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How to attach a wire antenna to a fiberglass pole?

Posted: Mon Jul 29, 2024 5:31 pm
by KL7MJ
I know that I could just tape the wire to the top of the pole, but are there any more refined ways to connect the end of a wire antenna (EFHW or EFRW) to the top of a fiberglass fishing pole?

73,
Mike, KL7MJ

Re: How to attach a wire antenna to a fiberglass pole?

Posted: Mon Jul 29, 2024 6:57 pm
by w2tef
What I have observed among others with masts like that is they used a small strip of plastic. Drill a hole sized to position it where you want it to rest on the mast. Drill another hole to secure your wire. Slide the plastic strip over the top of the pole when you go to deploy it.

I suppose you could use a larger pit of plastic with additional holes if you wanted guy lines. Or an inverted-V. Or a dipole.

I guess a "plus" here is that with a carbon fiber pole, this could help stand the wire a little off the pole, since carbon fiber poles can impact the antenna's electrical characteristics. Fiberglass doesn't have that issue.

Re: How to attach a wire antenna to a fiberglass pole?

Posted: Mon Jul 29, 2024 10:07 pm
by N8TGQ
I use these clasps I found on purses at the thrift store. My daughter calls it a "lobster claw" clasp. It fits into the pole easily when collapsed, and I can work it one hand. Since the edges are all rounded over, the wire slides thru it easily. I've seen them at some craft stores.
The string is just something I can grab to pull the section out without having to tip the pole over.

Re: How to attach a wire antenna to a fiberglass pole?

Posted: Mon Aug 05, 2024 4:40 pm
by KL7MJ
Thanks, that gives me some ideas...

Re: How to attach a wire antenna to a fiberglass pole?

Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2024 5:19 pm
by KL7MJ
Well, I tied a piece of thin cord to the top of the pole and soaked it in super glue. Thanks for the ideas!

Re: How to attach a wire antenna to a fiberglass pole?

Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2024 9:30 pm
by k8zfj
I've used a 1 or 2 #64 rubber bands, also provides some strain relief and easy to replace as they wear out

Re: How to attach a wire antenna to a fiberglass pole?

Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2024 9:30 pm
by k8zfj
I've used a 1 or 2 #64 rubber bands, also provides some strain relief and easy to replace as they wear out