so glad you mentioned "call before you dig". here in Kansas, it's literally the law. imagine hitting utilities... now you're embarrassed AND have less $ in your pocket... and that's assuming you didn't hit underground electrical lines and are still alive.
Hopefully making the written instructions visual gives others the confidence to jump right in. I could not be happier with the outcome. This mast is fantastic!
Excellent. I'm installing a 5 ft, 1 1/2" galvanized pipe for a Zero5 27 ft antenna. Frostline is important in SE Idaho. 65 MPH winds make that bell shape a better choice.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I know about the frostline from living in PA, but sure glad I don't have to deal with that anymore...although there is that hurricane thing.
Great job Bob and thank you for sharing. I like that idea of the flag pole. That is exactly what I need. You certainly did a great job of explaining how to put the pole in. Thank you again Bob.
Great video! Even after I get my house with a 1/2 acre of property at which a long wire antenna would be situated to radiate East and West, I'll have a reminder video, like a refresher course on putting up a mast and mixing the right type of concrete. KD8EFQ/73 Future QTH will be approx. 1230' ASL.
This is the video I've looked for and not found. I purchased a flagpole antenna several years ago and haven't been able to figure out, to my satisfaction, how to prepare a suitable mount. You've answered all my questions and helped me decide to have the work done by a contractor. Now, I need a video on how to do that 🙂 UPDATE: Please disregard the following. Your video titled "Stealth HOA Ham Radio Antenna with the Chameleon Cha Porta Mast / Flagpole - The HOA Will Never Know" contained exactly what I wanted to know. I realize my request is somewhat off topic. But, I would like to know how you mounted your flag to the PORTA-MAST. I've corresponded with Chameleon and I'm still not entirely clear on this point. I think your method of attachment would likely apply to other sorts of masts, possibly including my own. Thanks, in any case, for what you've already done!
Thanks for the feedback; this is what I was hoping for....sharing specifically what I did and how may help someone else. If you watch this video th-cam.com/video/YP5yFVs3Dvw/w-d-xo.html just after the 4 minute mark I describe how I attach my flag and then shortly after show how I added the rings to my Porta Mast.
@@HOAHamRadioThanks so much! After yet more thought, I'm considering building an entirely above-ground mount. The concept is to embed a mast in a large (perhaps a 4-foot diameter) concrete hemisphere. Wind may push the mast off its vertical orientation but it should return to a vertical orientation when the wind decreases. Meanwhile, the mast is not pushed so hard or so far that it is damaged by contact with the ground. Partly, this is because I plan to use a strong mast. Partly, it's because I plan to guy the mast. And, partly, it's because the heavy concrete base would provide considerable resistance to wind. Finally, I plan to remove the mast from the concrete base during periods in which the wind is especially heavy. Thoughts, anyone?
Great video! In central Texas I have get my Dewalt jackhammer going and there is no such thing as a bell hole. With rock though, you don't need to go as deep. With soil such as yours, I would poke the cement with a hoe handle as I poured to make it fully conform. 73's, KG5NYB
i was thinking the same thing for my possible application. down here in the keys its all coral rock, cant dig a hole down here without a rotary hammer and lots of patience !!
The bell shape is cool for a footing, but not necessary. The key is to have enough width and length as well as mass (depth) to resist overturning from wind. Oh, good job on the video.
Thanks again. After mixing 6 bags of concrete mix (I thought I might need only 4, but followed your suggestions about having extra bags), I now have a 25' telescopic heavy duty support pole in place with a Hex beam on top. @@HOAHamRadio
Great video! Just received my 25’ Portamast and ready to begin the installation. I really like the upgrades you’ve made with schedule 40. Out of curiosity what size pipe and fittings did you use? Of course I understand this is outside the scope of chameleons installation recommendations. But I’m in a similar situation and feel I could tackle it. Thanks again,
The Porta Mast comes in 15', 20', or 25' feet versions; mine is 20' extended above the ground. Goes up and down so easy, and is incredibly sturdy...great gear.
Thanks for watching. There is a "topper" machined aluminum attachment that allows for attaching other antennas; the instructions talk types and weight limits that work with the Porta Mast.
Probably overkill for this, but there are “bell” shaped concrete footer forms that work great and also allow for the attachment of a concrete tube to make a nice above ground pillar.
Just watched your companion video of the fiberglass 12-foot mast. I'm more interested in semi-permanent than portable but want to be able to mount the MPAS2 vertical or TD loop about 10 feet above the ground. But I notice that the top of the PORTA MAST mast has a plastic cap rather than the cool universal adapter for the fiberglass mast. Do you only use your PORTA MAST for sloping wire antennas? If not, how do you mount vertical or tactical delta loop on this mast?
Watch this video at the 15 minute mark, I start into the Porta Mast and the options for wire only, or using an insert to get other verticals on top of it...I think it will answer your questions: th-cam.com/video/eylGVB2IR2I/w-d-xo.html
@@HOAHamRadio Thanks! The PORTA MAST topper that you showed in that video is exactly what I'm looking for. As nearly as I can find, HRO is the only place to buy it -- sold out, of course. I'm beyond surprised that Chameleon doesn't sell this, given how much it extends the utility of the PORTA MAST. Are you aware of any other seller of a topper that will includes the 3/8x24 screw mount?
