Thanks for showing us Eric! Very nice and I am glad something like this is available. But, NO way I would pay $700 for a tri-pod stand and a 34' pole. I'll stick with tossing a wire over a tree limb and save the money to buy more radios. 73 and stay well my friend!
I got the 34 footer when it was 250.00 USD. Thought it was on the high side price wise then. Now, at 400.00, it would be a hard pass. Gigaparts is taking advantage of the fact that no other Ham outlets are selling these right now. It is a pole, manufactured in China, that probably costs 100 to 150.00 to produce.
Yes, I saw them when they were 250 bucks, and thought they were too expensive, almost pulled the trigger. Now this price will guarantee I will not be getting one. Soon someone else will import them and undercut the 400 dollar price tag.
Eric Thanks for doing this video. I just bought one and used it once. Had trouble raising it but you showed me how by keeping the tripod loose till it’s up. I use the spider antenna. Thanks for all your videos. 73 s Tom N2XW
I'm already wanting to stick this thing on top of my 3 story house. I'll be wayyy wayy up there. I will have me one of these. How awesome it would be to get above the trees and hills around here.
I looked at it for portable / camping. $700 USD for the kit. Come in at over a K in dollaridoos to get shipped to Aus. Got a few other pieces of kit to get first.
I've been using the military masts - both fiberglass and aluminum - to get up to that height with a cast aluminum anodized tripod hub that receives the poles. And, I've had great results, especially at the greatest heights with guy ropes. But, they're kind of heavy with all the poles, base, tripod hub, and the bag they come in. And, when using ladder line, I have to use the fiberglass sections at the top to prevent interference. This seems to be a very nice alternative. Thanks, for demonstrating it. I know it's expensive, but I will likely purchase the 34 ft mast and tripod. I, too, am planning to sell the sticks and bricks home and start full time RVing and weight is a big issue. That, alone, makes this a worthwhile purchase. As others have mentioned, I do also have a sling shot and weights to get a rope over a tree limb to pull antennas up - when there are trees available. And, that works out great - usually. The problem with that is that the line sometimes gets wrapped around a branch rather than the weight falling back to the ground, requiring cutting the line, adding another weight, and trying, again - kind of a hassle, and leaves weights and fishing line hanging in the trees. So, I really like the use of a portable mast. A couple of questions, though: 1 - Are there attachment points for guy lines, or guy rings that can be added? 2 - Do they have a carry bag for the mast and tripod that could also be used to hold the guy rings, lines, and stakes? Thanks, again, for the video!
That's what I found most ironic about this particular video. Eric is surrounded by trees, LOL. I know these can be used in places where there may not be trees, but it is still funny to see someone demo a $700.00 mast combo that is raising a wire antenna when surrounded by taller trees.
Fiberglass 30ft flagpole works for me at minimal cost. Three lines of paracord secured with tent stakes and you are in business. Also, carbon fiber is electrically conductive and can do ugly things to your tuning.
Hi Eric and great video. Just wondering what are your thoughts about connecting the Hy-Gain DB-2345 antenna to that tripod? Do you think it is sturdy enough “as is” when extended to full length or would you suggest weighing the tripod down? Also wanted to mention in your video about assembling the DB-2345 that when you were putting the 70cm elements in-place, from smallest to longest, if you did not read the manual you will find that the “director#1” element for 70cm is in fact shorter than “director#2”. I realized you probably used super glue to keep the elements and the push-nuts in placed to the boom like I did so you may be out of luck switching the director elements# 1 and 2.
It would be nice if the tripod had a bubble level on it so you could level it. They should be able to put one on for the price, which I consider outrageous. Other than that, it's a pretty neat setup.
Pricey but I'm into semi-permanent installations at home for now, experiment mode and like to make a few config changes so this would be good for me when done and have a permanent setup mast will be great to take on the road.
