RE: [Elecraft] OT: 40' mast on Ebay dirt cheap.
Sorry to clutter the list with this, but I figure I should finish the story. The mast arrived Wed. It was not boxed at all, just shipped in its carrying bag. It survived the trip to VT just fine. 12 Pieces, each 48 long, yielding 44 feet of mast length. So be warned, the goods are good but the mast is not shiped in any box of any kind. The seller does NOT do nearly as good in the customer service area as Elecraft does! OK, back to Elecraft topics now. - Keith N1AS - - K2 5411.ssb.100 - - K3 Wave 3 - ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: 40' mast on Ebay dirt cheap.
What is that? - Wave goodbye to it being here soon :-( Disappointed On 18/10/07 19:46, Darwin, Keith [EMAIL PROTECTED] sent: - K3 Wave 3 - -- If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties. -Francis Bacon, essayist, philosopher, and statesman (1561-1626) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] OT: 40' mast on Ebay dirt cheap.
I'm waiting for mine to be delivered. I did BIN for the mast and a couple of other small things and asked for combined shipping. Got no response from the seller except for an e-bay invoice showing $31 in shipping charges (PA to VT). One box arrived yesterday with the small items. The mast I'm assuming will arrive today or tomorrow. So much for combining shipping to save me some money. So far, I'm not thrilled at all with the seller. Shame on me for not checking into shipping BEFORE bidding. I knew better but just assumed it can't be that bad. Fortunately, the goods (so far) have been in great shape. - Keith N1AS - - K2 5411.ssb.100 - - K3 wave 3 - -Original Message- Subject: [Elecraft] Re: [QRP-L] OT: 40' mast on Ebay dirt cheap. I sent my order in sometime last weekend and just got the mast kit this morning. Mine appear to have never been used. The carrying case was also new. Shipping to my QTH was $23. I can't speak as to what everyone else who may have ordered got, but I certainly got a good deal. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: 40' mast on Ebay dirt cheap.
On Fri, 12 Oct 2007, Stephen Przepiora wrote: Just to let you all know, there is a guy selling 40' fiberglass military mast with carrying case with a buy it now price of $25.00. He also has a Military Nylon Rope Tie Down Kit that has two 50' ropes (so what) and six velcro straps with rings you can use as guying connectors. I bought a similar kit at a local hamfest...I paid more than the above, but didn't pay shipping...so it was close to a drawalso got two base plates that kinda fan out, and a neat top hat for mutliple wires. I know this is not lightweight stuff, but some of us do not backpack in and operate far from the vehicle :) Mine was heavy enough that I had a bit of difficulty getting it back to the car...and several folks commented that they too were winded after getting theirs last year. Thom,EIEIO Email, Internet, Electronic Information Officer www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] OT: 40' mast on Ebay dirt cheap.
Just in case you guys wonder where this stuff came from, it was used to hold up military camouflage netting. Those paddle base plates really aren't base plates, they were used at the top of the mast sections to keep it from tearing through the netting. This stuff takes a little getting used to and you might have to manufacture some rings to connect guy ropes to, but it works really nice for portable antenna masting. The only drawback is that it IS heavy. I've seen it sell for $20.00 per 80 feet with carrying bag at Oklahoma and Kansas hamfests. Availability is starting to dry up a bit, so $25 for 40 feet could be a decent price these days. I got mine 4 years ago @ 80 feet/20 bucks. A friend of mine with a machine shop in his garage manufactured a bunch of aluminum guy rings, and some top pieces that hold pulleys and all sorts of other stuff -- works great. Get it and use your imagination. Fantastic field day antenna supports where trees aren't available. Jim - W0EB -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thom LaCosta Sent: Friday, October 12, 2007 1:42 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft Reflector; QRP-L Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: 40' mast on Ebay dirt cheap. On Fri, 12 Oct 2007, Stephen Przepiora wrote: Just to let you all know, there is a guy selling 40' fiberglass military mast with carrying case with a buy it now price of $25.00. He also has a Military Nylon Rope Tie Down Kit that has two 50' ropes (so what) and six velcro straps with rings you can use as guying connectors. I bought a similar kit at a local hamfest...I paid more than the above, but didn't pay shipping...so it was close to a drawalso got two base plates that kinda fan out, and a neat top hat for mutliple wires. I know this is not lightweight stuff, but some of us do not backpack in and operate far from the vehicle :) Mine was heavy enough that I had a bit of difficulty getting it back to the car...and several folks commented that they too were winded after getting theirs last year. Thom,EIEIO Email, Internet, Electronic Information Officer www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: 40' mast on Ebay dirt cheap.
