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what tripod to use?

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Harry Brown

what tripod to use?

Hi all,

I'm new here.

I have a kx3, and I have the Comet hfj350M telescopic antenna, which
works from 80 down to 6 meters.

I need to put it on a tripod, and then I can get the tripod adapter from
Elecraft.

Can someone, please tell me which tripod to get?

If possible, I'd like it to be heavy enough to withstand high winds,
because we have those kind of winds on the east coast of Michigan.

73,

Harry, AC8S.

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Bill Frantz

Re: what tripod to use?

Welcome to the list Harry

Given that your antenna isn't an Elecraft product, you are kind
of on your own. Does Comet have a tripod adapter? Elecraft has a
tripod adapter for its portable antenna, the AX1.
<https://elecraft.com/products/axt1_axt1-tripod-adapter> Will
that adapter work for your use?

If that adapter won't work, you can build an adapter. The
standard tripod thread is 1/4" x 20. You should be able to get
some nuts of that size and glue them to the necessary bracket to
attach the adapter to your antenna. Or you can get a drill and
tap and tap it yourself. There are many other choices and ways
to proceed.

As to the tripod, a lot depends on what you intend to do. If you
are doing SOTA activations, you probably want a very light
weight tripod for backpacking. If you can stand something
heavier, there are photographic tripods in a bewildering array
of models.

I will also note that photographic light stands also have 1/4" x
20 threads and can be used as well. They aren't as useful on
uneven ground as a tripod, but they go up higher.

These things are available at a wide range of prices. Amazon and
eBay are likely to have cheap choices.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 7/30/20 at 6:04 PM, [hidden email] (Harry Brown) wrote:

>I'm new here.
>
>I have a kx3, and I have the Comet hfj350M telescopic antenna, which works from 80 down to 6 meters.
>
>I need to put it on a tripod, and then I can get the tripod adapter from Elecraft.
>
>Can someone, please tell me which tripod to get?
>
>If possible, I'd like it to be heavy enough to withstand high
>winds, because we have those kind of winds on the east coast of Michigan.

ve3gmz

Re: what tripod to use?

The Buddipole Tripod with mast is quite substantial and will get your antenna up higher than any photographic tripod. In windy situations you will want to guy it or at least put a weight at the base.

I've done this a few times with the AX1.

For a quick mount the Buddipole bracket with the adapter is a perfect fit for the AX1 and may work for your Comet.

Brian VE3GMZ

Sent via BlackBerry Hub+ Inbox for Android

Original Message

From: [hidden email]
Sent: July 30, 2020 8:37 p.m.
To: [hidden email]
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] what tripod to use?

Welcome to the list Harry

Given that your antenna isn't an Elecraft product, you are kind
of on your own. Does Comet have a tripod adapter? Elecraft has a
tripod adapter for its portable antenna, the AX1.
<https://elecraft.com/products/axt1_axt1-tripod-adapter> Will
that adapter work for your use?

If that adapter won't work, you can build an adapter. The
standard tripod thread is 1/4" x 20. You should be able to get
some nuts of that size and glue them to the necessary bracket to
attach the adapter to your antenna. Or you can get a drill and
tap and tap it yourself. There are many other choices and ways
to proceed.

As to the tripod, a lot depends on what you intend to do. If you
are doing SOTA activations, you probably want a very light
weight tripod for backpacking. If you can stand something
heavier, there are photographic tripods in a bewildering array
of models.

I will also note that photographic light stands also have 1/4" x
20 threads and can be used as well. They aren't as useful on
uneven ground as a tripod, but they go up higher.

These things are available at a wide range of prices. Amazon and
eBay are likely to have cheap choices.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 7/30/20 at 6:04 PM, [hidden email] (Harry Brown) wrote:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Frantz        | When an old person dies, a   | Periwinkle
(408)348-7900      | library burns. - Joe McGawon | 150
Rivermead Rd #235
www.pwpconsult.com | Irish Ethnographer           |
Peterborough, NH 03458

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wb4jfi

Re: what tripod to use?

We used Gitzo tripods with Sachtler heads for broadcast news/ENG cameras.
They handle a heavy load and are very stable, but do not have locking
spreaders. And probably way too expensive for the antennas in question.
I've used the Buddipole tripod for both the Buddipole and the MP-1 antennas.
73, Terry, N4TLF

-----Original Message-----
From: Walter Underwood
Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2020 10:46 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] what tripod to use?

