Enjoyed the technical content of the video, as I'm looking at building something similar. But what made it particularly enjoyable was that the photobombing cat and the missed cardboard box wasn't edited out!
3 generations there manipulating the mast.. great to see. ive watched all of the Aplane videos, not so much to make, im getting too old for that, but to appreciate the effort you put in. thankyou very much Jon.
Phase 1 was very impressive!..but, I shutter at the thought of how much money you spent to succeed in all of this! I am a recent GMRS licensee and will be putting up an antenna as well within the next few days at my house. However, it WON’T be as elaborate as yours is to say the least! Mine will be on a 20’ 1-1/2” pvc pipe with a UHF Fiberglass non-ground Mobile Radio Antenna, 70CM 400-470mhz GMRS Base Antenna 17 inches tall at the top. I’ll have two four feet pieces of rebar pounded in the ground up against two sides of the bottom pipe area and bound to the pipe via very strong pipe clamps. About ten feet upwards the pvc pipe will be bound to an existing old Directv mount already in place I used at one time for a tv antenna mount. With the antenna up and operational it should be approximately 21 feet high (or a tad more) to the top of the antenna from ground level. If I’m real lucky I’ll be able to hit all the repeaters in my area of north Houston, Tx [and there are many!] with my GMRS-50V2 50W 256 channel mobile radio being used as a base station. I’m also planning on using automotive wire looming around the RG58X coaxial cable from top to bottom to protect it from the sun’s rays also. Great video, VERY well explained, and, absolutely most interesting! Stay safe! ~Jim @WRXY695~
Hey Jon! Thanks for the video on this topic , I'm going to be starting a 750 STOL after the first of the year. I live on 50 acres in SE Ohio. I'm not sure what is more challenging, getting my shop/ garage ready , or preparing a suitable grass strip. Although an antenna isn't quite necessary , it sure would be nice! Great info , Thanks! Blue Skies!
A couple of thoughts to consider. The winch is most powerful on the first wrap of cable. (least amount of cable for the job) Also you might think of using the equivalent of jumper cables to power the winch, (no battery to maintain) just pull a car up when needed.
I think I would drill 2 holes for huge bolts. Then insert at 2 locations pieces of rectangular pipe (also drilled). Then I would use 2 bolts to bolt the mast to the support pipe firmly. They would have to be loosened & bolts removed to raise or lower the mast. Also I might put a short piece of pipe bolted to the outside of the mast which goes down to the slab. Why did you not put the mast up against the wall of your building? You don't have a video of finishing the project? Thanks much for this video -- it looks like a beautiful & professional job.
I'm thinking , combination radio, weather and wind sock... The only thing that I would have done differently than you, as far as removing the old one goes is, I most definitely would have parked a vehicle ( any vehicle will do ) just slightly to the right of the box! Thanks again!
Your video on Tilting tower was so informative. I would like to build one for my HAM radio operations, thanks for the step by step procedure. it would be great help if you can share the design sketches with us. eagerly waiting for the second part. Hats off to you. 73's VU2CSF
Hi Chandra. Thanks for the feedback. I am a little hesitant about the plans as I am not a structural engineer so there are no specifications for strength and durability. I borrowed from several commercial designs so I feel I am taking minimal chances. I also am a ham and this is my main purpose - but for low wind load antennas! Stayed tuned - for spring will be the time I finish off the telescoping part. Then I can provide more detail on what I did. Waiting for a better sunspot cycle to appear!
@@HomebuiltHELP Thank you for your reply. Sketches will help as one of my HAM friend is a Structural Engineer, hope to take his advice. will wait eagerly for the second part. 73's
Is there a part 2 to this? I don't see any link to a part 2 and I know others besides myself would like to see that video. You did a great job with this. Was there a cost savings doing it this way instead of using a telescoping antenna tower that has 3 or 4 sections and a hand or electric winch/hoist to raise and lower it?
I have one question/remark, Did you put a draining hole in the tower mount? as this is a rather needed feature but i didn't see it on any of the times in the process making and attaching the base plate. Just a ham with a question :)
That is a very nice idea and set up! What was your total cost for all the materials? My guess is aroud $2000 from start to finish??? My set up would have to be along these lines, All we are teying to achieve is high speed internet bcs we are in a rural area where the fcc could care less! We have 60 to 70 ft trees within 20 to 30 ft from our house! I feel like we are stuck in the ancient days of the electronic world.