I have lots of land, but no tall trees. How well would this hold up to long term UV and the heat in the desert. Also how would you recommend mounting this for a more permanent installation. I was thinking a piece of angle iron with concrete. Also is there a pulley attachment to run a dacron cord so I can pull up my antenna wire.
I saw another video demonstration of this mast and the presenter had mounted a metal rod into a concrete base in the ground that would insert into the bottom of the mast and then he used guy lines and stakes for greater stability. He wasn't even using the tripod. The rod seemed to be almost as long as the bottom section. Hope this suggestion helps.
The Ponderosa there’s another turned up. Eric. You the man !!!! I do wonder however, how they would react seeing a suburban at a CB Radio Keydown competition. All alternators and antenna arrays.... I had one hit me up on twitter direct messaging. I asked if she was my handler and what had happened to my other handler. Then started acting all paranoid as to why she would be using passwords on an unprotected platform. It kind of stopped when she asked me for money and I asked her in return to remove the alien implant from inside my head..... You just need an over active imagination and be a bad prioritiser of time
When I run QRP, I run the antenna wire up the telescopic mast and then over to the nearest tree. I have found some tuning issues doing this with either a metal or carbon mast.
Hello I am not a licensed Ham operator, I am working on that goal. I am just currently monitoring and lisening was hoping you could provide some suggestion on an antenna that can work on most bands? I have been considering the AV 680, is the AV 680 a ground mount antenna or can it be places on the roof? I am conidering the Icom 7300. Furthermore what type of antenna do you recommed for 2 meter?
You don't really need it...it comes with a pole, the radials should be on the ground unless you're tuning them, and the pole is guyed. Works fine as it is, and worse case, you can just put a spike in the ground, take the centre of the base cap out and anchor it that way...but it still needs guying.
You may want to look at magnetic loops. There are a few companies selling them for HF RX/TX or you can DIY from one of many antenna pages online. th-cam.com/video/Cv_RnLpZ9gw/w-d-xo.html
As far as i know it's conductive, so i'd not use this when a storm is relatively close to avoid any lightning threat. I wish it was half price (mast), at 200 i'd buy it immediately.
Hello everyone, I have a question not related to this video.....sorry! I have a Cush Craft MA5B and I am contemplating changing out all the aluminum with copper tubing.....QUESTION: Would the copper tubing be an improvement over the aluminum? Would this produce improved performance? Would this mess up the calculated spacing requirements for each band? Finally, is this a waste of time and money and will 100% guarantee a lighting strike? Additional data: 30 feet off the ground (10 meters). Mounted on a rotator. Overall length of LMR-400 = 241 feet or ~ 80 meters.
@@nutsackmania Just read what boat builders say about how dangerous it is to work with around electricity. You might wanna try maybe using Google sometime! 🤔
Hold on, back up a little. Didn't you say goodbye a few videos ago. That you were done with hand radio concepts. PS I agree with others that 700 dollars for some fiber glass is to much.
Ever heard of a Sad Ham? Well, the equivalent exists in RV Parks...Sad Rv'ers. I would not advise putting a flashing beacon on your mast lest you want to summon the torch wielding villagers who are having their "glamping" adventure ruined. 73
Thanks for showing us Eric! Very nice and I am glad something like this is available. But, NO way I would pay $700 for a tri-pod stand and a 34' pole. I'll stick with tossing a wire over a tree limb and save the money to buy more radios. 73 and stay well my friend!
So glad you are still making ham radio videos!
I got the 34 footer when it was 250.00 USD. Thought it was on the high side price wise then. Now, at 400.00, it would be a hard pass. Gigaparts is taking advantage of the fact that no other Ham outlets are selling these right now. It is a pole, manufactured in China, that probably costs 100 to 150.00 to produce.
Yes, I saw them when they were 250 bucks, and thought they were too expensive, almost pulled the trigger. Now this price will guarantee I will not be getting one. Soon someone else will import them and undercut the 400 dollar price tag.
Get 40' of fiberglass pole from a military surplus for about $20 and buy yourself a new radio.
Up to $422 now!