Not quite sure about “any” photo tripod. I once borrowed a Gitzo Series 5
that we dubbed the “tree-pod”. This one extends to nine feet. Ain’t cheap,
of course. :-)

https://www.gitzo.com/us-en/tripod-systematic-series-5-giant-6-sections-gt5563gsus/
<https://www.gitzo.com/us-en/tripod-systematic-series-5-giant-6-sections-gt5563gsus/>

wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)

> On Jul 30, 2020, at 7:15 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>
> The Buddipole Tripod with mast is quite substantial and will get your
> antenna up higher than any photographic tripod. In windy situations you
> will want to guy it or at least put a weight at the base.
>
> I've done this a few times with the AX1.
>
> For a quick mount the Buddipole bracket with the adapter is a perfect fit
> for the AX1 and may work for your Comet.
>
> Brian VE3GMZ
>
>
>
>
> Sent via BlackBerry Hub+ Inbox for Android
>
>
> Original Message
>
>
> From: [hidden email]
> Sent: July 30, 2020 8:37 p.m.
> To: [hidden email]
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] what tripod to use?
>
>
> Welcome to the list Harry
>
> Given that your antenna isn't an Elecraft product, you are kind
> of on your own. Does Comet have a tripod adapter? Elecraft has a
> tripod adapter for its portable antenna, the AX1.
> <https://elecraft.com/products/axt1_axt1-tripod-adapter> Will
> that adapter work for your use?
>
> If that adapter won't work, you can build an adapter. The
> standard tripod thread is 1/4" x 20. You should be able to get
> some nuts of that size and glue them to the necessary bracket to
> attach the adapter to your antenna. Or you can get a drill and
> tap and tap it yourself. There are many other choices and ways
> to proceed.
>
> As to the tripod, a lot depends on what you intend to do. If you
> are doing SOTA activations, you probably want a very light
> weight tripod for backpacking. If you can stand something
> heavier, there are photographic tripods in a bewildering array
> of models.
>
> I will also note that photographic light stands also have 1/4" x
> 20 threads and can be used as well. They aren't as useful on
> uneven ground as a tripod, but they go up higher.
>
> These things are available at a wide range of prices. Amazon and
> eBay are likely to have cheap choices.
>
> 73 Bill AE6JV
>
> On 7/30/20 at 6:04 PM, [hidden email] (Harry Brown) wrote:
>
>> I'm new here.
>>
>> I have a kx3, and I have the Comet hfj350M telescopic antenna, which
>> works from 80 down to 6 meters.
>>
>> I need to put it on a tripod, and then I can get the tripod adapter from
>> Elecraft.
>>
>> Can someone, please tell me which tripod to get?
>>
>> If possible, I'd like it to be heavy enough to withstand high
>> winds, because we have those kind of winds on the east coast of Michigan.
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Bill Frantz | When an old person dies, a | Periwinkle
> (408)348-7900 | library burns. - Joe McGawon | 150
> Rivermead Rd #235
> www.pwpconsult.com | Irish Ethnographer |
> Peterborough, NH 03458
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

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Elecraft mailing list

Re: what tripod to use?

A cheap and exceedingly sturdy tripod is a re-cycled/re-purposed rotary washing line.
Remove the line for other things, eg guys and turn it upside down.
Peg the legs if it's windy.
Make/buy a clamp for your antenna pole.

I used this with a screwdriver antenna and a few radials on the ground; also with a fibreglass pole just taped on. They are quite heavy, so, not walking-portable but fits the boot/trunk of the car for a drive to your favourite spot. The legs are very long, so, cut to suit what you are doing if need be.

David G3UNA

> They handle a heavy load and are very stable, but do not have locking
> spreaders. And probably way too expensive for the antennas in question.
> I've used the Buddipole tripod for both the Buddipole and the MP-1 antennas.
> 73, Terry, N4TLF
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Walter Underwood
> Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2020 10:46 PM
> To: Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] what tripod to use?
>
> Not quite sure about “any” photo tripod. I once borrowed a Gitzo Series 5
> that we dubbed the “tree-pod”. This one extends to nine feet. Ain’t cheap,
> of course. :-)
>
> https://www.gitzo.com/us-en/tripod-systematic-series-5-giant-6-sections-gt5563gsus/
> <https://www.gitzo.com/us-en/tripod-systematic-series-5-giant-6-sections-gt5563gsus/>
>
> wunder
> K6WRU
> Walter Underwood
> CM87wj
> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)
>
> > On Jul 30, 2020, at 7:15 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
> >
> > The Buddipole Tripod with mast is quite substantial and will get your
> > antenna up higher than any photographic tripod. In windy situations you
> > will want to guy it or at least put a weight at the base.
> >
> > I've done this a few times with the AX1.
> >
> > For a quick mount the Buddipole bracket with the adapter is a perfect fit
> > for the AX1 and may work for your Comet.
> >
> > Brian VE3GMZ
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Sent via BlackBerry Hub+ Inbox for Android
> >
> >
> > Original Message
> >
> >
> > From: [hidden email]
> > Sent: July 30, 2020 8:37 p.m.
> > To: [hidden email]
> > Cc: [hidden email]
> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] what tripod to use?
> >
> >
> > Welcome to the list Harry
> >
> > Given that your antenna isn't an Elecraft product, you are kind
> > of on your own. Does Comet have a tripod adapter? Elecraft has a
> > tripod adapter for its portable antenna, the AX1.
> > <https://elecraft.com/products/axt1_axt1-tripod-adapter> Will
> > that adapter work for your use?
> >
> > If that adapter won't work, you can build an adapter. The
> > standard tripod thread is 1/4" x 20. You should be able to get
> > some nuts of that size and glue them to the necessary bracket to
> > attach the adapter to your antenna. Or you can get a drill and
> > tap and tap it yourself. There are many other choices and ways
> > to proceed.
> >
> > As to the tripod, a lot depends on what you intend to do. If you
> > are doing SOTA activations, you probably want a very light
> > weight tripod for backpacking. If you can stand something
> > heavier, there are photographic tripods in a bewildering array
> > of models.
> >
> > I will also note that photographic light stands also have 1/4" x
> > 20 threads and can be used as well. They aren't as useful on
> > uneven ground as a tripod, but they go up higher.
> >
> > These things are available at a wide range of prices. Amazon and
> > eBay are likely to have cheap choices.
> >
> > 73 Bill AE6JV
> >
> > On 7/30/20 at 6:04 PM, [hidden email] (Harry Brown) wrote:
> >
> >> I'm new here.
> >>
> >> I have a kx3, and I have the Comet hfj350M telescopic antenna, which
> >> works from 80 down to 6 meters.
> >>
> >> I need to put it on a tripod, and then I can get the tripod adapter from
> >> Elecraft.
> >>
> >> Can someone, please tell me which tripod to get?
> >>
> >> If possible, I'd like it to be heavy enough to withstand high
> >> winds, because we have those kind of winds on the east coast of Michigan.
> > -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Bill Frantz | When an old person dies, a | Periwinkle
> > (408)348-7900 | library burns. - Joe McGawon | 150
> > Rivermead Rd #235
> > www.pwpconsult.com | Irish Ethnographer |
> > Peterborough, NH 03458
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Phil Kane-2

