SUBJECT: Tower Series, part 4

    PUSH_UP MASTS:  This is an inexpensive way to raise small HF beams, 
HF verticals and HF wire antennas.  It is also a good support for VHF 
and UHF beams and omnis.  The best push-up mast I've found for the money
is the mast sold by Radio Shack.  They may sell different brands of masts
around the country, but the ones in Florida are excellent.  The masts
come with guy tie-off points at each section, cotter pin holes (change
the pins out for bolts) and hand operated locking screws.  

    Some of the good points are cost, ease of installation, easy care,
and easy transport.  They also make good tower drive-shafts. 

    Some bad points, they can fold over in a storm with a beam on board,
they are good lightning rods, once kinked, they're not worth a plug nickel.

    Overall, the push-up mast has probably made it to more field days than
any other type of transported support in the history of ham radio.  It's
a good support that will last many years and serve the amateur well.

    -------------------------------------------------------------

    TUBULAR TOWERS:  You have seen these advertised in many Amateur
Radio magazines.  They are expensive, especially when a motor drive is
added.  I know of only one person that owns one of these types and
he enjoys it.  The tower has some good points as related to me.  It's
eye appealing to the neighbors, easy to operate, and good for storing
the antenna at low heights when not used.  It does however require some
maintenance and TLC.  You can't neglect them or they'll pay you back in
spades.


-WS