Hi Jim I have both the plastic and the aluminum military surplus masts I use for FD. I find that hose clamps and simple D rings make quick and easy guy line attachment points. Easy to assemble or disassemble right on the spot. 73m, Bob N6WG The Little Station with Attitude - Original Message - From: Jim Sheldon [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Mailing List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, October 12, 2007 12:24 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] OT: 40' mast on Ebay dirt cheap. Just in case you guys wonder where this stuff came from, it was used to hold up military camouflage netting. Those paddle base plates really aren't base plates, they were used at the top of the mast sections to keep it from tearing through the netting. This stuff takes a little getting used to and you might have to manufacture some rings to connect guy ropes to, but it works really nice for portable antenna masting. The only drawback is that it IS heavy. I've seen it sell for $20.00 per 80 feet with carrying bag at Oklahoma and Kansas hamfests. Availability is starting to dry up a bit, so $25 for 40 feet could be a decent price these days. I got mine 4 years ago @ 80 feet/20 bucks. A friend of mine with a machine shop in his garage manufactured a bunch of aluminum guy rings, and some top pieces that hold pulleys and all sorts of other stuff -- works great. Get it and use your imagination. Fantastic field day antenna supports where trees aren't available. Jim - W0EB -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thom LaCosta Sent: Friday, October 12, 2007 1:42 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft Reflector; QRP-L Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: 40' mast on Ebay dirt cheap. On Fri, 12 Oct 2007, Stephen Przepiora wrote: Just to let you all know, there is a guy selling 40' fiberglass military mast with carrying case with a buy it now price of $25.00. He also has a Military Nylon Rope Tie Down Kit that has two 50' ropes (so what) and six velcro straps with rings you can use as guying connectors. I bought a similar kit at a local hamfest...I paid more than the above, but didn't pay shipping...so it was close to a drawalso got two base plates that kinda fan out, and a neat top hat for mutliple wires. I know this is not lightweight stuff, but some of us do not backpack in and operate far from the vehicle :) Mine was heavy enough that I had a bit of difficulty getting it back to the car...and several folks commented that they too were winded after getting theirs last year. Thom,EIEIO Email, Internet, Electronic Information Officer www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: 40' mast on Ebay dirt cheap.
Yes, they are dirt cheap for a reason. Note the area around the bottom ends. That area is lighter than the other area of the section. This tells me that they have been used a lot or mishandled. Mishandling of these type masts is the main reason that they are not very good for use at heights over 25 ft. The joint areas are the weak link in these surplus 'fiberglass' masts. Note also that they are not truly all fiberglass, but have loose fiberglass pieces held together with a resin/plastic bonding agent. Under stress, they easily crack at the female end. That is why there is an extra ring around the female end. There are several variations of these available. The ones with the fiberglass ring at the female end are the best, if they have not been mishandled. I would avoid those with plastic rings, since they tend to break much easier. I have seen new ones right out of the storage warehouses with plastic rings falling apart. But, even the fiberglass rings will also crack if mishandled. If left outside for extended periods, the binding agent dissapates due to the Sun's UV. This then leaves little slivers of fiberglass exposed, which can get embedded in your skin if not wearing gloves. Bottomline - paint them if you want them to last outside. Also, to strengthen the joint area, use a stainless steel hose clamp around the ring, or where the ring use to be. As someone else mentioned, they are getting harder to find, but even harder is finding those that are worth using. Now for the disclosure: I use to sell these also, but for the above reasons, no more. I do continue to sell the aluminum versions, which are much stronger, tolerant of mishandling and over-stressing. 73, Henry - K4TMC -Original Message- From: Stephen Przepiora [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Reflector Elecraft@mailman.qth.net; QRP-L [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Fri, 12 Oct 2007 2:03 pm Subject: [Elecraft] OT: 40' mast on Ebay dirt cheap. Just to let you all know, there is a guy selling 40' fiberglass military mast with carrying case with a buy it now price of $25.00. He also has a Military Nylon Rope Tie Down Kit that has two 50' ropes (so what) and six velcro straps with rings you can use as guying connectors. Link to store: http://stores.ebay.com/Military-Surplus-Junk Shipping from PA to NY was going to be $12.00 I know this is not lightweight stuff, but some of us do not backpack in and operate far from the vehicle :) Steve - KC2QXE ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! - http://mail.aol.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
