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How to Crank Up a Telescopic Antenna Mast

Crank-up telescopic antenna masts have become popular again, thanks to the changes in the broadcasting field from analog to High Definition (HD). With residents now trying to install HD antennas, and also since CB and amateur radio are still in widespread use today, these masts are gaining in popularity. Whether your mast is modern or older, use caution when working around masts and maintain control of the crank at all times. Please heed the Warnings section for more information.

Things You'll Need

Mast operation manual

Instructions

- 1
  Review the owner's manual that came with your mast for any special instructions given for your particular system. While studying the manual, note the location of the clutch or engage/disengage lever on your specific mast.
- 2
  Flip the clutch selector lever of your mast, if so equipped, to the position that permits you to raise the mast. Make a loud, vocal statement for all people in the vicinity to clear away from the mast while cranking. Although most modern masts have a safety feature that will lock if the mast begins to fall when losing control of the hand-crank, older units do not.
- 3
  Unfold the hand-crank lever if your model has a folding style, and then lock the crank elbows in place. Slowly begin cranking the mast and continue turning the crank until the antenna is at the desired height.
- 4
  Engage the mast locking brake lever to lock the mast in place. To prevent neighbors (especially children) from playing with the hand crank, which could cause injury, fold the cranking lever back into its stow position.

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