Mast designs
Only shortwave ground planes or a satellite antenna need not to be mounted high, only should have a clear view. But almost all other antennas only work properly with distance from the ground. At least half a wavelength is recommended, as the directional pattern is then not distorted by the ground influence and the range increases.
If the roof is available, the antenna is traditionally mounted on the roof of the house. But this is not a solution for on the road or if the roof is not sufficiently stable. Stand-alone antenna masts can help here. WiMo offers various modern solutions that are particularly elegant to set up. The criteria for deciding which mast is the right one in your case are the desired height, the required load-bearing capacity and the intended installation – rather permanent or only short-term:
These are ideal for portable use due to the telescopic extension as well as the low dead weight. WiMo offers aluminium sliding masts from four to 16 metres high. Apart from individual special sizes, WiMo aluminium sliding masts are available in two different transport sizes: 1.5 and 1.9 metres. Furthermore, depending on the height, the masts differ in the number of sections (from 3 to 11) and according to the diameters of the tubes (20 to 75 mm).
The telescopic masts consist of several aluminium tubes, slotted on one side, which are extended to any length and friction-locked by means of a solid clamp. For mast lengths greater than 6 metres, the mast must be additionally braced.
These are special portable complete masts of optionally 4, 7 or 10 m height made of even lighter special material than for example aluminium. They are reminiscent of photo tripods and are very light. Even the 10 m mast weighs only 7.9 kg. They can be carried, erected and operated by one person without tools. The antenna, but of course also a lamp or camera, can be turned precisely by a worm gear. The rigging material required for assembly is supplied.
Pneumatically operated masts offer a particularly high level of comfort. No more tedious lifting by hand, no more cranking, no more pushing. Simply turn on the compressor and raise the mast with ease. The locking mechanism ensures a secure stand, even when the pressure is removed. And when lowering, segment by segment is retracted slowly and in a controlled manner: This way, the antennas are not exposed to strong vibrations. This makes antenna experiments easier or even possible in the first place – because you can quickly change an antenna and try out something new.
Fibreglass poles are flexible and usually very light. They are great for getting a wire in the air at short notice, for example during a portable activity at the weekend or on holiday. Or you lift a small HB9CV with it to do some radio traffic from the mountain, the so-called SOTA ("Summits on the Air"). The small masts are available up to about 10 m, larger and heavier masts up to 12 m. Particularly large fibreglass rods up to 26 m are also used stationary, for example to set up group antennas such as a 4-Square for 40, 80 and 160 m.
The classic large transmission mast, as we know it from radio – apart from extinct mast types such as wooden masts. It also carries the largest antennas at heights of 20 m and more. But it doesn't fit in any airplane luggage, car, postal parcel or even in most front gardens. So you would have to collect your mast from us by lorry, you would need expensive craftsmen to install it – and most of the time you would not get a building permit at all. That is why WiMo no longer has lattice masts in its range. We would be happy to put you in touch with a contact.
Possible applications
Of course, antenna masts are there for antennas to achieve sufficient distance from the ground or to overcome obstacles in the near field. But they can also be used to raise webcams, photo and film cameras, lamps and small repeaters. Not to mention the club pennant for fieldday or at the campsite so that visitors can find you. By the way, geocachers like to use the sturdy HD fibre mast with a length of 10 m to fish their treasures out of the meanest corners on the outside of a building or in a tree...
Of course masts are there for antennas? Not only! Masts are also used in many other applications.
More security for construction site monitoring and events
How do you create security for construction or for an event? It's simple. Set up some masts quickly and cheaply and monitor what's happening with a construction site camera or mobile video technology.
Forget the stress and problems that can arise if your property is damaged by vandalism or you suffer damage due to theft. Our masts give you the right overview!
View moreMatch analysis like the pros
What has long been common practice in professional sport is detailed match analysis. Some of you might remember how Berti Vogts, the German national coach of the German football team, used to watch the first few minutes of every match from the stands.
Why? You can see better from up there. Today, more and more amateur sports clubs are using the new technology to improve the game. In addition to mounting them on floodlight poles, small, remote-controlled cameras can be installed on masts. The advantage: quick installation, mobility and thus a variety of uses, as well as no vandalism!
View moreWeather observation
Weather monitoring involves recording temperature, wind, humidity, etc. at various locations. This is now mostly done automatically by installing measuring instruments at various locations. For many companies this is very important,
for example to monitor the situation in the vineyard and to be able to react in time.
View moreIndividual requirements?
Due to the fact that we manufacture many masts ourselves and have a large selection of other masts in our portfolio, we can also respond to special requirements. Whether you need a special attachment or a special length. Just ask us! We are happy to help.
What about
What bad weather?
Even a mast that is only temporarily erected must not fall over in an unexpected gust and endanger the antenna or even lives and other property.
The mast itself is built strong enough to withstand strong winds, but it carries the antenna, which is located at the top end with the greatest leverage. The wind load in N can be calculated from the area of the antenna A in m² and the dynamic pressure q: F = q * A. According to EN 60728-11, apply:
q = 800 N/m² for a max. wind speed of 130 km/h – antenna less than 20 m from the ground
q = 1100 N/m² for a max. wind speed of 150 km/h – antenna more than 20 m from the ground
q = 1250 N/m² for a max. wind speed of 160 km/h on mountains or on the coast
If you want to calculate your own values for other wind speeds, please note that the dynamic pressure increases quadratically with the wind speed – double the wind speed means four times the wind load!
What is allowed anyway?
When it comes to the temporary erection of a mast in an open area at a fieldday, the only thing to consider is the possible proximity to an airport, which would then make a height limit and a safety distance as well as night-time lighting obligatory. This safety zone begins at a distance of 1.5 km – here 10 m height may be permissible for the first time – and ends at a distance of 5 to 10 km. However, transmitting near airports is not a good idea, if only because of possible radio interference.
A permanent installation in the garden or on the roof of a house, on the other hand, is subject to local building regulations. Even if outdoor antennas are allowed, there are restrictions on the permissible heights, the necessary distance from neighbouring properties, the permissible floor area and much more. These regulations can also change from one property to the next within a municipality, depending on the classification of the respective building area. It is therefore necessary to enquire at the municipality and, if necessary, to specifically submit a building plan.
Caution: This is not legal advice or legally binding information. There are professionals for that.
Discover products now
Now you have a basic knowledge and can browse our range to find the right pole for you. Maybe it will even be a different, yet more practical and cheaper type than originally thought? WiMo has a very large product range for every application and budget. Discover our product range on the subject of masts now!