Mounting an Imax2000

[1018weatherman]

Hello All, just looking for input on how to mount an Imax2000. I am wanting to mount the mast in the ground, with cement possibly, if necessary. Looking for some advice.

Thanks

 

[Rt169Radio]

What kind of input are you looking for? Basic stuff or advanced stuff?

 

[1018weatherman]

Most likely the basic stuff, but I will take all the advise I can get. First off, what would be the best type of material for a mast, and any tips or tricks on getting it up.

 

[Rt169Radio]

Well for my antenna setups I used 10-1/2 foot 17 gauge steel top rail, I u-bolted and clamped 2 together and put them on fence poles. So I have three setups like that.

These are the ones I used.

YARDGARD 10-1/2 ft. 17-Gauge Steel Top Rail for Chain-Link Fence-328913DPT at The Home Depot

Now you could put them into the ground with cement, you could use Quikrete cement. Now how would you want your antenna setup? Free standing in the ground? Or in the ground and bracketed to the house?

 

[LtDoc]

What you mount your antenna on, mast/pole/tower/etc, depends on weather in most cases. It has to be strong enough to withstand the common wind etc, and not get blown over, you know? Typically, bigger is better till it get's ridiculous. Over doing is always cheaper/safer than re-doing.
Like others, I use some fence top-rail for masts. I limit it to two sections, about twenty feet, cuz' I'm too lazy to do it 'right' (guying etc.). It's not the best way in the world but it's okay for my particular situation.
It's a matter of what you may have on hand or can get rea$onably, and what you are 'allowed' to do by whoever/whatever.
- 'Doc

 

[1018weatherman]

I'm going to be free standing in the ground. That's for all the help so far

 

[WA2E]

I'd be leery of using 20 ft of top rail with a 24' antenna unless you guy the mast. I believe the Imax will accommodate a 2" mast or perhaps 2 1/8"?

 

[LtDoc]

Oh, but I don't have a 24 foot antenna on top is that fence rail. That'd be a bit 'much', I agree.
- 'Doc

 

[1018weatherman]

If I were to go with a 10ft post as a mast, would I be able to transmit and receive decently? I do have a lot of trees though.

 

[WA2E]

As always the higher the better especially for ground wave. Might work a bit better than parking your mobile in the same location. You didn't describe your situation. No way to mount it high on the house? I use an A-99 with the top section trimmed for 10M. It's mounted on a 2" mast attached to a 3" vent pipe that's 6' tall which places the bottom of the antenna 36' above ground. Works well for local groups and decent for DX too.

Just some food for thought.

Mike

 

[Rt169Radio]

If I were to go with a 10ft post as a mast, would I be able to transmit and receive decently? I do have a lot of trees though.

Could you mount it on your house? Like a eve mount or wall mount?