[amsat-bb] Mounting Arrow Antennas

Discussion:

Lance Homer

2016-04-14 05:56:40 UTC

I'm an amateur radio operator who is thinking about getting into
communicating via satellites. As I've been looking into the Elk vs the
Arrow antennas and trying to decide which to buy....all of the videos and
the pictures I see of the Arrow on a a tripod always have it mounted on the
far end at the handle. Many use a counterweight but some do not. I was
wondering if mounting in the middle of the beam where it is more balanced
weight-wise is possible or if there is some reason people do not do this?
(As I try to imagine the motion needed it still seems possible to me to
have the elements not hit the tripod legs if you can extend the head of the
tripod up a bit.) If it can be done I assume it would need to be a
non-metal tri-pod?? I'm also thinking of mounting the antenna I choose
(Elk or Arrow) to a tall fiberglass mast. If I can't mount the arrow in
the middle then I would worry about the leverage that it would create
which is one reason the Elk seems appealing....but at the same time I
assume the Alaskan has the most gain which interests me for non-satellite
uses.

Thanks,
Lance / K7LQH
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Koos van den Hout

2016-04-14 13:25:20 UTC

Permalink

My arms are tired of holding the Arrow and trying to get over nearby
houses so I now have a rotor available and for mounting the arrow on it
I am looking at something like the setup pictured in

https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/3yip8i/made_a_mount_for_my_arrow_yagi_using_some_pvc/

(from someone who also frequents this list)

The 2 meter gamma match (and the split in case of a split-boom Arrow
antenna) are indeed near the center of gravity.

Koos van den Hout
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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.
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Scott

2016-04-14 13:36:58 UTC

Permalink

I did exactly that, Lance. It just seemed like the logical way to tripod mount the thing to me.

Using cheap tripods from BestBuy, I just did a finger-balance on the assembled Arrow & used a couple of small screws to mount the base plate that comes with the tripod (so it's easily removable from the tripod). After seeing that it worked so well, I added a little JB Weld (2-part epoxy type of product) to reinforce the connection.

It's plastic, so leaving it on there for hand-held use has not been an issue.

Here's a pic:

Loading Image...

-Scott, K4KDR
Montpelier, VA USA

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----- Original Message -----
From: Lance Homer
To: amsat-***@amsat.org
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2016 01:56
Subject: [amsat-bb] Mounting Arrow Antennas

I'm an amateur radio operator who is thinking about getting into
communicating via satellites. As I've been looking into the Elk vs the
Arrow antennas and trying to decide which to buy....all of the videos and
the pictures I see of the Arrow on a a tripod always have it mounted on the
far end at the handle. Many use a counterweight but some do not. I was
wondering if mounting in the middle of the beam where it is more balanced
weight-wise is possible or if there is some reason people do not do this?
(As I try to imagine the motion needed it still seems possible to me to
have the elements not hit the tripod legs if you can extend the head of the
tripod up a bit.) If it can be done I assume it would need to be a
non-metal tri-pod?? I'm also thinking of mounting the antenna I choose
(Elk or Arrow) to a tall fiberglass mast. If I can't mount the arrow in
the middle then I would worry about the leverage that it would create
which is one reason the Elk seems appealing....but at the same time I
assume the Alaskan has the most gain which interests me for non-satellite
uses.

Thanks,
Lance / K7LQH
_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-***@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

R.T.Liddy

2016-04-14 14:36:04 UTC

Permalink

I created a mounting foot that makes a quick attachment toa camera tripod for my Arrow. It is near the end of the boomso that the 2m reflector doesn't get hung up on the tripodlegs as the antenna is turned in every direction and polarization.I added an extension to the end of the Arrow boom with aweight on it to balance the antenna on the tripod. Every elementof the antenna is forward of the tripod. All this allows me toleave the antenna unattended while I fiddle with the radio. HIHI
GL/73, Bob K8BL

From: Scott <***@gmail.com>
To: amsat-***@amsat.org
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2016 9:36 AM
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Mounting Arrow Antennas

I did exactly that, Lance. It just seemed like the logical way to tripod mount the thing to me.