$500 now
500 now 😅
Dude, lighting. You're a dancing silhouette.
not a movie
This looks sturdy enough to support a Sirio or other vertical. The price is way toooo much, let’s see if they have it on sale for Black Friday
Eric Thanks for doing this video. I just bought one and used it once. Had trouble raising it but you showed me how by keeping the tripod loose till it’s up. I use the spider antenna. Thanks for all your videos. 73 s Tom N2XW
$700 for the two is a bit much.
A bit?
Agreed
Way to much to put up a wire antenna. I agree with you guys. 700 bucks will buy you a pretty decent HF radio.
Great video Eric keep it up love the new out door stuff.
I'm already wanting to stick this thing on top of my 3 story house. I'll be wayyy wayy up there. I will have me one of these. How awesome it would be to get above the trees and hills around here.
Thanks. I have the 27 ft model.
Thanks for the guide!
I need one of those for my 18 wheelers when I stop at night to get my antenna way up in the air
I looked at it for portable / camping. $700 USD for the kit. Come in at over a K in dollaridoos to get shipped to Aus.
Got a few other pieces of kit to get first.
I've been using the military masts - both fiberglass and aluminum - to get up to that height with a cast aluminum anodized tripod hub that receives the poles. And, I've had great results, especially at the greatest heights with guy ropes. But, they're kind of heavy with all the poles, base, tripod hub, and the bag they come in. And, when using ladder line, I have to use the fiberglass sections at the top to prevent interference. This seems to be a very nice alternative. Thanks, for demonstrating it.
I know it's expensive, but I will likely purchase the 34 ft mast and tripod. I, too, am planning to sell the sticks and bricks home and start full time RVing and weight is a big issue. That, alone, makes this a worthwhile purchase.
As others have mentioned, I do also have a sling shot and weights to get a rope over a tree limb to pull antennas up - when there are trees available. And, that works out great - usually. The problem with that is that the line sometimes gets wrapped around a branch rather than the weight falling back to the ground, requiring cutting the line, adding another weight, and trying, again - kind of a hassle, and leaves weights and fishing line hanging in the trees. So, I really like the use of a portable mast.
A couple of questions, though:
1 - Are there attachment points for guy lines, or guy rings that can be added?
2 - Do they have a carry bag for the mast and tripod that could also be used to hold the guy rings, lines, and stakes?
Thanks, again, for the video!
Ponderosa looks so much better than your last property - no snooping neighbours, lots of space -- like you're in a park
Think I might look for a tree to throw a wire up in before I would cough up $700 for this.
That's what I found most ironic about this particular video. Eric is surrounded by trees, LOL. I know these can be used in places where there may not be trees, but it is still funny to see someone demo a $700.00 mast combo that is raising a wire antenna when surrounded by taller trees.
Do you remove the plastic cap at the bottom? Mine doesn’t fit into the tripod.
It is a great system if you can afford it.
Yipes.... $700 for the combo. No thanks. You got it for free....lucky you....
Hey bud , I'm local here in daytona beach and I want to learn how and what to do on building off grid setup
Nice mast. Thanks buddy.
Hi.Eric do you think that would support a 8ft fiber glass antenna
Fiberglass 30ft flagpole works for me at minimal cost. Three lines of paracord secured with tent stakes and you are in business. Also, carbon fiber is electrically conductive and can do ugly things to your tuning.
Hi Eric and great video. Just wondering what are your
thoughts about connecting the Hy-Gain DB-2345 antenna to that tripod? Do you
think it is sturdy enough “as is” when extended to full length or would you
suggest weighing the tripod down? Also wanted to mention in your video about
assembling the DB-2345 that when you were putting the 70cm elements in-place,
from smallest to longest, if you did not read the manual you will find that the
“director#1” element for 70cm is in fact shorter than “director#2”. I realized
you probably used super glue to keep the elements and the push-nuts in placed
to the boom like I did so you may be out of luck switching the director
elements# 1 and 2.
