The tripod is short enough when collapsed to fit inside the WalkHam carrying case - the stumbling block for most of the ones I looked at which were just a bit too long. What's more, the panning handle can be secured in the vertical position and fits inside the WalkHam's mounting pole like it was made for it! So no modifications are needed and you can still use the tripod for photography if you want.
"The perfect tripod is the VIVITAR VIV-VPT-1250. It is a 50'' unit and the lightest and most inexpensive VIVITAR unit that can be found for less than U$ 10.00. The secret is take off the camera head with a Phillips screwdriver and leave the aluminum tube on the top. It must be marked with a pencil at 4 inches (12 cms): that is the maximum extension that can be used to introduce something to avoid any pressure on the antenna elements. Without the camera head the tripod can be collapsed and carried inside the antenna bag."
I couldn't find the Vivitar for as little as $10 in the UK so I'm content with my purchase. My only reservation is that the tripod is much lighter than the antenna (a good point for the person carrying it of course) and might be inclined to blow over if used in much of a breeze. I'll find out when I manage to try it! I can't say whether Alex's recommended model would be any better in that respect.
5 comments:
Good day Julian,
Very good idea.
Something to consider to help stabilize the tripod/antenna whilst set up on site is the same old trick that photographers use - hand something heavy from the tripod in the center, below, and inside the three legs. Rock(s) or a log, or sand in a small plastic or cloth bag, your carry bag with whatever is left over after you have set up. Of course digging in or placing a rock or whatever over the feet of tripod will help too or could always drive a stick into the ground where you are going to set up the tripod/antenna and then lash the center column of the tripod to that stick.
I have always used the first method as I always seem to have or can find something heavy to use and has always worked for me.
cheers, Graham ve3gtc
Good day Julian,
Very good idea.
Something to consider to help stabilize the tripod/antenna whilst set up on site is the same old trick that photographers use - hand something heavy from the tripod in the center, below, and inside the three legs. Rock(s) or a log, or sand in a small plastic or cloth bag, your carry bag with whatever is left over after you have set up. Of course digging in or placing a rock or whatever over the feet of tripod will help too or could always drive a stick into the ground where you are going to set up the tripod/antenna and then lash the center column of the tripod to that stick.
I have always used the first method as I always seem to have or can find something heavy to use and has always worked for me.
cheers, Graham ve3gtc
Yes, thanks for the rock idea. There is usually no shortage of rock where I operate.
Hi Julian
How are you finding the AlexLoop?
I can't decide whether to get one, or get a Buddipole instead.
Have you any experience with a Buddipole too?
Hope you're feeling OK?
Best wishes
Josh de M0JMO
Hi Josh.
Conditions have been dire since I received the antenna so I haven't had the opportunity to make some meaningful comparisons.
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