Using cheap tripods from BestBuy, I just did a finger-balance on the assembled Arrow & used a couple of small screws to mount the base plate that comes with the tripod (so it's easily removable from the tripod). After seeing that it worked so well, I added a little JB Weld (2-part epoxy type of product) to reinforce the connection.

It's plastic, so leaving it on there for hand-held use has not been an issue.

Here's a pic:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/10509shc38j9ywn/arrows.jpg?dl=0

-Scott, K4KDR
Montpelier, VA USA

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----- Original Message -----
From: Lance Homer
To: amsat-***@amsat.org
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2016 01:56
Subject: [amsat-bb] Mounting Arrow Antennas

I'm an amateur radio operator who is thinking about getting into
communicating via satellites. As I've been looking into the Elk vs the
Arrow antennas and trying to decide which to buy....all of the videos and
the pictures I see of the Arrow on a a tripod always have it mounted on the
far end at the handle. Many use a counterweight but some do not. I was
wondering if mounting in the middle of the beam where it is more balanced
weight-wise is possible or if there is some reason people do not do this?
(As I try to imagine the motion needed it still seems possible to me to
have the elements not hit the tripod legs if you can extend the head of the
tripod up a bit.) If it can be done I assume it would need to be a
non-metal tri-pod?? I'm also thinking of mounting the antenna I choose
(Elk or Arrow) to a tall fiberglass mast. If I can't mount the arrow in
the middle then I would worry about the leverage that it would create
which is one reason the Elk seems appealing....but at the same time I
assume the Alaskan has the most gain which interests me for non-satellite
uses.

Thanks,
Lance / K7LQH
_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-***@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

_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-***@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/listin

Bryan Green

2016-04-14 14:40:45 UTC

Permalink

Can we see a picture of this, Bob?

Sent from my mobile emitter

I created a mounting foot that makes a quick attachment toa camera tripod for my Arrow. It is near the end of the boomso that the 2m reflector doesn't get hung up on the tripodlegs as the antenna is turned in every direction and polarization.I added an extension to the end of the Arrow boom with aweight on it to balance the antenna on the tripod. Every elementof the antenna is forward of the tripod. All this allows me toleave the antenna unattended while I fiddle with the radio. HIHI
GL/73, Bob K8BL
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2016 9:36 AM
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Mounting Arrow Antennas
I did exactly that, Lance. It just seemed like the logical way to tripod mount the thing to me.
Using cheap tripods from BestBuy, I just did a finger-balance on the assembled Arrow & used a couple of small screws to mount the base plate that comes with the tripod (so it's easily removable from the tripod). After seeing that it worked so well, I added a little JB Weld (2-part epoxy type of product) to reinforce the connection.
It's plastic, so leaving it on there for hand-held use has not been an issue.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/10509shc38j9ywn/arrows.jpg?dl=0
-Scott, K4KDR
Montpelier, VA USA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----- Original Message -----
From: Lance Homer
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2016 01:56
Subject: [amsat-bb] Mounting Arrow Antennas
I'm an amateur radio operator who is thinking about getting into
communicating via satellites. As I've been looking into the Elk vs the
Arrow antennas and trying to decide which to buy....all of the videos and
the pictures I see of the Arrow on a a tripod always have it mounted on the
far end at the handle. Many use a counterweight but some do not. I was
wondering if mounting in the middle of the beam where it is more balanced
weight-wise is possible or if there is some reason people do not do this?
(As I try to imagine the motion needed it still seems possible to me to
have the elements not hit the tripod legs if you can extend the head of the
tripod up a bit.) If it can be done I assume it would need to be a
non-metal tri-pod?? I'm also thinking of mounting the antenna I choose
(Elk or Arrow) to a tall fiberglass mast. If I can't mount the arrow in
the middle then I would worry about the leverage that it would create
which is one reason the Elk seems appealing....but at the same time I
assume the Alaskan has the most gain which interests me for non-satellite
uses.
Thanks,
Lance / K7LQH
_______________________________________________
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
_______________________________________________
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

_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-***@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

Norm n3ykf

2016-04-14 19:15:40 UTC

Permalink

Lance,

Use both Arrow and Elk portable.

Mounting details in the comments.

