Diamond X50A / 2m+70cm base vertical

First-hour checklist

1. Mount as high and clear as practical — tree line and metal roofing block VHF/UHF.
2. Use low-loss coax on runs over 50 feet — coax loss.
3. Check SWR on 2m and 70cm after assembly — tune radials per manual.
4. Lightning disconnect or arrestor for permanent mast installs.

Deployment & nets

• Excellent Primary or Alternate fixed layer for property net control.
• Document in PACE as “home base” distinct from vehicle mobile.

Bench supply & backup

• Pair with mobile radio on bench supply, or dedicated 2m/70cm base rig.
• Fuse DC at radio — base duty cycle higher than HT casual use.

Mast, wire, and coax

• Mast or roof mount with guy lines where required — never work alone on tall masts in wind.
• Separate HF antennas by several feet when adding wire later.
• ERP estimate: ERP calculator with actual feedline length.

Keep going