The AB-577 Antenna Mast Drill


	Loudoun Amateur Radio Group's AB-577 Antenna Mast Drill In Preparation For K4LRG 2010 Field Day Exercise Operating from the farm of John Westerman - WB5ODJ in Northern Loudoun County

The AB-577 Antenna Mast construction drill at Gary Quinn - NC4S's farm. Photograph by Norm Styer - AI2C de Clarks Gap, Virginia.

The 2010 LARG - K4LRG AB-577 Antenna Drill
April 24, 2010, at the QTH of NC4S, Gary Quinn, of Lovettsville, Virginia

The Data Plate on the AB-577 Antenna Mast. SN: 277. Also shows manufactor and contract number from 1968. Photograph by Norm Styer - AI2C de Clarkes Gap, Virginia.

The U. S. Army made a lot of these. These were deployed world-wide in the early to mid 1960's.
This one went on contract in 1968. This is one gadget that Fort Monmouth did right.

	(Purcellville, VA. May 2, 2010) Gary Quinn, NC4S, acquired another AB-577/GRC Mast this past year and held an assemble drill at his farm on Saturday, April 24, 2010. A group of us put it up in about an hour. This one came with a 30-foot extension kit but we did not add it. This mast is going on K4LRG Field Day Station #1 for the very big 80-Meter Double Extended Zepp and the 15-Meter 3-element yagi antennas.
	Setting the base and the first set of guys are John - W4AU, Rick - KR9D, Gary - NC4S, Doug - KJ4BRN, John - WB5ODJ, and Rick - AI1V
	Rick - KR9D aligns the first set of guys
	Guy tightening is not easy. Wear gloves. And, use big and deep stakes. At work here are Gary - NC4S, Dave - KE4OKY, and Doug - KJ4BRN.
	Tightening another guy is John - W4AU and John - WB5ODJ
	You can lose a finger or two
	We are level and the base is set and tight
	Up she goes. Here, John - W4AU adds the second guy ring and clamp

Gary - NC4S gives Norm - AI2C a second look to his comment: 'Do you think it will stay up? Photograph by John Westerman - WB5ODJ of Lovettsville, Virginia.

Well, is it really straight? Do you think it will stay up?

We went to 50-feet but have the extension kit for another 25-feet. We'll do it on Friday Night Setup. Photograph by John Westerman - WB5ODJ of Lovettsville, Virginia.

Okay, we have enough stuff to go to 75-feet.

This Is Dangerous Work:

Get yourself trained. We have three of these that will go up for Field Day. If you don't know what you are doing then don't do it!!! Take a look at these reports from prior years:

2009 K4LRG Field Day Technical Training

2008 K4LRG Tower Prep Training

Hey, if you don't have a hard hat then get one.

It was nice riding with you. Best Regards, Norm Styer - AI2C de Canby Road - Clarks Gap - Loudoun

NNNN

Return To Top

About Us | Site Map | Contact Us | Established 13 September 1999, Copyright 1999-2010, All Rights Reserved by Loudoun Amateur Radio Group. See Credits Published In Announcements Section. Internet Hosting Provided As A Public Service By MicroNeil Research Corporation

The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group Of Northern Virginia & Its Radio Station K4LRG