Author Topic: CB antenna removal (Read 32809 times)

Freebird · « **on:** Jul 15, 10, 03:55:02 PM »

I just bought a cabin in WW and have a large (I mean, really large) CB antenna that I'd like to have removed. Not to be insulting, in any way, to CBers everywhere, but I have my hands full with online social networking!

So, how do I get it removed? Can I give it to someone else so that it doesn't go to waste?

It's funny, I kept walking by the pole while I was looking at the property for purchase and just assumed that it was a flag pole. The day I went back for the inspection, I looked up and was like "Dang, that's a big sucker!"

Tomas · « **Reply #1 on:** Jul 15, 10, 04:32:11 PM »

Odds are it's a ham radio antenna (much more useful than CB) You may want to think twice about removing it (maybe you won't think twice

) Ham radio is the most reliable form of communication. We have a whole lot of active hams in the area that are very involved in disater preparedness. Living in a rural area means you have to be extra prepared for emergencies.

If you truly have no interest in amatuer radio, I work for one of the YMCA camps in the area and we'd love to have an antenna donated. I'd be happy to swing by and see what you have.
PM me if you'd like to donate it to a camp.

Freebird · « **Reply #2 on:** Jul 15, 10, 04:44:04 PM »

Hi Tomas -- I confess that I don't know the difference between CB and Ham expect for at Easter dinner. Pehaps I should keep it for an emergency... I will give this some thought and would be more than happy to donate it to the YMCA if I decide to get rid of it. Stay tuned.

Tomas · « **Reply #3 on:** Jul 15, 10, 04:55:02 PM »

I'll keep an eye out.

Believe me, there are plenty of people on the forum (myself included) that would love to tell you about the benefits of amatuer radio. It is an amazing resource in an emergency and can be a fun hobby as well. During the Sheep Fire that threatened our town. Ham radio operators had the most current and accurate information. Things like the fires location, rate of spread and evacuations were shared instantly. Most news reports provided information that was flat out wrong and many people never recieved evacuation phone calls at their homes. If you do not have an active phone line in the house you won't know about an evecuation order until the sheriffs or volunteers can make it to your house.

Read a little on the radio talk area and ask questions before you get rid of that antenna.

Bob C · « **Reply #4 on:** Jul 15, 10, 04:55:37 PM »

Quote from: Tomas on Jul 15, 10, 04:32:11 PM

Odds are it's a ham radio antenna (much more useful than CB)

Yeah, but what HAM would ever leave an antenna behind, when they moved? Heck, most HAMs would leave the kids and wife behind, but would never forget to take their antenna

Tomas · « **Reply #5 on:** Jul 15, 10, 04:56:54 PM »

ha ha, good point. Or it could have just been a good excuse to shop AES catalogs

Freebird · « **Reply #6 on:** Jul 15, 10, 05:18:12 PM »

It was a "trust" sale. Think the owner died a couple of years ago and the kids didn't want the place.

lagomorphmom · « **Reply #7 on:** Jul 16, 10, 08:41:20 AM »

For my own couple of cents, I can't echo what Tom said enough.

As for the antenna, if it's on top of a pole and actually a CB antenna you can always replace it with an appropriate frequency ham antenna.

Just to let you know, the entry level amateur radio license no longer requires Morse code. The test is around 30 multiple choice questions and you can study with a book that contains all possible questions listed by subject group (each section will say, for example, of these 10 questions you will be asked 3). Practice exams are available online and we also have periodic study classes in town.

An entry level handi-talkie (HT) is a great investment - when the power goes out, let alone a natural disaster, we don't have this forum to keep us updated. Speaking of weather, I've also been in town during terrible rain/flooding/lightning strikes and amateur radio has been essential in keeping us all posted.

ezzpete · « **Reply #8 on:** Jul 16, 10, 01:31:14 PM »

if it's a CB antenna, that's good also, lots of fun, not very rule heavy either. way better DX conditions than 10 meters . and contrary to popular opinion there are many intelligent people on 11 meters (CB), many are hamsters too.

Moose · « **Reply #9 on:** Jul 16, 10, 03:47:57 PM »

One of the homes I know of in WW where the owner passed away had a very large multi-band HF antenna. The owner was heavily into ham radio. I seem to remember the house was on Irene or Laura. House is on the North side of the street and is set back from the street with the antenna on the West side of the house. Mounted on an old tower frame set up against the house.

Freebird · « **Reply #10 on:** Jul 16, 10, 10:15:34 PM »

Quote from: Moose on Jul 16, 10, 03:47:57 PM

One of the homes I know of in WW where the owner passed away had a very large multi-band HF antenna. The owner was heavily into ham radio. I seem to remember the house was on Irene or Laura. House is on the North side of the street and is set back from the street with the antenna on the West side of the house. Mounted on an old tower frame set up against the house.

