (or steel on the bottom/PVC on top) ? Would using an all steel mast affect the performance of the antenna ?

Thanks in advance for any info / advise.

 

[dbox1]

I have a ST2 mounted outside on a regular tubular mast. VHF/UHF at top, and the ST2 mounted below. Antennas in close proximity can see performance changes due to antenna coupling, and about 5' distance between them to avoid this is prefered. Another way to help from coupling is to not use them both in the same polarization. This is my configuration. The VHF/UHF is horizontal and the ST2, vertical. I stated all that to say this. The entire length of the ST2 is vertical to the mast. I was, at first, concerned about the antennas perfomance because of this, so I picked a 800MHz EDACS system 40 miles away, and placed the mast directly in it's path. Reception to this system was clear and uninterrupted. I then rotated the ST2 180 degrees, pointing it directly at that same system. I saw no change in signal level, or quality of transmission. It is truly performing, even with a metal tubular mast, about as omnidirectional as I could ask.

When it comes to antenna systems outside of your structure, I highly recommend that you use NEC &/or UL approved equipment and recommendations for installations for numerous reasons.

Hope this helps answer your question, and best of luck.

 

[JGP]

I've been reading through all of the posts that I could find relating to the Scantenna, and I'm still not quite sure what I should use for the mast. I'm going to be using a chimney mount, and planning to use a 10' mast. Should I just use a standard 1 1/4" 16-gauge steel mast for the entire length, or 1 1/4" grey PVC conduit (or steel on the bottom/PVC on top) ? Would using an all steel mast affect the performance of the antenna ?

Thanks in advance for any info / advise.

Go and buy a 10' pc. of electrical conduit in the dia. that you want. It will not rust and does much better in strong winds than a steel mast. A steel mast will bend in strong winds.

Joel

 

[trooperdude]

I've been reading through all of the posts that I could find relating to the Scantenna, and I'm still not quite sure what I should use for the mast. I'm going to be using a chimney mount, and planning to use a 10' mast. Should I just use a standard 1 1/4" 16-gauge steel mast for the entire length, or 1 1/4" grey PVC conduit (or steel on the bottom/PVC on top) ? Would using an all steel mast affect the performance of the antenna ?

Thanks in advance for any info / advise.

The answer is... it depends.

I have mine mounted on a 10ft section of standard TV mast, with the backside pointing to a strong transmitter I want nulled out.

With a steel mast, it IS slightly directional. In my case I preferred that.

If you want pure omni, then a non-metallic mast is a must.

I just haven't found one strong enough that will last more than a year out in the UV.

 

[fuzzymoto]

My Scantenna ST-2 is about half way down a regulat 10-foot steel/galvanized TV mast. I also have a Radio Shack 20-176 antenna mounted at the top of the mast. Both seem to work fine. If the ST-2 is behaving directionally I don't see it and if the minimal seperation between the two antenna is causing problems, I also don't see it. Both work great. I get very strong winds so I did the bisysle antenna reinforcement of the ST-2. I've also lagged my mast very securely to the house. My mast has seen some really strong winds and it has not bent at all.

 

[usnasa]

sorry but quick question what type of cable do you use for your Scantenna antenna or any antenna for that matter rg 6, rg 58 ? 50 omhs 75 omhs which one thanks

 

[trooperdude]

RG6U Quad Shield sat cable swept to 3 ghz.

But then I only have a 50ft run.

 

[fmon]

Mine is on a 9 ft 1 1/4 aluminum tube and using 50ft run of RG 6 which Grove sent with the antenna.

By trooperdude: "With a steel mast, it IS slightly directional. In my case I preferred that." Does this really give the antenna direction? Backside? Is this the mast side?

 

[usnasa]

thanks to all

 

[fuzzymoto]

50-feet RG-6

 

[123]

This Works Great

Scanteenas rock. I have mine on a 30ft. telescopic pole i bought from lows for $40. 50ft of cable comes with the ant. Good stuff I think it out does the diamond! ENJOY!

 

[tbharper]

123 do you have all antennas on one lead if so does itr pick up better or what

 

[123]

both leads are connected