Modified Camera Tripod Mount for the Elk Antenna
I can adjust the azimuth and elevation with one hand while holding my Baofeng in the other hand.
Tripod and Parts
Find a cheap camera tripod. I had an old one like this one: AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag. Even if I paid the new price of $23 I'd still do it.
If you still want to be able to use your camera tripod for your camera, pick up an extra quick release plate. This will be the part that attaches to the Elk antenna PVC pipe and the 3 inch screw.
Having the tripod hold my Elk antenna while I get prepared for a satellite pass is definitely worth it in my opinion. I can also adjust the azimuth and elevation easily and my arm doesn't get tired of holding up the Elk antenna. It's also easy to rotate the Elk for vertical or horizontal polarization.
The additional parts I needed was a 3 inch long screw, nut and a couple of lock washers.
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- Remove C clip from quick release.
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- PVC Tee
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- Elk Mounted
With a small screwdriver remove the C clip on the quick release plate so you can remove the existing camera screw. Drill a hole in top of the PVC tee. Using the 3 inch screw, nut and washers, attach the quick release to the PVC tee (2nd picture above). That's it!
In addition to having this mount, it's easy to release the Elk antenna from the tripod and use it as a hand held antenna again. Now that's convenient! Not only that, if I'm in a hurry I don't have to haul around the tripod if I don't want to.
Note: When attaching the coax cable to the antenna, dress the cable to extend straight away from the connector for at least eight inches.
Up Next/Comments
Coming up next I’ll have a video and closer look at the Elk antenna along with a look at satellite tracking software.
Also a video using Fldigi and the Icom 7610. Fldigi is easy to use software for PSK31!
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Stay in touch and best 73,
Rich, K0PIR
Sources
K3RRR on YouTube
Simple but brilliant! I will be retiring at the end of the year and plan to get involved in satellite communication. This came at the perfect time. I wondered how I would be able to hold this antenna for very long.
Thanx for all your excellent tips and advice!
73 Tom AF4TD
Hi Tom,
Nice to hear from you and thank you so much for commenting.
It is helpful and gives me a free hand to write callsigns and grids down.
Another thing I found helpful is to record the session just in case. Using the audio recorder on the phone works. That way I can go back and listen to grid squares again.
I hope this helps.
Best 73 and gud DX,
Rich, K0PIR
Rich,
Hadn’t thought about recording the session. Another EXCELLENT suggestion!
Yes, that does help.
73
Tom AF4TD
Thanks for commenting Tom. Best 73! Rich, K0PIR
Just put mine together, thanks so much for sharing this ultra simple mount.
Took just a few minutes to assemble, and setup/takedown is also just a couple minutes.
Couldn’t be happier – unless, of course, you’ve got a computer-controlled AZ/EL solution for under $100!
Hey Ken, that’s just what I’m looking for! If I find something that I can put together I’ll post an article about it. Best 73!
Hi! Thank you very much for sharing this ultra simple mount. When I bought this antenna , I ordered at the same time this PVC Tee, and cannot figure how to install it on my tripod.
I came accross your video on you tube, and BINGO!!! it tooks a few minute to assemble and set-up.
Richard, you make my day, again a BIG THANK YOU & hope to work you one of these day on bands including satellite.
72/73 Michel VE2TH The QRP’er for 57 years now.
It’s nice to hear from you and thank you for commenting here. Take care and best 73!