I realize this video was made two years ago but I still have a question? I like the design except for how all the weight of your pole looks like it sits on the one pivot bolt. That does not look right to me. Wouldn’t be better to have that pole sit flat on the plate instead of the bolt once it it tilted up in place? Where is part 2 of this video? All the antenna towers that tilt up end up sitting flat on a plate after they are tilted up. Why would you rely on that one pivot bolt to hold the entire pole up? This could be modified a bit by hinging the pole to a larger base plate so it sits flat on the plate when tilted up. This way you don’t rely on the bolt to hold it up. Would like to see part 2 and how this holds up after a few years.
I can answer - but first, please tell me how much weight a 5/8" bolt (grade 2) can hold in shear (very easy to find - google this exact question or ask Siri). Please reply here!
even pro loggers can have problems getting a tree to land correctly, but love part 1. only thing i can say is you should have used a larger hinge pin for the tower base. aka: welded a pipe inside of the 4 inch sq tube, (adjusted to be 1/2 in on each side) to match up with the 5 in sq tube base. and used a 1/12 - 2 in bolt. with all the threads outside of the assembly as that could be a breakage point of the bolt. i kinda think over kill sometimes.
Perhaps not overkill thinking, but more along the lines of experience. The voice of experience speaking clearly, yet not wishing to offend the host. When the first monster gale force storm comes, and after the gusts die down he ventures out g to peek at his work- he’ll know!🤝
Great video. I have seen some tilt up tower manufactures state that no loads should be on the mast when cranking up. What has your research led you to believe on that subject? I may want to do a tilt over mast one day for Ham Radio. I am also a pilot.
@@HomebuiltHELP it would seem they say don’t mount a structure on top of the mast prior to tilting it up. By I have seen some large beams installed sideways and tilted. These are instructions from manufactures not TH-cam opinion. But I don’t have a good handle on the mechanical structures of these antennas and am curious to know. Perhaps I should find a structural engineer or a good book. Thanks for your response. I am not trying to say I know more than you, this is an honest question. All the best, 73 de KI5HXM
I am only commenting from a practical point - I believe the whole point of a tilt over tower is to mount/maintain your antennas while standing on the ground, then raise them into position. You may be referring to the idea that there IS a maximum wind load (and also dead weight) that a given tower can handle at the top. That should be listed in the manufacture's specs.
@@HomebuiltHELP yes, I agree on the practical point of working it on the ground. I was surprised by a manufactures limit on that since to me that is the whole point of tilting. I have some learning to do at any rate. By the way, I am a pilot and a ham also! 73!
Well, I WAS going to say you have to pay attention to the power source on your winch. The one in this video was designed to mount on a truck, so it's 12V DC. I assumed it was going to be 120V AC, which are also available for fixed installations, but they aren't as plentiful or inexpensive. But for occasional use like this one, I suppose lugging a battery outside and hooking it up isn't too onerous.
His biggest problem with the winch is spool size. With as much cable he has out I doubt the winch can do a 1000 pounds. Might be able to add a chain link to shorten the length of winch cable out.Maybe a 9 or 12k winch could work when he adds the extra section.
@@keithmiller7341 I didn't understand any of that. What I meant was that you have to make sure you're getting a winch with the right power source. If you want to hardwire it into hangar power, you have to get a 120vAC model. If you want to spend less, you can get a 12vDC model made for a truck, but you have to be OK with lugging a car battery around.
I didn't see anything about grounding that tower, you should read the book written by HAM operator and author Ward Silver all about proper grounding. Otherwise that propane tank becomes more of a potential bomb being that close.
LOL Well, this ham operator did in fact drive a rod from inside the hole into the earth and attached a cable to the rebar cage - all before the concrete pour.
Nice black cat . I have a special one just like him/her. That was a lot of concrete for such a small base. But you must follow the local regulations. Tilt and crank up has its problems if not regularly maintained. A Equalatiral triangle design is stronger and far cheaper to build in 10ft sections.. Giving you the tilt advantage . And you can upgrade in height ,If you build the base with upgrades in mind.. That said its a expensive business putting antennas in the air. Best regards HS0ZOU.
