Hank Zoeller wrote:
Hello everyone,

I'm contemplating putting up a vertical antenna for HF use. I'm looking
at an approximate height of 30 feet or so. I am thinking of using
aluminum tubing (0.058" wall) in a 'telescoping' manner. Here are my
questions (so far):

1) Diameter. For wind resistance, should I start with something like 1
inch diameter and work down to 3/8 inch? Would the antenna be stronger
if I started with 2 inch diameter and worked down to 1-3/8 inch?

It would seem to me that the larger diameter might be better able to
withstand wind but it would also offer more resistance to wind possibly
negating the additional strength. But, I have no experience to draw
from. So, fat or slim?

2) I am planning a set of guy ropes at about the 12 foot level, a bit
over 1/3 height. Is there a better height for guy ropes? I can put as
much concrete in the ground as I like, and a very robust mount system is
possible. Is there any way to make an unguyed 30 footer that isn't a
tower form factor? Something like making the bottom 12 feet or so from
2 inch diameter, 1/4 inch wall tubing and then light weight tubing from
there up to full height?

When I bought my aluminum tubing from Texas Towers, they had
a computer program that calculated and specified all of the above.

http://www.texastowers.com
--
73, Cecil http://www.qsl.net/w5dxp