The short answer: The CHA CFM-34HD is the heavy-duty temporary mast for operators who need real field height with more load capacity. It extends to 33 ft 7 in, collapses to 5 ft 7 1/2 in, weighs 4 lb 13 oz, and carries a published 6 lb limit when the height, antenna, wind, and guying rules are respected.
What should I decide before buying?
- Choose it when a 1 lb CFM cannot carry the documented antenna or feedpoint.
- Plan transport around the 5 ft 7 1/2 in collapsed length.
- Use the 21 in CHA SPIKE MOUNT only with the mandatory CHA 34HD COLLAR; use CHA SURVEYOR-A without that collar; use any PORTA-MOUNT only through the complete CHA 34HD REDUCER KIT.
- Reduce load and use guying for tall, high-area, or windy configurations even below the nominal 6 lb limit.
What must match during setup?
- CHA SPIKE MOUNT is approved only with the CHA 34HD COLLAR installed.
- CHA SURVEYOR-A supports the mast shoulder directly and does not use the collar.
- Every PORTA-MOUNT path requires the complete CHA 34HD REDUCER KIT.
- MPAS/BV vertical configurations require guying whenever a section is extended and are limited to three extended sections, about 19 ft.
- SS25 and TDL require guying and no more than two extended sections, about 14 ft.
- The guide explicitly excludes UCM and Jaw Mount as CFM-34HD bases.
What deserves a stop and recheck?
- Never place the CFM-34 HD directly on the narrow Spike Mount surface; concentrated leverage can bend the 3/8-24 base stud.
- Guy whenever the table requires it and whenever wind, load, or surface area calls for more stability.
- Keep the fall zone clear and never work near overhead utilities.
- Stop if the stud, collar, clamp, or mast is bent, cracked, loose, or unable to hold its section.
How should I put it away?
- Lower one section at a time from the bottom upward.
- Clean and dry the mast, collar, clamp faces, base stud, and top socket.
- Inspect the base stud for bending and retire damaged structural hardware from service.
- Store the collar, sleeve, cap, and shackle parts together so the next deployment begins with a complete system.