Pics here: https://www.flickr.com/gp/n3ykf/7h5sA5

Norm n3ykf

Post by Lance Homer
I'm an amateur radio operator who is thinking about getting into
communicating via satellites. As I've been looking into the Elk vs the
Arrow antennas and trying to decide which to buy....all of the videos and
the pictures I see of the Arrow on a a tripod always have it mounted on the
far end at the handle. Many use a counterweight but some do not. I was
wondering if mounting in the middle of the beam where it is more balanced
weight-wise is possible or if there is some reason people do not do this?
(As I try to imagine the motion needed it still seems possible to me to
have the elements not hit the tripod legs if you can extend the head of the
tripod up a bit.) If it can be done I assume it would need to be a
non-metal tri-pod?? I'm also thinking of mounting the antenna I choose
(Elk or Arrow) to a tall fiberglass mast. If I can't mount the arrow in
the middle then I would worry about the leverage that it would create
which is one reason the Elk seems appealing....but at the same time I
assume the Alaskan has the most gain which interests me for non-satellite
uses.
Thanks,
Lance / K7LQH
_______________________________________________
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

John Brier

2016-04-14 19:26:04 UTC

Permalink

The reason most people moUnt on the end of an arrow antenna is probably
because there is a threaded screw hole at the end made for camera tripods.
There isn't one in the middle.

Fwiw, some people don't use mounts like me.

On the AMSAT NA Facebook group someone said neither armstrong or mount is
better than the other, it depends on what suits the user.

I thought that was well said and agree.

73, John KG4AKV

Post by Norm n3ykf
Lance,
Use both Arrow and Elk portable.
Mounting details in the comments.
Pics here: https://www.flickr.com/gp/n3ykf/7h5sA5
Norm n3ykf

the

Post by Lance Homer
far end at the handle. Many use a counterweight but some do not. I was
wondering if mounting in the middle of the beam where it is more balanced
weight-wise is possible or if there is some reason people do not do this?
(As I try to imagine the motion needed it still seems possible to me to
have the elements not hit the tripod legs if you can extend the head of

the

Post by Lance Homer
tripod up a bit.) If it can be done I assume it would need to be a
non-metal tri-pod?? I'm also thinking of mounting the antenna I choose
(Elk or Arrow) to a tall fiberglass mast. If I can't mount the arrow in
the middle then I would worry about the leverage that it would create
which is one reason the Elk seems appealing....but at the same time I
assume the Alaskan has the most gain which interests me for non-satellite
uses.
Thanks,
Lance / K7LQH
_______________________________________________
to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership.

Opinions expressed

Post by Lance Homer
are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of

AMSAT-NA.

Post by Lance Homer
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite

program!

Post by Lance Homer
Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

_______________________________________________
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

J. Boyd (JR2TTS)

2016-04-14 22:32:08 UTC

Permalink

Post by Norm n3ykf
Lance,
Use both Arrow and Elk portable.
Mounting details in the comments.
Pics here: https://www.flickr.com/gp/n3ykf/7h5sA5

I made a thing out of PVC pipe joints that fit perfectly over my Alaskan
Arrow. It allows me to twist the antenna in roll to adjust for
polarization.

Loading Image...

--
J. Boyd, JR2TTS/NI3B
***@msd.biglobe.ne.jp
http://www.flickr.com/photos/the2belo/
http://www.qrz.com/db/JR2TTS
Twitter: @Minus2_C

_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-***@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

Oliver Krystal

2016-04-15 07:13:47 UTC

Permalink

Here is a blog post detailing my setup:
https://soliloquyforthefallen.net/?p=858

Post by J. Boyd (JR2TTS)

Post by Norm n3ykf
Lance,
Use both Arrow and Elk portable.
Mounting details in the comments.
Pics here: https://www.flickr.com/gp/n3ykf/7h5sA5

I made a thing out of PVC pipe joints that fit perfectly over my Alaskan
Arrow. It allows me to twist the antenna in roll to adjust for
polarization.
http://i.imgur.com/OynjGJw.jpg

Lou Michaels

2016-04-14 19:39:19 UTC

Permalink

Arrow sells a mounting bracket for the square boom. It's $14 and is well
made. I picked one up for ground testing my rotor setup before I put
everything on the roof.

http://www.arrowantennas.com/main/mbii.html