To put a 2 meter beam is much simpler than an 11 meter beam. Moleculo has got it easier than me! The 11 meter beams are heavier, larger, offer more wind resistance, and has a larger turning radius. They also require to be put up much higher than the 2 meter beam does to be as effective.
I'm still getting parts and making final choices to finish the beam project and then write the review. I just finished restoring a 40 ft push-up pole and need to get 200 ft of guy wire as well as some lag screws to attach the push-up pole and start the installation. I'm going to HRO to pick up the coax and connectors next. A trip to the hardware store will provide the guy wire, lag screws, and washers...
Since I live on the coast of California; wind and snow aren't factors for putting the Gizmotchy 4 element beam up. In a harsher enviorment, I'm sure a more expensive heavy-duty rotor would be required. Keeping it functional without breaking the bank is the goal. I am concerned about having to spend $300 for the Yaesu G-450 rotor, as this would make putting a beam up an expensive venture. That Yaesu price does't include the bearing support. A bearing support at HRO is around $70 more! I am trying to keep the budget as low as possible and still make it all work together reasonably well. If I can get away with spending less than $100 for the rotor and the support bearing, I will feel grateful for not having to buy the Yaesu unit.
After the beam itself is assembled, I will find its center/horizontal 'balance point' and use that as the point to secure it to the mast.
As well as using a level to ensure that the push-up pole is as perpendicular to the ground as possible. This installation will probably need three guy wires at two different heights along the mast. Keeping it stable when the push-up pole is completely exended to its full height is a sound safety practice that will be used on this project.
I have several factors that I need to address before I can get this "fish bone lookin' twelve foot horizontal aluminum chick magnet" up (lol!).
One question I still have - is the possible use of a 10 ft fiberglass mast section - in order not to affect the beam performance itself.
Will using a metal mast attached to the beam affect its performance?
Or would using a fiberglass mast instead of steel be the correct choice?
Where can I purchase this fiberglass mast?
I am looking at getting the strongest rotor used for the largest TV antennas, Large TV antennas are equivalent in weight and size to the Gizmotchy beam. This will make this installation affordable. There is another part that I discovered that would be most helpful to keep this rotor lasting longer - a support bearing. I am considering using this support bearing - a foot or two above the rotor itself - in order to keep the horizontal wind stress off of the rotor itself.
Stark Electronics has all of the gear to put it together - here is that link:
Channel Master Rotors 9521A and NTE U-106 or U-105 TV antenna rotor TB-105 Support Bearing Used to turn your TV, HDTV or other communication antenna toward the strongest signal
Pictured below: bearing support and rotor installation diagram, bearing support, and the rotor itself
I'm still getting parts and making final choices to finish the beam project and then write the review. I just finished restoring a 40 ft push-up pole and need to get 200 ft of guy wire as well as some lag screws to attach the push-up pole and start the installation. I'm going to HRO to pick up the coax and connectors next. A trip to the hardware store will provide the guy wire, lag screws, and washers...
Since I live on the coast of California; wind and snow aren't factors for putting the Gizmotchy 4 element beam up. In a harsher enviorment, I'm sure a more expensive heavy-duty rotor would be required. Keeping it functional without breaking the bank is the goal. I am concerned about having to spend $300 for the Yaesu G-450 rotor, as this would make putting a beam up an expensive venture. That Yaesu price does't include the bearing support. A bearing support at HRO is around $70 more! I am trying to keep the budget as low as possible and still make it all work together reasonably well. If I can get away with spending less than $100 for the rotor and the support bearing, I will feel grateful for not having to buy the Yaesu unit.
After the beam itself is assembled, I will find its center/horizontal 'balance point' and use that as the point to secure it to the mast.
As well as using a level to ensure that the push-up pole is as perpendicular to the ground as possible. This installation will probably need three guy wires at two different heights along the mast. Keeping it stable when the push-up pole is completely exended to its full height is a sound safety practice that will be used on this project.
I have several factors that I need to address before I can get this "fish bone lookin' twelve foot horizontal aluminum chick magnet" up (lol!).
One question I still have - is the possible use of a 10 ft fiberglass mast section - in order not to affect the beam performance itself.
Will using a metal mast attached to the beam affect its performance?
Or would using a fiberglass mast instead of steel be the correct choice?
Where can I purchase this fiberglass mast?
I am looking at getting the strongest rotor used for the largest TV antennas, Large TV antennas are equivalent in weight and size to the Gizmotchy beam. This will make this installation affordable. There is another part that I discovered that would be most helpful to keep this rotor lasting longer - a support bearing. I am considering using this support bearing - a foot or two above the rotor itself - in order to keep the horizontal wind stress off of the rotor itself.
Stark Electronics has all of the gear to put it together - here is that link:
Channel Master Rotors 9521A and NTE U-106 or U-105 TV antenna rotor TB-105 Support Bearing Used to turn your TV, HDTV or other communication antenna toward the strongest signal
Pictured below: bearing support and rotor installation diagram, bearing support, and the rotor itself