Attaching wire antennas to a fibreglass mast for portable operation can be a challenge and it often results in the tip of the mast eventually getting broken. Here is a solution that takes the strain off the fragile tip section of the mast.

Attaching wire antennas to a fibreglass mast for portable operation can be a challenge and it often results in the tip of the mast eventually getting broken. Here is a solution that takes the strain off the fragile tip section of the mast. You need a fishing snap-swivel and a crimp ring-terminal. You simple remove the plastic insulation off of the ring-terminal and bend the ring part to a 90 degree angle with pliers. The snap part of the swivel clips on the part of the ring terminal that would normally get crimped. The ring terminal then slides down the tip of the mast and the wire is attached to the little ring on the bottom of the snap-swivel. If you are using a heavier gauge wire, you can simply choose a larger ring terminal so that the support slides further down the mast. It is also worth noting that #22 to #28 AWG wire will easily handle 100 watts of RF so you can put your portable wire antennas on a diet by using a smaller wire gauge.

Cheers

Michael VE3WMB

Appears In: October 2024 Rambler Vol.67, Issue 2