I don't know if this is a good source or just what I have used.  I have a 
directional loop FM antenna I made for broadcast FM receiving It is fastened 
to 20 feet of 1 and a half inch P V C gray electric conduit..  It comes with 
a bell coupling on one end and glues together with regular P V C cement.  I 
fastened it to the gutter at about 15 feet and put it over a iron stake in 
the ground.  For my 80 meter loop I used ropes and insulators for the trees 
and fastened a 21 foot section of 1 inch black iron pipe to a post in my 
chain link fence.  Then used a pulley and rope with insulator so the actual 
antenna wire is away from the steel pipe.  My future 160 antenna I am 
thinking of 35 or 40 1 and a half inch pvc fastened to the gutter and also 
guy at the top with rope.  Then a 21 foot steel pipe attached to a corner 
post and run along a wooden fence terminating at a 10 section of conduit 
fastened to another post..  Again using pulleys and rope to keep the antenna 
wire away from the steel posts..  Everyone's house is different  for sure
Ron
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Scott Howell" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, January 02, 2012 4:31 PM
Subject: Good source for aluminum masts


> Hey all,
>
> I'm on the hunt for a good source of aluminum masts. I'm looking for =
> something that is could serve as more permanent mast setup here at the =
> house and also some possible light weight options for the road. I know =
> wood is always an option, but I have to have stuff that is easily =
> shipped or transported and will handle some windy conditions. One idea =
> was to strap the mast to my fence and deck or require little digging =
> since the ground is starting to get a bit tough. grin
> So, aluminum was recommended for durability and ease of handling. I =
> thought of CVPC, but making 20 foot masts out of the stuff might be =
> difficult unless I glue it all together. That is possible, but not sure =
> if it would handle 40Mph winds or gusts up to 70Mph at heights of 20 =
> feet. Thoughts welcome.
> FInally got the feed line arranged by punching a hole in the side of the =
> house behind the heat pump. Ah my XYL was ok with that and once I =
> covered things up with some Duck Seal, all was right with the world. Now =
> I got two feed lines outdoors, so I could slap an antenna up for local =
> use and one for HF.
> Btw, I happen to run across this old scanner antenna I did not realize I =
> even had still. I got it pretty cheap and it looks like some sort of =
> creature with about six legs pointing down at a 45 degree angle or less, =
> six sticking out at 90 degrees to the floor and they are about eight =
> inches long, and one vertical piece that sticks up about 18 inches or =
> so. I wonder if it could be used for anything. grin
> I cannot recall what the heck this thing is capable of as far as =
> receiving, but think I'll dig to see if I have the manual around.
> I don't know why I even purchased it, but then that was probably 12 =
> years or so back.
>
> tnx,
> 73
> Scott/N3BYY=