Discone mast question

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magic_lantern

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I have a discone that requires a 1" threaded pipe to be screwed into the insulator that the cable will run through. My question is is this a functioning part of the antenna and is it required to be made of metal.
Threaded rigid aluminum is not that easy to find in the required lengths and since this antenna will be attic mounted for now is 1" pvc ok to use. 1" black iron is my other option.

Thanks
 

W3DMV

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PVC will fine for attic mounting. I hang mine in the attic using a screw eye
in the roof rafter and a short piece of string tied to the top of the antenna.

Note: For outside get a piece of aluminum rigid electrical conduit.
Available in all pipe sizes at Lowes and any electrical supply distributor. It
comes pre threaded in 10 ft sections..
 

spongella

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Reply to Discone Question

Good question.

Recently installed a discone with PVC, worked out well, PVC is easily obtainable, lightweight, easily cut and what with no more Radio Shacks around masts are hard to find. See pic of recent install. Note that longer lengths tend to bend a little so choose the pipe diameter wisely.

Have used PVC in previous outdoor installations, never a problem, at least at this QTH.
 

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phask

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IS that just white PVC? If so without a UV retardant it will eventually degrade due to sunlight.

A simple coat of paint will stop it.
 

spongella

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Just plain PVC but thanks for the tip, never too old to learn! Actually how about a paint color of one's choice, even better.
 

WA8ZTZ

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Note: For outside get a piece of aluminum rigid electrical conduit.
Available in all pipe sizes at Lowes and any electrical supply distributor. It
comes pre threaded in 10 ft sections..

fyi... the typical rigid conduit that you see at the big box store is steel
rigid conduit can be obtained in aluminum but it is much more expensive ;)
 
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