Triangle design is nice but MUCH more labor/time with creating all those cross members with their ends shaped for the tubes, rigging, and welding each one. Every design is a trade-off! Thanks for your input.
i built a tower close to the one you are working with a 3x3x24' in side the 4x4x24 i used a hand crank to lift the tower or try to , to heavy was not able to lift had to get a tractor to help with lift. i used a 6" i beam for the lift pole it wobbled to much looked like it was going to fall so i just scraped the idea , to close to the house and the lp. tank . so watch the weight .good luck
I do not. However, when I attempt part 2 to finish this I think I will provide more dimensions so maybe a structural engineer can comment on its strength (or lack!)
In Canada you are looking at about $20,000 just for the one big steel channel. A 1 1/4 piece of steel tubing 10 feet long is over $100 CDN here now ! Absolutely rediculous! ! ! Same piece of pipe to build a fence is $16. PS: I would have used the phone pole myself. Such a waste ! Also, you could have moved the box over while the pole was falling. 😅😂🤣
You made reference to the tower being grounded through the rebar and concrete. That doesn't work. Proper grounding is never done through concrete. Lightning will blow concrete to rubble. Need to run six or 8 inch copper strap from the base of the tower out in at least a couple different directions to ten foot ground rods on either side of the concrete. This is how broadcast towers are grounded. (I used to own 2 AM radio stations!). Please ground that tower properly! Lightning damage is costly & more costly!
Looks good Jon! but you probably should not have painted it. It will actually rust quicker with paint on than not, especially heavy steel like you are using
Please Do Not stand behind anything your cutting down! It can kick back many a logger has died that way I saw that and really hoped that would not happen ! Went whew when it landed . Old A&P guy here don’t think a cat can hurt good fabric .
Old guys... They work easy, not hard. Take a good look, young guys. (That's how they made it this far in their lives) PS: Get a young guy to position the boxes when downing your next telephone pole...
I can’t wait for the second video! I am trying to build a 40 telescoping tower too. This helped me a bunch.
When is that gonna be?
Good work Jon. I love the telephone pole landing, gave me a chuckle. Pam and I will have to get up there again sometime soon for a visit!
Getting those poles to land right where you want them to is a real art form. Should've hired a kid from the local lumberjack college.
Ha Ha Ha ! Now that's funny!
Enjoyed the technical content of the video, as I'm looking at building something similar. But what made it particularly enjoyable was that the photobombing cat and the missed cardboard box wasn't edited out!
Couple questions: how are you going to prevent the inside from rusting and where did you ground it
3 generations there manipulating the mast.. great to see. ive watched all of the Aplane videos, not so much to make, im getting too old for that, but to appreciate the effort you put in. thankyou very much Jon.
Nice job. Keep an eye on your pivet bolts, I've had some brake on me
Great video! Nice to see the bat house as well!
Thats a nice rig.
Looking now for part 2.
Could you do a quick follow-up video to showthe top part of this tower?
The best welder / fabricator of any material lives near Crockett, Texas. ♫ J.J. Rightmire ♪
Phase 1 was very impressive!..but, I shutter at the thought of how much money you spent to succeed in all of this! I am a recent GMRS licensee and will be putting up an antenna as well within the next few days at my house. However, it WON’T be as elaborate as yours is to say the least! Mine will be on a 20’ 1-1/2” pvc pipe with a UHF Fiberglass non-ground Mobile Radio Antenna, 70CM 400-470mhz GMRS Base Antenna 17 inches tall at the top. I’ll have two four feet pieces of rebar pounded in the ground up against two sides of the bottom pipe area and bound to the pipe via very strong pipe clamps. About ten feet upwards the pvc pipe will be bound to an existing old Directv mount already in place I used at one time for a tv antenna mount. With the antenna up and operational it should be approximately 21 feet high (or a tad more) to the top of the antenna from ground level. If I’m real lucky I’ll be able to hit all the repeaters in my area of north Houston, Tx [and there are many!] with my GMRS-50V2 50W 256 channel mobile radio being used as a base station. I’m also planning on using automotive wire looming around the RG58X coaxial cable from top to bottom to protect it from the sun’s rays also. Great video, VERY well explained, and, absolutely most interesting! Stay safe! ~Jim @WRXY695~
Hey Jon! Thanks for the video on this topic , I'm going to be starting a 750 STOL after the first of the year. I live on 50 acres in SE Ohio. I'm not sure what is more challenging, getting my shop/ garage ready , or preparing a suitable grass strip. Although an antenna isn't quite necessary , it sure would be nice! Great info , Thanks! Blue Skies!