Re: what tripod to use?

On 7/31/2020 2:26 AM, CUTTER DAVID via Elecraft wrote:

> A cheap and exceedingly sturdy tripod is a re-cycled/re-purposed rotary washing line.

With all due respect, I had to re-read that several times to picture
that device. Are you referring to the inverted pyramid upon which one
hangs washing out to dry? As a suburban dweller who has used an
electric clothes dryer all of my adult life I haven't seen one of them
for many decades. :)

73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402

From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon
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Jay Rutherford-3

Re: what tripod to use?

If that's what the poster was describing, I see one each time I ride a trail in Glen Burnie, MD. I jokingly refer to it as a ham radio antenna. Probably NVIS.
73
Jay K3BH

On Fri, Jul 31, 2020, at 19:27, Phil Kane wrote:

> On 7/31/2020 2:26 AM, CUTTER DAVID via Elecraft wrote:
>
> > A cheap and exceedingly sturdy tripod is a re-cycled/re-purposed rotary washing line.
>
> With all due respect, I had to re-read that several times to picture
> that device. Are you referring to the inverted pyramid upon which one
> hangs washing out to dry? As a suburban dweller who has used an
> electric clothes dryer all of my adult life I haven't seen one of them
> for many decades. :)
>
> 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
> Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402
>
> From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
> Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

k6dgw

Re: what tripod to use?

In reply to this post by Phil Kane-2

I think he's talking about the inverted umbrella-like thingys popular in
the 40's and 50's that resemble a Hexbeam or HF Moxon of today. Been a
long time since I've seen one

73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

On 7/31/2020 4:27 PM, Phil Kane wrote:

> On 7/31/2020 2:26 AM, CUTTER DAVID via Elecraft wrote:
>
>> A cheap and exceedingly sturdy tripod is a re-cycled/re-purposed rotary washing line.
> With all due respect, I had to re-read that several times to picture
> that device. Are you referring to the inverted pyramid upon which one
> hangs washing out to dry? As a suburban dweller who has used an
> electric clothes dryer all of my adult life I haven't seen one of them
> for many decades. :)
>
> 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
> Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402
>
>

Elecraft mailing list

Re: what tripod to use?

Here's your equivalent at Home Depot:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Honey-Can-Do-Inground-Umbrella-Shaped-Dryer-DRY-05262/300532316

Still quite popular over here, though not as expensive:
https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/wilko-rotary-airer-40m/p/0432698

David G3UNA

> On 01 August 2020 at 19:25 Fred Jensen <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>
> I think he's talking about the inverted umbrella-like thingys popular in
> the 40's and 50's that resemble a Hexbeam or HF Moxon of today. Been a
> long time since I've seen one
>
> 73,
>
> Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
> Sparks NV DM09dn
> Washoe County
>
> On 7/31/2020 4:27 PM, Phil Kane wrote:
> > On 7/31/2020 2:26 AM, CUTTER DAVID via Elecraft wrote:
> >
> >> A cheap and exceedingly sturdy tripod is a re-cycled/re-purposed rotary washing line.
> > With all due respect, I had to re-read that several times to picture
> > that device. Are you referring to the inverted pyramid upon which one
> > hangs washing out to dry? As a suburban dweller who has used an
> > electric clothes dryer all of my adult life I haven't seen one of them
> > for many decades. :)
> >
> > 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
> > Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402
> >
> >
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Phil Kane-2

Re: what tripod to use?

On 8/1/2020 12:24 PM, CUTTER DAVID via Elecraft wrote:
> Still quite popular over here, though not as expensive:
> https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/wilko-rotary-airer-40m/p/0432698

Will it work for bands other than 40m :)

73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402

From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon
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