So I got started a few days early working on the new install. On Friday I was able to get some time with my son in the backyard and we were able to fill about half the 2 foot deep hole with gravel, set the 24 inch mounting post in the hole, fill it with concrete and HOPEFULLY get the post straight. I did the best I could and I know for a fact it will be straighter than the mount for the 6-BTV.

Given some free time to night I am going to bring the install to the ham radio enthusiast. I have been following the installation provided by AE1Z. While the manual leaves a little bit to get desired, the images on this site coupled with the reflector and the assistance of Marty and Jerry at SteppIR should make the install fairly straight forward. I had debated about not putting the mounting post in until I received the vertical, but want to get on air this weekend for CQWW WPX CW, so I needed this mounting post in so I could erect the 6-BTV.

The only time consuming portion of this is going to be the 50+ radials I need to solder, since I was lazy the first time around and only crimped them. After removing all 50 there was some bad corrosion on them from the elements, so spraying them with a silicone will be necessary when I get them soldered.

Lots of work to do the next few days. I don’t know if I will get anything done today, at the least I would like to get the tilt-base mount on the post and the 6-BTV back in the air. I am debating what to do with the radials. I removed a good deal of them, 14 short radials at about 7′ each. Will that truly have an adverse effect on my ground plane? I doubt it, but we will see.