That wood pole landing reminded me Wile E Coyote planing...
Great mast I need to see part 2 !!!!
So anticipating phase two I can’t seem to find it. Can you link to phase Two as I’m interested in the mechanics of the telescoping mast. 3/28/24
Cool idea! Good job. See you December 4 in Lakeland (and it will be warm).
Excellent and all is clear. Thank you for really great and rich in detail video👍
Did y’all ever build the extension? Wondering how it was done
What keeps the rain out of the tube? I noticed you did not prime the metal before priming it. How is it holding up? Its 3 years old now it says.
You should have a 6’ ground rod with a copper wire to the mast. Since this an airport, don’t you need a flashing light?
Been looking for the second part. I live off grid and would like to get a emergency jpole antenna up with my starlink.
A couple of thoughts to consider. The winch is most powerful on the first wrap of cable. (least amount of cable for the job) Also you might think of using the equivalent of jumper cables to power the winch, (no battery to maintain) just pull a car up when needed.
nice job so far, Terry
This is great! Gives me all kinds of helpful ideas wrt my own antenna tower situation.
I think I would drill 2 holes for huge bolts. Then insert at 2 locations pieces of rectangular pipe (also drilled). Then I would use 2 bolts to bolt the mast to the support pipe firmly. They would have to be loosened & bolts removed to raise or lower the mast. Also I might put a short piece of pipe bolted to the outside of the mast which goes down to the slab. Why did you not put the mast up against the wall of your building? You don't have a video of finishing the project? Thanks much for this video -- it looks like a beautiful & professional job.
Part 2 please?
They sale rohn 40 foot towers for under a 1000. However the shipping is around 500 dollars and tilt base is around 400.
I'm thinking , combination radio, weather and wind sock... The only thing that I would have done differently than you, as far as removing the old one goes is, I most definitely would have parked a vehicle ( any vehicle will do ) just slightly to the right of the box! Thanks again!
I loved thus. Awaiting part two..thanks
This video is 2 years old.
Don't hold your breath.
Your video on Tilting tower was so informative. I would like to build one for my HAM radio operations, thanks for the step by step procedure. it would be great help if you can share the design sketches with us.
eagerly waiting for the second part. Hats off to you.
73's
VU2CSF
Hi Chandra. Thanks for the feedback. I am a little hesitant about the plans as I am not a structural engineer so there are no specifications for strength and durability. I borrowed from several commercial designs so I feel I am taking minimal chances. I also am a ham and this is my main purpose - but for low wind load antennas! Stayed tuned - for spring will be the time I finish off the telescoping part. Then I can provide more detail on what I did. Waiting for a better sunspot cycle to appear!
@@HomebuiltHELP Thank you for your reply. Sketches will help as one of my HAM friend is a Structural Engineer, hope to take his advice.
will wait eagerly for the second part.
73's
Is there a part 2 to this? I don't see any link to a part 2 and I know others besides myself would like to see that video. You did a great job with this. Was there a cost savings doing it this way instead of using a telescoping antenna tower that has 3 or 4 sections and a hand or electric winch/hoist to raise and lower it?
Nice to see myself on 1:21 well done on your work. JD.
John, You were an inspiration to this project! THanks
Can I get a link to part du?
It has been 3 years, where is part two? Nice job by the way!
did you ever post the phase II video?
Looking forward to part 2
What kind of winds can something like this handle
This is amazing! Did you ever do Phase 2??
Where is part two please?.
Where is part 2 of the tower build? You are letting us all, down.
it's ben a while since this vid. have you finished the second part 0f the radio tower ?
I can't seam to find the second video for this antenna mast project .
Hopefully in a few months!
I have one question/remark, Did you put a draining hole in the tower mount? as this is a rather needed feature but i didn't see it on any of the times in the process making and attaching the base plate.
Just a ham with a question :)
Oops! Maybe he forgot. I did. Easy fix though.
