Modified Camera Tripod Mount for the Elk Antenna

Sometimes my arm gets tired holding up the Elk antenna, so I started looking for a way to mount it. With the help of another Amateur Radio operator (K3RRR) on YouTube I put together a modified tripod mount for the Elk antenna. I used an old camera tripod like this one, AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag and a 3 inch screw with nut and locking washers. It works great and I have a free hand while operating!

I can adjust the azimuth and elevation with one hand while holding my Baofeng in the other hand.

mount for the elk antenna

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.

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.

YouTube player

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!

Thank you for subscribing to this website. I appreciate the comments, questions and suggestions. Please follow me on TwitterFacebookInstagram and YouTube if you have those.

Stay in touch and best 73,

Rich, K0PIR

Sources

K3RRR on YouTube

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

K0PIR

I'm an Amateur Radio enthusiast. I love the hobby and experimenting with radios, antennas and software. On my YouTube channel I upload videos on the Icom 7300 and Icom 7610 along with Ham radio software programs. I hope to inspire people to try new things in Amateur Radio.

Subscribe
Notify of
Call
8 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Guest
Tom Korevec
5 years ago

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

Guest
Tom Korevec
5 years ago

Rich,

Hadn’t thought about recording the session. Another EXCELLENT suggestion!

Yes, that does help.

73

Tom AF4TD

Guest
Ken Hansen
3 years ago

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!

Guest
Michel Boissonnault
3 years ago

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.

Translate »
8
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x