VE6AB Portable Ops
Tripod Mod Proofing
I have several of these MFJ tripods, and as built, they leave a lot to be desired.
Too improve on them, I made a number of modifications to them in my shop that includes cutting down the center section and discarding the telescopic pole and plastic mounting hardware.
I then make up new adapters for the top of the tripod as shown, this one especially made to fit the 10-60 meter vertical antenna.
This improves the rigidity of the tripods tremendously.
I also made up inserts for the legs of the tripod that allows for leveling off the tripod on uneven ground, therefore allowing the antenna to stand straight.
I also installed metal eyelets on all 3 legs (at the foot of each), allowing the tripod to be anchored to the ground in necessary due to the wind blowing or what not.
I also installed a grounding lug at the bottom of the center column for attaching the antenna ground radials to the tripod.
Now If I wish, the antenna may be used without the tripod, but the tripod certainly quickens the setup time if time is of the essence.
In this photo I have just set my tripod on the ground, and to insure the antenna stands straight once mounted on the tripod, I first level off the tripod with the adjustable leg inserts, not unlike leveling my camera tripod.
If your in the market for a tripod to mount antennas on, make sure and check the stance of the tripod when opened up for use. In other words, the outer circle made by the legs (larger is better) is everything for the stability of the antenna.
Click on the photo for a closer look.....
How its all brought together to take to the field......
http://www.jerryclement.ca/HamRadio/VE6AB-Technical/
How it came to be in the shop.....
http://www.jerryclement.ca/MachineShop/Machine-Shop/