@@HOAHamRadio I cannot believe I missed that -- but it is hidden in with ground mounts, unlike the topper for the fiberglass pole, which has its own page. Searching for PORTA MAST topper does take me to that page but until you rubbed my nose in it I was just seeing ground mounts. Thanks for your patience!
@@xpjrd0 If you decide to purchase, tell em I sent you their way... The topper is typical Chameleon...high quality, and will handle anything the Porta Mast will.
My install was in June; haven't brought it back inside since. I've taken it down and gone to parts to operate, but its been outside since day one....looks just like it did the day I "installed" it. In my opinion, I do not see any issue with a long term / permanent install.
so glad you mentioned "call before you dig". here in Kansas, it's literally the law. imagine hitting utilities... now you're embarrassed AND have less $ in your pocket... and that's assuming you didn't hit underground electrical lines and are still alive.
Absolutely correct. Safety first.
That's pretty much amazing! Great installation step by step!
Hopefully making the written instructions visual gives others the confidence to jump right in. I could not be happier with the outcome. This mast is fantastic!
Excellent. I'm installing a 5 ft, 1 1/2" galvanized pipe for a Zero5 27 ft antenna. Frostline is important in SE Idaho. 65 MPH winds make that bell shape a better choice.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I know about the frostline from living in PA, but sure glad I don't have to deal with that anymore...although there is that hurricane thing.
Great job Bob and thank you for sharing. I like that idea of the flag pole. That is exactly what I need. You certainly did a great job of explaining how to put the pole in. Thank you again Bob.
Thanks for the view and compliment; hope it helps.
Bob you always have good stuff to show👍💫
Thanks, I really appreciate that comment.
Thanks for explaining that bell shaped concrete pour with it below the freeze line.
I had a couple concrete projects fail because I didn't know that.
Glad the tip helped you out.
Well done, Bob. Thanks and 73.
Absolutely my pleasure; I'll be enjoying the outcome of this for years.
Great video! Even after I get my house with a 1/2 acre of property at which a long wire antenna would be situated to radiate East and West, I'll have a reminder video, like a refresher course on putting up a mast and mixing the right type of concrete.
KD8EFQ/73
Future QTH will be approx. 1230' ASL.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I've been wanting a flagpole for a long time, and now that's its also a mast is icing on the cake.
This is the video I've looked for and not found. I purchased a flagpole antenna several years ago and haven't been able to figure out, to my satisfaction, how to prepare a suitable mount. You've answered all my questions and helped me decide to have the work done by a contractor. Now, I need a video on how to do that 🙂
UPDATE: Please disregard the following. Your video titled "Stealth HOA Ham Radio Antenna with the Chameleon Cha Porta Mast / Flagpole - The HOA Will Never Know" contained exactly what I wanted to know.
I realize my request is somewhat off topic. But, I would like to know how you mounted your flag to the PORTA-MAST. I've corresponded with Chameleon and I'm still not entirely clear on this point. I think your method of attachment would likely apply to other sorts of masts, possibly including my own. Thanks, in any case, for what you've already done!
Thanks for the feedback; this is what I was hoping for....sharing specifically what I did and how may help someone else.
If you watch this video th-cam.com/video/YP5yFVs3Dvw/w-d-xo.html just after the 4 minute mark I describe how I attach my flag and then shortly after show how I added the rings to my Porta Mast.
@@HOAHamRadioThanks so much!
After yet more thought, I'm considering building an entirely above-ground mount. The concept is to embed a mast in a large (perhaps a 4-foot diameter) concrete hemisphere. Wind may push the mast off its vertical orientation but it should return to a vertical orientation when the wind decreases. Meanwhile, the mast is not pushed so hard or so far that it is damaged by contact with the ground. Partly, this is because I plan to use a strong mast. Partly, it's because I plan to guy the mast. And, partly, it's because the heavy concrete base would provide considerable resistance to wind. Finally, I plan to remove the mast from the concrete base during periods in which the wind is especially heavy.
Thoughts, anyone?
The bell is the way to go
It is; that is not coming out of the ground.
Another great video. Thanks Bob!
My pleasure. The install was exhausting, but I sure am enjoying using the mast.
Well done.
Appreciate the view and comment, thanks.
Great job! This might come in handy for me someday.
Thanks for stopping by, watching, and commenting @MikeN2MAK
Hi Bob UK Based. Really enjoyed watching you do this, subscribed too !
Thanks for stopping by and watching; glad to have you as a sub. It's amateur radio, crosses all boarders : )
Great information thanks
It was my pleasure! Thanks for stopping by @ATOMSHAMRADIO
Incredible video. Thank you.
Thanks. Wanted to help anyone who goes this path, get it right (from my perspective).
Great video! In central Texas I have get my Dewalt jackhammer going and there is no such thing as a bell hole. With rock though, you don't need to go as deep. With soil such as yours, I would poke the cement with a hoe handle as I poured to make it fully conform. 73's, KG5NYB
I'm spoiled with my soil here; not that difficult to dig in.
i was thinking the same thing for my possible application. down here in the keys its all coral rock, cant dig a hole down here without a rotary hammer and lots of patience !!
