Telescopic Mast Selection Guide

Selection of a telescopic mast is a crucial step in the planning of a new communication system. A well-chosen mast can enhance operational efficiency and safety.

Our sales team outlines here the key criteria for selecting a mast, then standard mast types, and the stages of the sales process, and finally the most common mistake you will want to avoid when buying a mast system. With this, you can be certain that the final solution answers your needs precisely.

Key Selection Criteria for the Choice of Mast System

The proper selection of a telescopic mast depends on the following considerations:

1. Height and Load Capacity: The antenna should be elevated above any obstacles, such as treetops, to avoid attenuation in signal transmission. The load carrying capacity is determined by wind load calculations using the payload details provided by the customer. In some instances, wind load tests can also be conducted at our testing facility. The mast shall be able to carry the payload through survival wind and gusts. The height might also vary depending on its usage, such as mounting communication antennas or surveillance equipment.
2. Wind and Wind Load: In wind load calculations for the mast, the wind surface area of the payload is often more critical than its weight. Wind has a considerable effect on mast deflection, which may affect antenna performance, especially for directional antennas. The deflection should meet customer requirements. The mast can be further stabilized by increasing the number of guying levels.
3. Mounting Solutions: Standard anchoring for field masts is via guy stakes and guy ropes. Additional kits are available for hard surface mounting (rock, concrete), sand plate kits for desert environments, and tree straps. The size of the payload and max wind speed will dictate how many guy stakes and guy ropes are used. Field masts may also be mounted on vehicles with specialized vehicle mounting kits. The vehicle mounting bracket system is bolted on the vehicle or shelter structure and then the mast is mounted on the vehicle mounting kit.
4. Application: Field masts are designed to be operated in open areas, usually in a fixed location for extended periods. Vehicle masts, on the other hand, are mobile, semi-permanently mounted on mobile platform and can easily be re-located from one place to another, as well as are quick to deploy and operate. We always try to find the best solution for our customer. A mast which is over robust can be annoying to handle and might be more expensive than it needs to be, while one that is too small, or too light weight might be dangerous. That’s why we ask our customers a wide-range of sometimes difficult questions in order to tailor the mast system to a particular application.
5. Environmental Factors: The mast systems are tested according to MIL-STD-810 standards. The system should be verified by both the customer and the seller to meet the requirements specified in the end-user’s specifications. Our mast systems work in freezing cold, scorching heat, dusty deserts, and icy conditions.
6. Compatibility: To specify a mast, it’s easiest to start by determining which antennas you want to mount on the mast. In addition to the mast itself, we supply antenna adapters, antenna pointing devices, mounting booms, etc. If we do not have an adapter that is suitable, we will design one.

Types of Masts

What is the difference between types of masts?

Our product range goes from lightweight, man-portable masts to heavy-duty systems with leading-edge payload and height capabilities, vehicle mounting kits, antenna pointing devices and numerous other accessories.

Masts may be divided, by performance and use, into the following categories – field masts and vehicle masts:

Field masts are normally made light weight. Tripods or push-up type of masts carrying small payloads are normally used. Tripods lift the payloads to heights of 3 meters or less. These are quicker to erect and can be steadied on uneven surfaces by adjusting the legs. Tripods are also lightweight and therefore easy to carry. For heights in between 3- and 7-meters, lightweight push-up masts with guy ropes are quick to erect and often more practical than a tripod for such applications.

Slightly more robust winch-operated EX masts go up to 20m height and can carry max. 50kg payloads. Above 20 and up to 50 meters, heavy-duty EXL mast systems are used.

Vehicle masts, such as EXB and SkyHigh masts can be mounted on a wide variety of mobile platforms. These are ideal for vehicular operations where very little time and manpower are available for deployment. Push-button vehicle-mounted masts allow rapid extension and operation without guy ropes; deployment is much safer, faster, and requires fewer operators.

What Should the Customer Know When Sending a Request for Quotation?

The success for mast system selection starts with a well-prepared request for quotation. Customers are advised to give as much detailed information as possible to help our sales team recommend the best possible solution. Key questions include, but are not limited to:

• What are the required full length and transport length of the mast?
• Are you looking for a guyed field mast or a unguyed vehicle mast?
• What is the weight and wind surface area of the payload – Antenna interface details?
• What is the maximum allowable deflection?
• What is the maximum operational wind speed (default 25 m/s)?
• Is manual or electric operation required?
• Are antenna pointing devices required?
• Any other, special requirements?
• End-user country?
• Environmental condition requirements?

Stages of the Purchasing Process

Our sales process is designed to serve the customer smoothly and thoroughly. The process includes:

1. Request for Quotation: The client states their needs. If this is necessary, an example request form is available to gather all the information.
2. Clarifying Questions: Where necessary, further questions are asked to clarify all the technical details and requirements of the mast system.
3. Solution Proposal: We propose the most suitable type of mast and accessories. All suggestions are made keeping in mind the customer’s unique requirements.
4. Quotation: A quotation containing prices, delivery time and delivery terms are presented to the customer. Installation support and training can also be included in the quote.
5. Delivery: The mast is delivered according to the agreement once the quotation has been accepted. Delivery includes extensive technical documentation, user and manual guides and installation instructions.
6. Follow-up: When follow-up is taking place, we assist the customer in the maintenance of the mast system and in the procurement of spare parts and consumables. Follow-up training in the use and maintenance of the mast can also be provided.

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

The customer should always bear in mind that the payload dictates the mast selection, not vice versa. One of the most common mistakes made in the mast system selection process is incomplete information regarding the payload, such as its weight and wind surface area. Missing this data can result in an under- or over-robust mast system, leading to unnecessary costs or safety risks.

There is never too much information for us in Mastsystem when selecting a suitable mast system. More information brings more value, and we can do reliable stability calculations based on that data. Full details on intended use and operating environment also enhance the possibilities to find the best possible product.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right telescopic mast is considered an investment that requires precision and expertise. At Mastsystem, we are committed to choosing the most appropriate solution for our customers’ needs. Together, we ensure the mast solution supports your operations in the best possible way—safely and efficiently.

With our complete customer service, each customer is taken care individually, and we provide solutions to all the operating environment challenges. Large or small system requirements, we at Mastsystem are ready to support you through it all.

If you have any questions or would like to build a partnership with us, please contact our helpful sales team!

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