Benefits of Telescopic Masts

A telescoping mast is used in installations for which standard 5 or 10 foot lengths of mast stacked together would not be sufficiently strong or rigid. (1.) A length of telescoping mast is stronger and more rigid than the same lengths made up of standard mast pieces stacked together. Because of their additional strength, some telescoping masts used with ground mounts (2.) can be extended up to 15 feet above the roof line without requiring guy wires. Another advantage of telescoping masts is that they can be (3.) easily adjusted to odd heights without having to cut the tubing.

(4.) For extra strength when installing large antennas, use a telescoping mast that is one size larger than actually needed. This will permit you to attach the antenna to the mast section immediately below the topmost one. This section is larger and stronger than the topmost section because it is reinforced by the 1-1/4 diameter section that remains inside.

Originally Posted by Mister B

I have a couple of older Radio shack telescoping masts and find them very convienent. I have not fully extended them in years, so they are very ridgid with the thinner uppermot sections still in part of the lower sections. I have both about 15 feet above the roofline with no guy wires and get practly no sway, and this is windy West Texas. The other great advantage is the ease of getting them up. I find it much easier to push up the sections than to fit aditional masts into another while holding it off the ground.
Yes, I am sure shipping is expensive. I do not know if Radio Shack will ship to the store for free, I heard on this forun at one time that True Value Hardware will provide that service.

Originally Posted by ProjectSHO89

I think it was either True Value or Ace that did a ship-to-store for one of the ChannelMaster Telescopic mounts.

Originally Posted by arxaw

Two sources for telescoping masts:
http://www.channelmasterstore.com/An...Masts_s/42.htm
http://www.3starinc.com/rohn_h30_tel...enna_mast.html

Originally Posted by videobruce

I'd go with Rohn. More $$, but it's Rohn.
Search any Amateur radio supply outfit for towers.

...use a telescoping mast that is one size larger than actually needed. This will permit you to attach the antenna to the mast section immediately below the topmost one. This section is larger and stronger than the topmost section because it is reinforced by the 1-1/4 diameter section that remains inside.

Originally Posted by cpcat

This is called a ground mount and is one of the most sturdy installations. I don't see any advantage of sinking the bottom into the ground. Just use a footer of some sort i.e. large flat rock or cement sidewalk tread.

I would recommend using a telescoping mast. I used a 30 footer and installed it upside down so the stiffest part is at the top. This also allows you to raise/lower the antenna very easily for fine tuning the signal.

There's an antenna installation guide at CM's website. I think it says 10 feet above roofline without need for guying with this type of mount. This is a rough estimate and obviously depends on your particulars, primarily how big of an antenna you put up.

I've had my rig up for a couple of years now and it's about 8 feet above roofline without problems. I could go higher but it actually is in the "sweet spot" for signal as is.

Originally Posted by McDonoughDawg 

I know one thing, I would hate to be without mine.