Hardware Store HAM GEAR: Create an Ultra Sturdy Antenna Tripod with Chameleon's Surveyor Adapter

[@KO4GAR]

I have been using this tripod for 2 years. You can adjust the height of the legs for resonance on 6m's. It can handle 25 plus mph winds without tipping over the a 17 ft whip easily.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for sharing your experience with this type of set up with a 17' whip.

[@hazer72]

Never thought of the difference between radials and counter poise. Thanks!

[@HOAHamRadio]

I had the same reaction the first time I heard that; then my experience has proved it out. Elevated counter poise are a pain to tune in; ground radials are more forgiving.

[@moga864]

Last night, I made a remark about the wind loading of the CHA25 on another video of yours. Less than 24 hours later, I've discovered this video and an excellent solution to the problem. I'm very glad that I found this content! Thanks a lot!

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for stopping by for a look. The 25' whip gives us new options, it will also require some new handling options to keep it up.

[@smetz2464]

I've seen this adapter up-close and in-service; very solid, precisely made. Definitely an excellent bit of kit for these applications.

[@HOAHamRadio]

It is STOUT!!

[@vinniec5286]

I wish I knew about that tripod sooner! Thank you for this video.

[@Chameleon_Antenna]

The CHA Surveyor-A was release about 1.5 weeks ago! If you don't want to miss anything, register to our NEWSLETTER and you'll get a 10% OFF your first purchase!

[@HOAHamRadio]

The new gear from Chameleon has been flowing at a pretty regular pace, and there is more to come. They leak new ideas in the works in their Telegram group chat.

[@SQL_HAM]

For $64 that’s one sturdy tripod nice.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for stopping by for a look...

[@W6IWN_Radio]

Excellent video, Bob. I really like your attention to detail! Keep up the great work 👍

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement.

[@W6IWN_Radio]

@HOAHamRadio thanks for all the time and thought you put into this! I understand it doesn't happen in 10 minutes 😉. It takes work!

[@SQL_HAM]

This is good I really good thanks

[@norm_sueb122]

Thanks for the video!!

[@HOAHamRadio]

You are so welcome!

[@AlanElBee]

Great video - super practical, I love that tripod. I like the Chameleon adapter too, just wish it was a little cheaper LOL. Thanks! K7KS

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for the view and comment.

[@charleswoods2996]

I found your videos some years ago upon searching "Apartment HF Antennas" with a balcony railing of course, and after seeing this I suddenly wondered, as a Chameleon customer myself, if they'd listen to me upon designing mounting brackets for aluminum balcony ralings that are similar to an MFJ deal with a coil, 5 ft whip, counterpoise, that tunes with a tap lead that's about as flimsy as anyone can guess! and with holes that'll support the 3/8 stud for Chameleon's matchers/transformers. KD8EFQ/73

[@Chameleon_Antenna]

We're already working on something similar but WAY better!

[@charleswoods2996]

@@Chameleon_Antenna Schweeet! 🤣

[@HOAHamRadio]

...and their on it... I didn't know either!

[@charleswoods2996]

@@HOAHamRadio I swear, if I had a shop anything like Chameleon Antenna has, I'd've already been banging out the ideas into realities and they'd be available for so cheap that the shipping might cost more than the part itself!

[@al7jkjohn288]

Awesome !

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks.

[@unclemikeyplays]

4:05 I'm looking at that with the legs all spread out and wondering if one just ran a single wire with an alligator clip on one end and a banana on the other, banana'd into the puck and clipped onto the legs...would the legs be able to act as groundplane?

[@charleswoods2996]

I was thinking similar.

[@KO4GAR]

They do. You can adjust the height of the legs for resonance on 6m's. I use the same type of tripod with a WRC mini and can get 6-160m's without a tuner.

[@HOAHamRadio]

160 without a tuner? Can you share the setup?

[@Emcipio]

All the ones I ever used were fiberglass. But I’m sure if they were aluminum they’d work a bit okay

[@RLSHINK]

This is perfect for when you have to setup in an area where you can’t put stakes in the ground for the antenna or guy lines.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Exactly, you get it. Its another in a list of great options.

[@moga864]

Bummer: out of stock, ATM. But I did subscribe, so that's a plus 😁

[@HOAHamRadio]

Woooops. Guess the video got enough attention to sell them out. I would bet there is already another batch in production.

[@jameyevans29]

Thanks for the recommendations! Have you tried the “HOA Buster” ? It uses your gutters as a aerial.

