Antenna Booms & Masts

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New Smaller Boom

In response to feedback from clients, Chinhda developed a smaller and lighter boom for antennas. Made from 80/20 T-slot aluminum extrusion split lengthwise, the new design features a continuous channel that permits mounting an antenna anywhere along the length of each arm.

The new boom is just 36 inches from end to end, allowing for a 34 inch antenna spread. (The full size boom, seen HERE, is 52 inches.)

Weight, complete with two mounting brackets and pins, is just 2 pounds, 1.3 ounces.

A clamp and pin set alone is 9.6 ounces

The boom is hinged at the center mount andcan be folded for transport.

It can also be folded into a V while mounted on a stand or mast. The idea is to facilitate moving from set-up to set-up quickly and efficiently. The whole rig can quickly become small to give users an edge in the competition for elevator space when hustling to the next location.

The backside of the hinge incorporates a machined lip to support the arms so they don't sag under the weight of the antennas. (Note that the arms fold up as well as in.)

This view shows one boom arm both folded into a V and tilted up. Tightening the knobs at the hinge can lock the arms in any position.

The central fitting is designed to mate to a standard 5/8-inch stud on a Matthews or Century stand. It can also clamp to any 5/8-inch pipe or bar.

For mounting to a boom pole with a standard 3/8-inch threaded fitting, Chinhda can supply an adapter for $12.50.

At full extension, a 34-inch spread between antennas is possible.

Additional brackets and pins may be purchased and positioned anywhere along the arms for alternate frequency blocks or to mount transmitting antennas for IFB and Comtek feeds.

The boom arm, complete with two mounting bracket and pin sets, is $350.

Additional bracket and pin sets are available at $40 each.

With handmade products, it's always best to inquire about stock and availability before placing an order. Click here to send an e-mail inquiry.

A word about masts and spars:

I often field inquiries from clients requesting an antenna mast and we'll kind of circle the subject for several messages before I determine that they are actually interested in a boom. Usually these requests come from states like Michigan or Ohio that are situated far from an ocean.

The mast is the vertical element and it holds the horizontal spar. In this case, the spar with the furled sail would be the boom, although in a square-rigged vessel like this one it would be called a yardarm.

This boat has a good example of a boom. It appears to be a schooner (can't tell for certain without knowing the relative mast heights) and the boom is the horizontal spar running just above the helm.

Ordinarily it wouldn't make any difference what clients called the gizmos we sell as long as the checks clear and the devices work to everyone's satisfaction. But, it happens that we also sell masts that attach to the Chinhda cart and hold antenna booms. (hence the confusion)

So, the mast is the vertical thing and the boom the horizontal.