Fantastic video and I liked and subscribed! Really quick, before I finish this comment... I gotta check for plumb. 😂 Keep rockin'!
Let's say it together now, "Check for plumb" 🙂 Thanks for the feedback and sub.
Nice i like it👍
The bell shape is cool for a footing, but not necessary. The key is to have enough width and length as well as mass (depth) to resist overturning from wind. Oh, good job on the video.
Thanks Bob for very clear, detailed and helpful instructions. I plan on putting up my flagpole in the next few weeks. -K4KZ
A lot of effort, but I am REALLY pleased with the results!
Thanks again. After mixing 6 bags of concrete mix (I thought I might need only 4, but followed your suggestions about having extra bags), I now have a 25' telescopic heavy duty support pole in place with a Hex beam on top. @@HOAHamRadio
@@llcraven So thrilled this worked out for you. Enjoy!
My question is iam se. Down Florida thiers shell rock its a bear to dig we dont have frost only once in awhile in the winter
My soil was easy to dig; I know others may not be as fortunate.
Great video! Just received my 25’ Portamast and ready to begin the installation. I really like the upgrades you’ve made with schedule 40. Out of curiosity what size pipe and fittings did you use? Of course I understand this is outside the scope of chameleons installation recommendations. But I’m in a similar situation and feel I could tackle it. Thanks again,
Use 3" schedule 40. Send me an email and I can get you some more details....
Hi, I was watching this video and noticed you did not need a ladder to extend the mast. What the mast length when extended. Thanks.
The Porta Mast comes in 15', 20', or 25' feet versions; mine is 20' extended above the ground. Goes up and down so easy, and is incredibly sturdy...great gear.
Excellent video! Can this mast be used to mount a virtual antenna like the Comet CHA-250HD HF/VHF Vertical
Antennas
CHA-250HD?
Thanks for watching. There is a "topper" machined aluminum attachment that allows for attaching other antennas; the instructions talk types and weight limits that work with the Porta Mast.
The dust oman lol😅
Not everyone gets or enjoys my humor; I'm a bit of an acquired taste.
Probably overkill for this, but there are “bell” shaped concrete footer forms that work great and also allow for the attachment of a concrete tube to make a nice above ground pillar.
Above ground, now that would definitely be easier.
Just watched your companion video of the fiberglass 12-foot mast. I'm more interested in semi-permanent than portable but want to be able to mount the MPAS2 vertical or TD loop about 10 feet above the ground. But I notice that the top of the PORTA MAST mast has a plastic cap rather than the cool universal adapter for the fiberglass mast. Do you only use your PORTA MAST for sloping wire antennas? If not, how do you mount vertical or tactical delta loop on this mast?
Watch this video at the 15 minute mark, I start into the Porta Mast and the options for wire only, or using an insert to get other verticals on top of it...I think it will answer your questions: th-cam.com/video/eylGVB2IR2I/w-d-xo.html
@@HOAHamRadio Thanks! The PORTA MAST topper that you showed in that video is exactly what I'm looking for. As nearly as I can find, HRO is the only place to buy it -- sold out, of course. I'm beyond surprised that Chameleon doesn't sell this, given how much it extends the utility of the PORTA MAST. Are you aware of any other seller of a topper that will includes the 3/8x24 screw mount?
@@xpjrd0 be sure to tell them I sent you. chameleonantenna.com/shop-here/ols/products/cha-porta-mount/v/CHA%20PORTA-MAST%20TOPPER
@@HOAHamRadio I cannot believe I missed that -- but it is hidden in with ground mounts, unlike the topper for the fiberglass pole, which has its own page. Searching for PORTA MAST topper does take me to that page but until you rubbed my nose in it I was just seeing ground mounts. Thanks for your patience!
@@xpjrd0 If you decide to purchase, tell em I sent you their way... The topper is typical Chameleon...high quality, and will handle anything the Porta Mast will.
I ordered one. Have you had any issues with the metal mast impacting the antenna propagation?
No I have not; I have a 12 inch piece of shock cord between the mast and my wire. I have several videos on the channel showing my actual set up.
@@HOAHamRadio Got the mast sleeve installed in the ground today. Thanks for your videos. Now for the concrete to cure, then to string my EFHW up.
@@Coyotes_Locos Awesome! Hope you find this as useful as I do.
Pro-Tip - Guy the mast for plumb and secure before pouring the concrete.
I was thinking the same thing. In portable ops I guy my first section with trunk straps.
How well has this mast work in the semi-permanent / permanent installation?
My install was in June; haven't brought it back inside since. I've taken it down and gone to parts to operate, but its been outside since day one....looks just like it did the day I "installed" it. In my opinion, I do not see any issue with a long term / permanent install.
@HOAHamRadio did you do anything about grounding the mast? It is anodized so not so conductive on the outside.
put the pitcher in the video it is out
Excellent! I may need to investigate this project for my own QTH de ke2sx
Thanks for watching, its a great set up.