Well, “2 years after the mast”, is project #2 coming out yet?
The first was SO good!
Yes.. some project issues created a temporary delay.... stay tuned!
OK... I want one. Thank you for sharing.
Where is the part 2? :(
Is there a part 2 ?
....WOW ...Even The Box Got Out of The Way!! ...Smart Bow!
3:21 Keep using sticks of dynamite until the hole is how you want it 🤣
When will you release the second portion of this video? It’s really cool!
Still in the plans to complete
When is the second video?
That is a very nice idea and set up! What was your total cost for all the materials? My guess is aroud $2000 from start to finish??? My set up would have to be along these lines, All we are teying to achieve is high speed internet bcs we are in a rural area where the fcc could care less! We have 60 to 70 ft trees within 20 to 30 ft from our house! I feel like we are stuck in the ancient days of the electronic world.
I realize this video was made two years ago but I still have a question? I like the design except for how all the weight of your pole looks like it sits on the one pivot bolt. That does not look right to me. Wouldn’t be better to have that pole sit flat on the plate instead of the bolt once it it tilted up in place? Where is part 2 of this video? All the antenna towers that tilt up end up sitting flat on a plate after they are tilted up. Why would you rely on that one pivot bolt to hold the entire pole up? This could be modified a bit by hinging the pole to a larger base plate so it sits flat on the plate when tilted up. This way you don’t rely on the bolt to hold it up. Would like to see part 2 and how this holds up after a few years.
I can answer - but first, please tell me how much weight a 5/8" bolt (grade 2) can hold in shear (very easy to find - google this exact question or ask Siri). Please reply here!
That looks great.
Very nice work!
What did you use to cut the steel?
Do you have a follow up to this video?
When is part 2???
even pro loggers can have problems getting a tree to land correctly, but love part 1.
only thing i can say is you should have used a larger hinge pin for the tower base. aka: welded a pipe inside of the 4 inch sq tube, (adjusted to be 1/2 in on each side) to match up with the 5 in sq tube base. and used a 1/12 - 2 in bolt. with all the threads outside of the assembly as that could be a breakage point of the bolt. i kinda think over kill sometimes.
Perhaps not overkill thinking, but more along the lines of experience.
The voice of experience speaking clearly, yet not wishing to offend the host.
When the first monster gale force storm comes,
and after the gusts die down he ventures out g
to peek at his work- he’ll know!🤝
I would have made the hinge assembly heavier myself.
That said, I doubt it'll ever fail.
Very nice , I like it !!!
Great video. I have seen some tilt up tower manufactures state that no loads should be on the mast when cranking up. What has your research led you to believe on that subject? I may want to do a tilt over mast one day for Ham Radio. I am also a pilot.
"no loads should be on the mast when cranking up" Hi Brent, I guess I dont understand what a "load on the mast" is?
@@HomebuiltHELP it would seem they say don’t mount a structure on top of the mast prior to tilting it up. By I have seen some large beams installed sideways and tilted. These are instructions from manufactures not TH-cam opinion. But I don’t have a good handle on the mechanical structures of these antennas and am curious to know. Perhaps I should find a structural engineer or a good book. Thanks for your response. I am not trying to say I know more than you, this is an honest question. All the best, 73 de KI5HXM
I am only commenting from a practical point - I believe the whole point of a tilt over tower is to mount/maintain your antennas while standing on the ground, then raise them into position. You may be referring to the idea that there IS a maximum wind load (and also dead weight) that a given tower can handle at the top. That should be listed in the manufacture's specs.
@@HomebuiltHELP yes, I agree on the practical point of working it on the ground. I was surprised by a manufactures limit on that since to me that is the whole point of tilting. I have some learning to do at any rate. By the way, I am a pilot and a ham also! 73!
Well, I WAS going to say you have to pay attention to the power source on your winch. The one in this video was designed to mount on a truck, so it's 12V DC. I assumed it was going to be 120V AC, which are also available for fixed installations, but they aren't as plentiful or inexpensive. But for occasional use like this one, I suppose lugging a battery outside and hooking it up isn't too onerous.
His biggest problem with the winch is spool size. With as much cable he has out I doubt the winch can do a 1000 pounds. Might be able to add a chain link to shorten the length of winch cable out.Maybe a 9 or 12k winch could work when he adds the extra section.
