Tips for Working with Mini-Poles

The two Spiderbeam Mini-Poles have several thin segments near the top.  Mounting the feedpoint (balun) of a dipole is slightly different since there is no clamp between the pole segments.

 

The following shows one way to easily attach the feedpoint of antennas such as Spiderbeam's Aerial-51 Models 404-UL or 807-L.

 

[Note: The Model 807-HD is too heavy for use with these Mini-Spiderpoles] 

 

 

STEP ONE:  Prepare the Attachment Rope

 

Spiderbeam's 2mm Kevlar Guy Rope is excellent for this, but its 1mm Kevelar Guy Rope may also be used. 

Both are strong enough.

 

  • Prpare a long loop as shown in 1A.  Don't forget to prepare the ends of the loop (see:   ).
  • Tie two knots in the rope as shown in 1B.

The loop will later be inserted in the eyelet of the balun's mounting screw.

STEP TWO:  Prepare the Pole

 

  • Locate the junction (joint) of the two pole segments where the antenna feedpoint is to be attached.
  • Wrap 3 layers of "Coroplast Tape" above the joint.
  • Wrap 3 layers of Coroplast Tape below the joint.
  • Then wrap tape over the joint of both tubes.

Note:  "Coroplast Tape" is a very special, pressure-sensitive tape which does not use glue to stick to the surface to which it is applied.  It uses self-adhesion.  It does not leave a sticky, gooie residue when removed, like electrical tape or duct tape does.

 

 

    STEP THREE:  Attach Rope-Loop to Balun

 

  • Insert the loop through the eyelet of the balun
  • Insert the open end of the rope loop through                                the loop passing through the eyelet.
  • Pull tight.

 

When finished, it should look like the drawing on the right  ------------------------->

 

STEP FOUR:  Attach Balun to Pole

 

  • Insert a small wire-tie thrugh the loop.
  • Wrap the wire-tie around the upper pole, just above the joint of the two segments.
  • Pull tight.  Pulling tight compresses the tape slightly.   The wire-tie cannot slip down the pole.

 

See photo (below) for what it looks like.

 

 

  I will make a photo when I take down the pole in about a week.

  (that will be in the 2nd week of April 2021)