It would be nice if the tripod had a bubble level on it so you could level it. They should be able to put one on for the price, which I consider outrageous. Other than that, it's a pretty neat setup.
I was very surprised that these didn't have a bubble level. Cheap camera tripods have them, why not this 300.00 prosumer model?
Pricey but I'm into semi-permanent installations at home for now, experiment mode and like to make a few config changes so this would be good for me when done and have a permanent setup mast will be great to take on the road.
Does the tripod have a bubble level on it for $270?
What OD mast will this accept?
Nice i love it.......
Though I have and will continue to do business with Gigaparts, I too think this is a bit pricey for my wallet.
Very nice. I would use that setup in my HOA.. But $400 for the mast + $300 for the tripod is waaay overpriced!
I have lots of land, but no tall trees. How well would this hold up to long term UV and the heat in the desert. Also how would you recommend mounting this for a more permanent installation. I was thinking a piece of angle iron with concrete.
Also is there a pulley attachment to run a dacron cord so I can pull up my antenna wire.
I saw another video demonstration of this mast and the presenter had mounted a metal rod into a concrete base in the ground that would insert into the bottom of the mast and then he used guy lines and stakes for greater stability. He wasn't even using the tripod. The rod seemed to be almost as long as the bottom section. Hope this suggestion helps.
Can't seem to find your new channel
Got it now...
th-cam.com/channels/T4oSRFHQuU5TkDHGL6crXA.html
The Ponderosa hey Eric. Have a quick look in the comments. You’re attracting all the single ladies. ( I love scammer....they’re fun to play with )
@@MidlifeRenaissanceMan I replied AHAHAHA
The Ponderosa there’s another turned up. Eric. You the man !!!!
I do wonder however, how they would react seeing a suburban at a CB Radio Keydown competition. All alternators and antenna arrays....
I had one hit me up on twitter direct messaging. I asked if she was my handler and what had happened to my other handler. Then started acting all paranoid as to why she would be using passwords on an unprotected platform. It kind of stopped when she asked me for money and I asked her in return to remove the alien implant from inside my head.....
You just need an over active imagination and be a bad prioritiser of time
Pretty cool product. As far as conductivity goes, i wouldn't imagine it's any more conductive then steel, or aluminum masts....whence grounding!
When I run QRP, I run the antenna wire up the telescopic mast and then over to the nearest tree. I have found some tuning issues doing this with either a metal or carbon mast.
wow I like that . I can put my 102 inch whip way up there
Hello I am not a licensed Ham operator, I am working on that goal. I am just currently monitoring and lisening was hoping you could provide some suggestion on an antenna that can work on most bands? I have been considering the AV 680, is the AV 680 a ground mount antenna or can it be places on the roof? I am conidering the Icom 7300. Furthermore what type of antenna do you recommed for 2 meter?
Eric, what type of mount did you use to secure the EMCOMM III to the mast?
I have 2 professional camera tripods, however they don't have a base as wide as the one reviewed. Otherwise, I'd go MPAS all the way.
I have great luck with a MFJ 1979 17 foot Telescopic mast on my Tar Heel for $70 as long as the wind doesn't blow hard
Have you used any vertical antennas with it? If so, which ones? Thanks Eric
Would the tripod work with the DX Commander?
You don't really need it...it comes with a pole, the radials should be on the ground unless you're tuning them, and the pole is guyed. Works fine as it is, and worse case, you can just put a spike in the ground, take the centre of the base cap out and anchor it that way...but it still needs guying.
Eric what do you recommend for inside apartment HF antenna
You may want to look at magnetic loops. There are a few companies selling them for HF RX/TX or you can DIY from one of many antenna pages online. th-cam.com/video/Cv_RnLpZ9gw/w-d-xo.html
Can you mount a antenna on top? Im new to this. I have my gmrs license and I'm wondering if this will work.
Sure you can use it for so many other things too....
@@HamRadioConcepts I appreciate your response. This thing looks pretty sweet and its not permanent. Thank you.
