Topic: Mounting pole max OD?

[DennisD33]

Question about Ambient Weather 2902B: what is the max OD pole the mounting U-bolts will accept?  A 2-inch Schedule 40 PVC pipe is 2.375 inches OD (2 3/8 inches).  Is this too big?    I bought this unit for my grandson but I want him to be the first to open the box, and I want to give him a complete package, including a pole.  Thanks in advance!

[galfert]

Recommended pole diameter is 1 to 2 inches according to the manual.

[galfert]

Here is a popular option

Fence top rail
https://www.homedepot.com/p/YARDGARD-1-3-8-in-x-10-ft-6-in-17-Gauge-Galvanized-Top-Rail-328913DPT/100322532

[DennisD33]

Thanks, Galfert!  I like the galvanized pipe suggestion.  That will have an OD that will fit.  My grandson will be over the moon when he gets this unit!

I sure appreciate it!

[galfert]

The neat part of using the fence top rail pipe is that it is tapered at one end, allowing you to connect more than one section together. For the WS-2902B I recommend a height of about 15 feet. Connect top rails and bury 5 ft or cut it if you have the means. I know Home Depot will cut wood, I don't know if they would do the same for pipe. Then just put some concrete down and you are set. Be sure to use a post level.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Empire-5-1-4-in-Polycast-Post-Level-720/100124903

You could also just use one section of rail and combine with wood fence post and then some people devise a hinge mechanism to service.

The 15 ft height is ideal for an all-in-one station. Best siting compromise for all sensors. This also allows you to reach for maintenance with an A frame ladder.

[DennisD33]

Yes, that’s another good suggestion I hadn’t thought about.  We’ll mount the unit at 15 feet; that will also get it at the proper height/distance ratio from nearby small trees.  And we’ll insure that it’s dead plumb, too.

Thanks, again, Galpert!  I know my grandson will enjoy this forum, too!

[Rover1822]

Another thing you can use, is just EMT conduit

https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-1-2-in-x-10-ft-Electric-Metallic-Tube-EMT-Conduit-101584/100400412

Granted its only 10' but if mounting to the side of a building , works well

[DennisD33]

Thanks, Rover!  That’s another good suggestion.  I’ll check them both out at Home Depot. 

[Mulberry Weather Guy]

I just used one of these - it depends on how you need to mount it.

&akamai-feo=off]https://www.staples.com/Winegard-DS-3000-39-J-Pipe-Mount-For-DBS-Satellite-Dish-Outdoor-TV-Antenna/product_208763?cid=EM:ordconfrm::sku&data-cta-category=[PRODUCT]&akamai-feo=off

[DennisD33]

Yet another great option, Mulberry!  I like the fact that it can swing down for maintenance.  (And at Staples, of all places!)  I might bury a long 4 x 4 post as you have done, and then mount this.

I’ll mull over all these great ideas.  I do appreciate your time and expertise, everyone!

[Rover1822]

Thanks, Rover!  That’s another good suggestion.  I’ll check them both out at Home Depot.

If you go with EMT , this EMT coupling
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RACO-EMT-1-1-2-in-Set-Screw-Coupling-20-Pack-2026/203637545



I know you only need one but couldn't find a link. Will fit perfect in the U-bolts , what is nice is that you can square off the attachment to the station u-bolts , then just slide onto your pole and tighten the set screws. The one I have has 4 set screws 2 of which you wont use as the U-bolts will be there

Makes maintenance easier as the U-bolts can shift etc

Basically you are modifying the mount to be static to the pole

[DennisD33]

Yes, I like the idea of being able to micro-adjust with the mounting U-bolts using this connector.  I’ll certainly keep this in mind if we go the EMT route.  Thanks, Rover!

[Mulberry Weather Guy]

Yet another great option, Mulberry!  I like the fact that it can swing down for maintenance.  (And at Staples, of all places!)  I might bury a long 4 x 4 post as you have done, and then mount this.

I’ll mull over all these great ideas.  I do appreciate your time and expertise, everyone!

The post was a light steel tube 3" that was scrap at work. Staples was the cheapest by far on the post. Ans yes it's handy to swing down if needed. Post is anchored on concrete with 3/8 anchors, and won't move a bit. The satellite mount was my only cost, as the rest was scrap/extras from work.

[DennisD33]

Here are two pics of the finished setup for my grandson’s Ambient PWS. (I hope I've attached these correctly. WU KSCSIMPS114, & Ambient Weather Dapple Gray, if I have those right.)  Like Galfert suggested, I used two 10-foot chain-link top-rail fencing tubes.  It worked out great!  I cut one to use as the 5-foot in-ground anchor pole, and used the remaining half-pole and full-length pole as the main 15-foot mounting pole.  I had to use two bolts angled at 90 degrees at the slip joint to secure it from wobbling because the slip joint is not snug enough.

I also devised a way to pivot the whole shebang to the ground using other chain-link fence hardware.  The bottom pivot cup has a screw in the side and into the pole to prevent the pole from accidentally popping out while lowering it.  The top cap is there basically just for looks, although I suppose it does provide some anchor and support.  The main anchor mechanism comes from the two clamps that hold the main pole to the 5-foot in-ground pole.  That pole is in about a 30-inch hole, then filled with concrete.  I also filled the in-ground pole with concrete for extra oomph.

Lowering the unit takes two people: one to hold the pole, the other to remove the two clamps, then loosen & slide up the upper cap.  The pole then lowers easily on the bottom pivot.  We did this several times in adjusting the unit to get the exact compass orientation, and it was quite easy.

I want to thank all the folks who offered suggestions for this project!  They were all very useful, and I got ideas and inspiration from each of them.  Thanks again, folks!

Dennis D33
Simpsonville, SC
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[DennisD33]

Sorry, folks, I don't think the first picture attached properly.  I'm new at this; I’ll try again. [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

[galfert]

Nice! 

What was your total bill of materials cost?

[DennisD33]

Oh man, good question.  I think overall less than $75.  That includes the two poles, all hardware doo-dads, and fast-set concrete bag mix.

[galfert]

Yeah I was just looking for an estimate. That pretty good. I'm sure this will help many people. Thank you for sharing.