@@keithmiller7341 I didn't understand any of that. What I meant was that you have to make sure you're getting a winch with the right power source. If you want to hardwire it into hangar power, you have to get a 120vAC model. If you want to spend less, you can get a 12vDC model made for a truck, but you have to be OK with lugging a car battery around.
I didn't see anything about grounding that tower, you should read the book written by HAM operator and author Ward Silver all about proper grounding. Otherwise that propane tank becomes more of a potential bomb being that close.
LOL Well, this ham operator did in fact drive a rod from inside the hole into the earth and attached a cable to the rebar cage - all before the concrete pour.
part two when?
Great video. Did you ever get the 2nd video done?
Still on the list of todos....
Good video. If you want help on antenna talk to your local ham radio club.
Good thought! I have been licensed as a ham operator for over 50 years! Still so much I do not know...!
wheres the telescoping part video?
Planning on finishing.... keep the faith!
Nice black cat . I have a special one just like him/her. That was a lot of concrete for such a small base. But you must follow the local regulations. Tilt and crank up has its problems if not regularly maintained. A Equalatiral triangle design is stronger and far cheaper to build in 10ft sections.. Giving you the tilt advantage . And you can upgrade in height ,If you build the base with upgrades in mind.. That said its a expensive business putting antennas in the air. Best regards HS0ZOU.
Triangle design is nice but MUCH more labor/time with creating all those cross members with their ends shaped for the tubes, rigging, and welding each one. Every design is a trade-off! Thanks for your input.
Nice job
i built a tower close to the one you are working with a 3x3x24' in side the 4x4x24 i used a hand crank to lift the tower or try to , to heavy was not able to lift had to get a tractor to help with lift. i used a 6" i beam for the lift pole it wobbled to much looked like it was going to fall so i just scraped the idea , to close to the house and the lp. tank . so watch the weight .good luck
i wanted to see part 2 video
So part of the preflight check is to make sure the cat is accounted for and not sleeping somewhere inside the plane.
Part 2 ?
I would have mounted it touching the propane tank for the inevitable lighting strike...... j/k ....great video thanks for posting!
Do you have the blueprints you designed to build this tower? If so i would like to buy a set from you.
I do not. However, when I attempt part 2 to finish this I think I will provide more dimensions so maybe a structural engineer can comment on its strength (or lack!)
@@HomebuiltHELP Where's part 2 ?
Ran out of time this year... definitely planning for the next warm season!
Does your black cat fly with you? Might be bad luck...
Great job.
I love the cat!
Where is Part 2?
This next spring/summer 2022 hopefully!
... and one final point, another advantage to a metal plane is it's no good for sharpening your claws!
In Canada you are looking at about $20,000 just for the one big steel channel. A 1 1/4 piece of steel tubing 10 feet long is over $100 CDN here now ! Absolutely rediculous! ! ! Same piece of pipe to build a fence is $16. PS: I would have used the phone pole myself. Such a waste ! Also, you could have moved the box over while the pole was falling. 😅😂🤣
Thanks professor
You made reference to the tower being grounded through the rebar and concrete. That doesn't work. Proper grounding is never done through concrete. Lightning will blow concrete to rubble.
Need to run six or 8 inch copper strap from the base of the tower out in at least a couple different directions to ten foot ground rods on either side of the concrete. This is how broadcast towers are grounded. (I used to own 2 AM radio stations!). Please ground that tower properly! Lightning damage is costly & more costly!
Cat and Catastrophe! 🐱
Well, at least the telephone pole did not end up landing on your hangar...
Looks good Jon! but you probably should not have painted it. It will actually rust quicker with paint on than not, especially heavy steel like you are using
poles attract lightning and with a gas tank sitting next to the pole i guess doomsday is coming soon
Kitty!
Please Do Not stand behind anything your cutting down! It can kick back many a logger has died that way I saw that and really hoped that would not happen ! Went whew when it landed . Old A&P guy here don’t think a cat can hurt good fabric .
Lol, nice fall....
Old guys...
They work easy, not hard.
Take a good look, young guys.
(That's how they made it this far in their lives)
PS: Get a young guy to position the boxes when downing your next telephone pole...
Part 2?