[@Chameleon_Antenna]

​@@jameyevans29 You know what - I was just trying to help people not getting exploited... It's hurting my mind to see people paying this amount of money for something so basic because they don't know better! You can source quality parts yourself for about 30% to 40% cheaper... It's not complicated! It's actually easier than installing an End Fed or dipole antenna! Search: Rain Gutter Antenna An End-Fed Multiband Antenna Larry Nelson - K5IJB

[@HOAHamRadio]

I have not tried to use my gutters yet, though it is on my list....

[@Toneblender]

Sweet, now I don’t have to make one.

[@HOAHamRadio]

You can make one? I wish I have a small CNC, and the skill to go with it.

[@Mr_D555]

Alfa antenna is also sourcing this adapter. I looked around the internet for 5/8"-11 female to 3/8"-24 female hardware and didn't find anything. I already have the DeWalt tripod go I got that checked off my list.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Chameleon Antenna custom makes this to their specification in their machine shop. I can see pics of the Apha, but I've never held one in my hand. Few companies match Chameleon craftsmanship and quality...my opinion.

[@GaryRice-v5h]

Bob, what is the brand name of the tripod your using? Thanks, Gary

[@HOAHamRadio]

It's a DeWalt; here's the link via Amazon (affiliate) amzn.to/3yv6gdA Any name brand will do as I think they are pretty standard; so pick up something that is available and economical, but with good ratings.

[@Chameleon_Antenna]

@@HOAHamRadio I’ve the same tripod!

[@N4GW]

I have one on order

[@HOAHamRadio]

Would love your feedback once you've had it in use a bit.

[@seanfoley7097]

What about that other adapter you said you were going to discuss that had the coax attachment

[@HOAHamRadio]

Within the next two weeks that will be live on my channel and on the Chameleon Antenna web site.

[@Chameleon_Antenna]

@@HOAHamRadio Unfortunately - due to technical manufacturing problems, the NEW parts will be released MID-SEPTEMBER! 😖😖😖

[@corradoQC]

Have you tried not to use extra radials and use the tripod it self as the ground reference ?

[@HOAHamRadio]

No I haven't; given my soil conditions here in Tampa Bay, it would most certainly work. The challenge will be for those whose soil conditions are not as favorable. I always say, "give it a try and see".

[@corradoQC]

@@HOAHamRadio I do not have this tripod and do not have the adapter. I'm thinking that with this much metal under the antenna, I'm not even sure the additional radials brings a significant improvement. That's assuming there's a good contact between the base and the legs. The effect might be similar to when people metal window screen for ground reference.

[@threadripper979]

If you can leave antennas like that up over night and get away with it, you are a lucky HOA resident.

[@HOAHamRadio]

I do most of my high viz antenna use at night, unless I'm doing video. My neighbors know I use this as emergency preparedness, which they are interested in given we live in the path of hurricanes. So far so good.

[@robertw1871]

Ouch more scratch for the puck than the entire tripod…

[@oldsoldier181]

This adapter is out of stock. Which sucks, as I JUST got the tripod!!!!!

[@HOAHamRadio]

Uh oh, I know they were producing more so hopefully they'll be available quickly.

[@randyab9go188]

That's a nice tripod for $64 but the puck itself is $70? Sorry too much $$$

[@Chameleon_Antenna]

They make millions of those tripod in China but we can't make an adapter for $10 or $15. It's not even covering the cost of the material!

[@HOAHamRadio]

It is understandable if people can't afford premium gear, or don't want to pay for premium quality. One has to understand economies of manufacturing scale, and machining / plating costs in the USA. I have purchased over $60 million of machining in my professional supply chain career, mostly domestic, and this is a reasonable price. Doesn't mean everyone will want it. BTW, the first puck which makes an appearance in the video, made by a Chameleon competitor, is 1/5th the material content (guessing because I'm currently sitting in my Lazyboy and see no merit in the precise value) and subpar machining quality. I'm not ragging on the manufacturer because the puck gets the job done...its $45 by comparison.

[@coreymckay4433]

Got a lathe or milling machine? Make one yourself. If you don't have access to either, you gotta pay someone else to do it. Don't get me wrong: Chameleon is premium pricing, but considering how many simultaneous R&D projects they must have running to crank out all these new product ideas, the price is understandable. Be patient and shop the sales, that's how I manage to afford the cool gear.