Folding antenna mast?

[oguruma]

Is there a good commercially-available folding antenna mast?

I'd like to mount a folding mast on an overland rack that can be easily deployed when stationary.

The closest I have found is a folding antenna mount, which allows an antenna that's mounted to be folded up/down, however that wouldn't support a directional antenna (that has be to turned) very well.

 

[Hilldweller]

What frequency(ies)?
I bought a folder from DX 2 years ago for 2m/70cm and it works great.

DX Engineering | Ham Radio Equipment & Supplies

Ham radio antenna, transceivers, coax cable & other amateur radio gear. DXE carries top ham radio brands including Yaesu, Kenwood, ICOM, MFJ, Butternut & more.

www.dxengineering.com

 

[DaveInDenver]

Are you after something for mobile or stationary use? When you say "directional" I'm wondering if you mean a Yagi or dish maybe and how big of an antenna you're using.

Anyway, lots of hams have come up with tilt-up masts over the years for all sorts of reasons. Very common with large beams and Yagis to have a tilt-up mast at home. But I suspect that's a lot of larger than you're thinking.

K8WAT's New Tower & Antennas

On Friday, November 18, I had agreed to help Tim, K8RRT, and Dana, K8WAT, put the final touches on the installation of Dana's new "tower" ...

wvdxa.blogspot.com

In this case the microwave enthusiasts might offer some ideas or the military or commercial world probably is your huckleberry. They're usually either intended to fit in a trailer hitch.

Trailer Hitch Mast Mount Kit

Trailer Hitch Mast Mount Kits for use on cars, trucks, SUV's, RV's, or anything with a 2 inch hitch receiver. Get out and elevated!

mgs4u.com

Or one you drive on to stabilize.

The 2E0HTS Portable Antenna Mast Mount

hamradiooperator.blogspot.com

Or telescopes.

 

[Oscar Mike Gulf Yankee]

How about this?
20 Ft. Telescoping Flag Pole Kit (harborfreight.com)

I doubt you could buy all the parts for $70.00!

You can take the truck off and insert another pole to be manually operated. (OBTW, the ball at the top of a flag pole is called a "truck", it's also the only Truck on any military installation! ).

 

[DaveInDenver]

That telescoping mast is an awesome find. It's aluminum, which could be useful (as insofar as it could be your radiating element directly, although an extra section or two would be handy) or a slight inconvenience (e.g. affect tuning potentially and you have to consider lightning and static implications) depending on your need. But being rigid enough to be a flag pole is a nice improvement over a fishing rod for temp support...

P.S., just 'cause, regards to the finial atop flag poles: https://www.wearethemighty.com/mili...-is-actually-inside-the-top-of-the-flag-pole/

 

[Oscar Mike Gulf Yankee]

That telescoping mast is an awesome find. It's aluminum, which could be useful (as insofar as it could be your radiating element directly, although an extra section or two would be handy) or a slight inconvenience (e.g. affect tuning potentially and you have to consider lightning and static implications) depending on your need. But being rigid enough to be a flag pole is a nice improvement over a fishing rod for temp support...

P.S., just 'cause, regards to the finial atop flag poles: https://www.wearethemighty.com/mili...-is-actually-inside-the-top-of-the-flag-pole/

In my day, the Truck was to have one .45 round because the Commander could never surrender because of the lack of ammo! No operative weapons is buried under or near a flag pole on any installation!

 

[dstefan]

Rhino Rack makes a fairly stout one, but they seem to be in short supply. Maybe too small for your purposes?

#43196 - Folding Aerial Bracket |

Rhino-Rack's Folding Aerial Bracket is designed with versatility in mind offering 180 degrees of rotation for aerials, antennas, flags, and spotlights.

www.rhinorack.com

 

[bnsfham]

You might look at www.breedlovemounts.com. They have some incredible mounting options, and I think will adapt/customize on request.