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How to Use a Conduit for an Antenna Mast

If you're a ham radio hobbyist seeking an inexpensive way to improve your transmission range, you can save money by using excess metal conduit pipe to erect an antenna mast pipe. Once you choose a suitable location that is copacetic with your better half, you can mount a length of conduit in the ground, sufficient for stabilizing a vertical antenna. Make sure you avoid power lines, trees and neglecting to check with your XYL before breaking ground.

Things You'll Need

Metal conduit pipe, 2-inch diameter, 55 inches long
Posthole digger
Gravel, 1/2- to 3/4-inch crushed stone, 150 pounds
Plastic landscape edging, 7 feet long
3-foot level
Shovel
Trash bag

Instructions

- 1
  Determine a location on your property to install your antenna mast.
- 2
  Dig an 8-inch-diameter hole, 36 inches deep. Pour gravel in the hole to a depth of 2 inches. Set the conduit in the center of the hole, and twist the end into the thin gravel layer. Vertically level the conduit pipe.
- 3
  Fill the hole the rest of the way with gravel, keeping the conduit vertical and centered. Tamp down the gravel with your foot, and top off the hole.
- 4
  Dig out a 2-inch-diameter ring around the hole, 2-inches deep. Line the ring with a trash bag, and fill it flush with gravel. Install a plastic landscaping edge around the ring. This will contain the gravel, and provide a protective boundary for a lawn mower.
- 5
  Mount your antenna to the conduit mast.

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