That's not me, but I was up there today and that thing needs to go. It's huge and is right where I want to put some decking. Met the neighbors and think I will be their hero if I get rid of it too. If I was planning on living in WW full-time, I'd consider keeping it for an emergency... But, since I'll be part-time, I think I'll take my chances.

Btw, today, we noticed a very thin wire that is attached to the trees (pretty high up) and surrounding the entire property. You have to concentrate a bit to see it. We were wondering if it has something to do with the antenna? If not, we are baffled!

SkierBob · « **Reply #11 on:** Jul 17, 10, 06:46:11 AM »

Quote from: Freebird on Jul 16, 10, 10:15:34 PM

That's not me, but I was up there today and that thing needs to go. It's huge and is right where I want to put some decking. Met the neighbors and think I will be their hero if I get rid of it too. If I was planning on living in WW full-time, I'd consider keeping it for an emergency... But, since I'll be part-time, I think I'll take my chances.

Btw, today, we noticed a very thin wire that is attached to the trees (pretty high up) and surrounding the entire property. You have to concentrate a bit to see it. We were wondering if it has something to do with the antenna? If not, we are baffled!

hmm, good be a Dipole antenna.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipole_antenna

Freebird · « **Reply #12 on:** Jul 17, 10, 08:41:44 AM »

Quote from: SkierBob on Jul 17, 10, 06:46:11 AM

hmm, good be a Dipole antenna.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipole_antenna

Maybe he started with that and, then, got the big one later? We thought that it might be some sort of booster.

Tomas -- sending you an pm on it.

Freebird · « **Reply #13 on:** Jul 18, 10, 10:40:11 AM »

With the help of Tomas and a neighbor, I've learned that my antenna isn't just an emergency HAM thing, it's for communicating cross country and over seas - and that wire going around the property is a dipole antenna. Ha, even these guys think it's a huge antenna!

I don't mind donating it, if it goes to a good cause. Otherwise, I'll sell it for a good price if it's taken down really carefully while my contractor is there. I'd really rather not have this beast fall on my new cabin! (It's right up against the side of it.)

If you are interested or have any ideas for me, please pm (don't want to post my address on the forum). I have no idea on it's value, so I wouldn't mind some help with that too.

Btw, a big tree on the property is coming down on Thursday and that dipole antenna is in the drop zone, so the clock is ticking on that critter.

Tomas · « **Reply #14 on:** Jul 19, 10, 10:24:38 AM »

Unfortunately our camps and the Wrightwood Communications Group are unable to take the antenna at this time. It's too bad because this is a pretty good rig.

It's an HF beam (40 m) It is on a rotar and the tower is about 30'. The tower mounts to the side of a building.

Freebird · « **Reply #15 on:** Jul 19, 10, 02:03:33 PM »

Quote from: Tomas on Jul 19, 10, 10:24:38 AM

Unfortunately our camps and the Wrightwood Communications Group are unable to take the antenna at this time. It's too bad because this is a pretty good rig.

It's an HF beam (40 m) It is on a rotar and the tower is about 30'. The tower mounts to the side of a building.

OK, with this info in mind (because I think many of you who pm'd me thought it was a smaller antenna), please send me a pm if you are interested. I just want the thing removed safely!
I've got a tree guy coming out and the end of the week to chop down a tree... Maybe he can chop this beast down at the same time!

SkierBob · « **Reply #16 on:** Jul 19, 10, 03:44:40 PM »

If it's not a crank up the only safe way to take it down is with a gin pole, or a crane.

http://www.w9iix.com/ii00008.htm

I don't recommend using the method displayed below. We were having a redneck moment. The tower in the background we assembled on the ground and put it up with a crane.

Freebird · « **Reply #17 on:** Jul 19, 10, 04:01:01 PM »

Oh, come on, Bob! Don't scare everyone off. My antenna isn't way up like that. It looks like it's on a big flag pole and is only a bit taller than the roof.

Here's a pic of the pole (don't have a pic of the antenna):

SkierBob · « **Reply #18 on:** Jul 19, 10, 04:12:00 PM »

That looks like a 2 inch Schedule 40 pipe. Probably only 20ft long unless you see a place where it's screwed together. That pole also probably has some guy wires for support.

Keep the rotor or give it to someone who will use it. It's probably a fairly robust rotor if it's being used to turn large beam.

Freebird · « **Reply #19 on:** Jul 21, 10, 07:28:01 PM »

Just to update everyone on this, someone from the SBC Fire Communications Group is coming to look at it tomorrow. If they want it, that will be a great home. I've got a couple of pm's of people who are interested if that falls through.

Author Topic: CB antenna removal (Read 32809 times)

Freebird

Tomas

Freebird

Tomas

Tomas

Freebird

ezzpete

Freebird

Freebird

Freebird

Tomas

Freebird

Freebird

Freebird