As they say.. Height is might, and wow this 50' gets it done. Expensive last I looked.
Nice item but out of sight pricing. They would sell tons of them if they could get the price down.
So.. a $300 tripod and a $400 mast.. and that's before you put an actual antenna on it? .... uh... pass.
As far as i know it's conductive, so i'd not use this when a storm is relatively close to avoid any lightning threat.
I wish it was half price (mast), at 200 i'd buy it immediately.
Adjustable Cam Locks
Cool setup. Not 700.00 cool though.
Hello everyone, I have a question not related to this video.....sorry! I have a Cush Craft MA5B and I am contemplating changing out all the aluminum with copper tubing.....QUESTION: Would the copper tubing be an improvement over the aluminum? Would this produce improved performance? Would this mess up the calculated spacing requirements for each band? Finally, is this a waste of time and money and will 100% guarantee a lighting strike?
Additional data: 30 feet off the ground (10 meters).
Mounted on a rotator.
Overall length of LMR-400 = 241 feet or ~ 80 meters.
That's a great thing to have if you don't want to set up something permanent. But I see in the comments. It is a bit pricey! $$
And look, you can place your ground rod right in the center of your tripod and you wouldn't trip over the ground rod in the dark.
Plastic mounting fixture.....🤔 Dang. Was expecting at least cast aluminum.
That is pretty cool stuff! I would love to have one. What kind of price do they get for it. 73 AE4OY William Peacock EM-81UF (OldYella)
$700.00!!! Yea way too much to pay to get on the air portable! Thanks for showing us but I'll pass on this one. Lucky you to get it free.
Nice, but not $700 nice. Pass.
Carbon fiber is highly conductive. Just as conductive as copper, if not more so. Just to let you know.
lol what???? please provide evidence it is more conductive that copper; what a preposterous claim
@@nutsackmania Just read what boat builders say about how dangerous it is to work with around electricity. You might wanna try maybe using Google sometime! 🤔
It's nice but too rich for my blood 🤣
lever cam lock.
$270 for the tripod, $300 for the mast ... and that's the fiberglass version, not the carbon fiber model. Isn't there a cheaper way?
Why can't Christmas go on and ge here.
wrong location for this sales pitch. There is a free tree next to the mast. And a $700 mast with a few $ of wire on it makes no sense for an antenna.
Actually it is all aluminum and stainless steel. The only plastic parts on it are the feet!
Umm, isnt the top piece plastic?
It’s aluminum sir!
@@jrscogins 4:03 he states its ABS plastic, is his different or is he wrong? It does look like plastic (the top piece)....
Shawn Kevin I am the Brand Manager for the Product at GigaParts. It is cast aluminum I promise! The only plastic on it is the feet!
@@jrscogins Thanks for your response.
cam lock
Thank you I was waiting for that HAHHAA
The Ponderosa yeah I awalys forget the name also .. when you said lock for a bicycle seat post I knew what you were talking about ...
$315 is kinda expensive for a tripod
Great for boondocking but I think some RV parks might not like it.
Prices like these probably scare away a good number of people from the hobby. It's looking more and more like a rich man's pastime.
Hold on, back up a little. Didn't you say goodbye a few videos ago.
That you were done with hand radio concepts.
PS I agree with others that 700 dollars for some fiber glass is to much.
You didn’t listen , I didn’t close the doors to my TH-cam channel I just said I will be taking a break and slowin down
@@HamRadioConcepts Its called sarcasm wont try that again
First to say First
10x the price of a fishing pole.
Yes, but fishing poles are specifically designed to bend - which is not what you want for raising antennas.
Nice but over priced
Ever heard of a Sad Ham? Well, the equivalent exists in RV Parks...Sad Rv'ers. I would not advise putting a flashing beacon on your mast lest you want to summon the torch wielding villagers who are having their "glamping" adventure ruined. 73
Really cool but not $ 700 worth of cool.
You're getting a little outta touch with your core audience here.