[amsat-bb] Arrow ll to camera tripod adapter

[Zach Leffke]

I use a piece of 1/8 in thick by 1/2in angle aluminum about a foot long 
(scrap from my metal pile, available at Lowe's/Home Depot/Ace 
Hardware/etc.).  I tapped a 1/4in by 20 hole in it for the tripod camera 
mount, and then use two hose clamps to attach the foam grip portion of 
the arrow antenna to the angle aluminum. I use pretty sturdy all 
aluminum Velbon tripods (Ebay), so no counterweight needed.  If the 1/4 
threaded attachment isn't 'sturdy' or is difficult to get nice and 
tight, then you can get a side to side slip of the antenna around the 
1/4in tripod screw, particularly when you rotate for polarization.  To 
resolve this I added two small pieces of 1/16" angle aluminum on the 
'underside' of the 1/8" angle aluminum to 'grip' the front and back edge 
of the tripod 'plate.'


-Zach, KJ4QLP

Research Associate
Aerospace Systems Lab
Ted & Karyn Hume Center for National Security & Technology
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Work Phone: 540-231-4174
Cell Phone: 540-808-6305

On 2/25/2018 8:43 PM, Don KB2YSI wrote:
> I put a counter weight type setup on mine as well.  Helpful tips/ideas from
> K3RRR & KG5CCI to make a place to attach my D74A and duplexer; they make
> great ballast!
>
> 73, Don KB2YSI
>
> On Feb 25, 2018 19:35, "Roy Dean" <royldean at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I believe it comes pre-tapped with a 1/4-20 hole.    I didn't like the
>> positioning, so I machined an aluminum "saddle" that bolts to boom, and
>> that in turn is threaded onto the tripod mount.   I also machined an
>> extension and counterweight that makes manipulating the antenna much
>> easier.
>>
>>
>>> I have had my Arrow ll antenna for a number of years now. I have seen
>>> probably hundreds of these mounted to a camera tripod using different
>>> methods. Does anybody have an easy design they might share?
>>> 73's
>>> Jim
>>> WA5QAP
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> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed
> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb