The BEST Ham Radio Antenna Tripod!

[@temporarilyoffline]

👉 2023-04-14 Update: New version has better ground system: amzn.to/3L3l3zv 👉 MK1 and MK2 version upgrade: amzn.to/43zIfN1

[@corneliusm.booker6642]

I got one and it is great, well constructed, going on Vacation to FL for 2 weeks with the radio and the tripod is coming along with me . I encourage every ham to place this in their kit .

[@temporarilyoffline]

Me too! Are you going to hamcation?

[@temporarilyoffline]

URGENT NOTE: We did it folks! We sold out their Amazon inventory! I've talked with my rep and product is on its way! We urgently restocked Amazon yesterday. The shipment is expected to arrive at Amazon on Friday, 12/30. I hope Amazon has digested the Christmas volume. Stay tuned for more updates!

[@GabilRadio]

They finally arrived in Amazon!

[@thejeffinnerd5115]

I have nearly the same tripod in my photography kit. It's very strong and easily supports a couple heavy DSLRs. This is a very cool adaptation. It's giving me some ideas... Thanks for sharing.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Awesome Jeff! Got a kink or product name to your tripod

[@d3w4yn3]

Holy shnikeys! I am in the middle of a home-brew pvc pipe solution, but this is what I really needed! Perfect timing!!!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Sometimes somethings are a good deal!

[@HOAHamRadio]

Great piece of kit! Your viewers are going to love it!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Starting to get warm enough here to get out and on the air!

[@HOAHamRadio]

@@temporarilyoffline LOL, "warm". Bundle up and keep the thermos close by.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@HOAHamRadio I've got my 30oz Coffee and Ham Radios tumber! I'll be nice and cozy!

[@Rusted_Link]

And YES!! It is a camera tripod, see the adapter at 3:32?

[@temporarilyoffline]

It sure is. Genius of them to make an antenna mount to go inside a camera tripod!

[@Rusted_Link]

You know I have the Chameleon version of this little tripod, too bad it's proprietary to only Chameleon antennas. The Chameleon also states that it's 17 inches and it is not.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@Rusted_Link I just checked Chameleon's site and what they are showing now is a different tripod and only works with 3/8ths-24 antennas.

[@Rusted_Link]

@@temporarilyoffline those dirty rats 😂.

[@W9HJBill]

I have the V1 of it and it's great. I'm hoping they sell the 3/8-24 adapter separately so I can "upgrade" my old unit. Now if I can only find something like a collapsible (maybe fiberglass) non-conductive "thing" with a 3/8-24 thread on one end so I can use it to hold up a counterpoise or wire. That would replace the 4 foot long fence post many people use to hold the end of a 49:1 EFHW or the counterpoise on a Buddistick PRO.

[@temporarilyoffline]

That's a good idea! I bet something could be made with some PVC - I'm thinking a "cup" setup with a 3/8ths-24 bolt in the bottom. Maybe 6"-12" tall?

[@bobcarr2464]

Good job sir you did a excellent job of your showing of this product

[@temporarilyoffline]

Glad you like it

[@Inkling777]

The height can be increased by visiting a home improvement store and finding thick-walled plastic tubing that fits over legs. That also increases the base diameter, making it more stable.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Good idea!

[@CA3DQY]

its fantastic! ive homemade one of these while ago, and going everywhere

[@temporarilyoffline]

Its really pretty dang good!

[@BikingHikingRadio]

@Temporarily Offline - I just got mine delivered today. I will be using the 3/8-24 for my antennas. I am looking for guidance how to attach the rings for that 3/8-24 adapter. Any thoughts? Seems like they really only work with the SO-239 adapter. By the way, my crappie pole fits nicely inside w/o the adapters attached. No more having to hammer ground spikes into the ground and can use it when deploying my EFHW or link dipole antennas. Thanks for your guidance!

[@temporarilyoffline]

I would take the extra nut and all the radial clamps that can fit and attach them to the SO-239 on the bottom. I'll have a video about this coming out soon... but right now we are in a blizzard... so I'm indoors building kits and things. What bike is that in your avatar?

[@BikingHikingRadio]

@@temporarilyoffline After I re-watched HOA Ham's recent video, for now I think I'll use the alligator clamp and attach it to the bottom where the SO-239 connector is. I also use Anderson Powerpoles for my radial system (thanks to your videos). I'm going to use my small gator clips that have the powerpoles and attach to the big clip and use the same radial system as before with my Sporty 40 system. Anderson's are the easiest way to take two 16 ft ground radials and turn them into one 32 ft. The motorcycle is my 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600. Sadly I sold it a few years ago due to almost becoming a SK due to people thinking texting and driving is more important than paying attention to the road. Looking forward to your video.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@BikingHikingRadio I really like that alligator clip method - I might have to make up an AC-PP adapter!

[@w4mkh]

I have this on order and it should be here next week. I use the radial system that HOA Ham designed. I have two sets each with three 16' radials and I will be making another set tomorrow now that I have more wire. I'm hoping my Goture Tenkara crappie pole will fit into the tripod.

[@BikingHikingRadio]

@@w4mkh Marshall I used the tripod on Saturday and used the clamp I use for bypassing the Sporty 40 to the 20 meter MFJ 1979 on the bottom of the coax like HOA ham, and it worked great for the radial system. Still waiting to see what @TO comes up with.

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

I use a very low cost selfie lighting tripod to hold my DIY HF Antenna. They cost around £10 to £16 UK pounds work a real treat. Also use one on my DIY magnetic loop Antenna. Have Done now for around 12months. I have limited funds due to being retired and a small state pension. Cheers from old George. Vids on my channel. 😊

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks George! Cheers!

[@nightwing2012]

Have the mark 1. That is one cool tripod! Mine came with a camera mount.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Excellent!

[@Rusted_Link]

At 3:32 you can see the adapter for a 1/4-20 camera mount. Steve was so excited he forgot to mention it.

[@KC1PSK]

Looks like it would go great with the Wolf River Coil, nice demo

[@temporarilyoffline]

Yeah, that's how I plan to use it - more versatile than the WRC mount.

[@pasjeihobby]

Just by hesring these clicks I can assume it's high quality. Fantastic little fella.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Metal clicks!

[@vidcreator5276]

Steve - It doesn't look like the MK2 version is available at Amazon at the moment. Only the UHF version is listed. I checked the G GABIL Store and I don't see the 3/8"-24 listed there either. What now. Can the UHF version be adapted to do all the neat things you demonstrate in this video? Gerald - KG0VA

[@temporarilyoffline]

Hey Gerald - let me check in with my guy and see when they will be back in stock

[@vidcreator5276]

@@temporarilyoffline Thanks Steve! You run a very good channel!

[@temporarilyoffline]

I do my best man, thanks!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Just heard back from them: We urgently restocked Amazon yesterday. The shipment is expected to arrive at Amazon on Friday, 12/30. I hope Amazon has digested the Christmas volume.

[@MTimWeaver]

This is really neat. Was curious about those radial lugs/rings...where did you source those?

[@temporarilyoffline]

They come with it!

[@MTimWeaver]

@@temporarilyoffline Whaaaaaat? This just keeps getting better! :) Thanks...and I'm an idiot for not looking at all the pics (I didn't see mention of it in the description, but I'm also not wearing my glasses rn...lol)

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@MTimWeaver I'll admit that their Amazon listing is a bit weird. I told them about it too. Once they run out of the old version, this will make more sense.

[@MTimWeaver]

@@temporarilyoffline So is the Mk2 version the one with the 3/8-24 option, and Mk1 just the UHF option?

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@MTimWeaver you want the mark2 version. Once you have it selected, the Amazon pictures change to that model and one of them shows the ring Terminals

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

Check out HOA Ham’s video from a few months ago about radials. They’ll work great with his radial system. 73

[@temporarilyoffline]

Yeah, I like those clamps, but I'm all in on powerpole radials here. I might have to make a powerpole to clamp adapter. Bob is good people!

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

@@temporarilyoffline You can skip the clamp part and just use the large banana clip connectors. 73!

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@K3JRZOnTheAir right!

[@W9HJBill]

@@K3JRZOnTheAir That or just put a short piece of wire on the large terminal rings and on the other end put a powerpole on the other end. That way you could use your exising powerpole radials on this.

[@temporarilyoffline]

That's the current plan

[@barrybogart5436]

Very cool, but 'Currently unavailable." How much WAS it?

[@temporarilyoffline]

$118, I'm looking for an update from the vendor and I'll post as soon as I know.

[@ve2zdx]

Don’t put a 17 feet whip on it. I mean, you can, but the antenna will fall of in the slightest wind. I lost a whip because of it. For extra safety, use something to hold it firmly to the ground.

[@temporarilyoffline]

100% agree! I'm hoping legs spread wide and a WRC with 7' whip will do great! I might use a stake with it on a windy day

[@janiceemery2008]

Wait, didn't Chuck just review this tripod? Where is Tony? Oh, you are your own cameraman. Great review Steve.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Chuck and I worked together on these, it was fun! That's what its all about!

[@janiceemery2008]

@@temporarilyoffline that is cool.

[@KS0JD]

Great add to a pota kit

[@temporarilyoffline]

Exactly - there are so many options!

[@ronwolenski-n8wcr]

You can't use Powerpole connectors, those are for power, that's why they are called POWERpoles... WAIT, I'm not on QRZ. PowerPole connectors are a great idea, fast hookup, if someone trips on your radials it disconnects instead of bringing down the antenna, makes it compact to carry! Great idea!

[@temporarilyoffline]

I've got a couple sets of counterpoises and radials - and on the ic-705, I have a short lead connected to the ground lug. Could do the same for the G90 or the FT-818 too

[@yv6eda]

Nice! But $200 Canadians is too much!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Man, that exchange rate stinks!

[@forgetyourlife]

Universal health care don’t pay for itself.

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Super cool for sure, but for a hundie, yikes. Thats a lot of ramen. Great video man!

[@temporarilyoffline]

It is a bit pricey!

[@forgetyourlife]

120 😢

[@phildurall7466]

Nice .... I just saw your "future self" present this same tripod! :) 73 - KF6IF

[@temporarilyoffline]

I can only hope to age like a fine cheese like that!

[@kb1qzh]

Just bought this but haven't been able to get out to play.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Same... just had a week of -23

[@kb1qzh]

@@temporarilyoffline It's warmed up here but work has driving a lot. Has given me time to ask the important questions "why don't mobile phone radio apps have Android Auto / Apple Carplay support?"

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@kb1qzh Good question! The closest thing is the Vero VR-N7500 www.verotelecom.com/VERO-VR-N7500-50W-Dual-Band-Mobile-Radio-With-APP-Programming-p541441.html

[@kb1qzh]

@@temporarilyoffline that's what I'd like to see but in an app with support for radios from different mfgs. I think rig control would be a good use but not sure if running audio through the phone would also be good.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@kb1qzh I think this radio would pair up good with a tablet or one of thise android rear view mirrors in the car. We do need better integration for sure

[@DonzLockz]

Nice thats it's designed for HAM'S. Just don't think it'll work with my 9m squidpole. Lol

[@temporarilyoffline]

Probably not - gotta ham-up an adapter

[@KT2Oh]

And there goes another $100….

[@temporarilyoffline]

Right!

[@bwilder2324]

If you Google BEXIN MS08 or Koolehaoda H-50 you will see that, even with recent inflation, if you shop carefully, you can pick up an identical tripod (minus the RF adapters), sold as a camera tripod, for less than $50. The above camera tripods do come with elaborate 360 Panorama Ball Head Swivel Mounts with a Camera Quick Disconnect Plate that undoubtedly costs them MORE to fabricate and include than the cheesy little 4 inch coax extension in a lipstick tube that Gabil Radio supplies with their GRA-ULT01 MK2 - so any way you look at it, the Gabil Radio Tripod is at least TWICE AS EXPENSIVE AS IT SHOULD BE - but what else is new? - it's Ham Radio Gear after all. If you don't mind the lightweight plastic and beer can aluminum construction of these tripods, but would rather not get ripped off for double what the tripod should cost, you can easily fabricate a MUCH BETTER SO239 antenna adapter post yourself, to use with one of the low cost ~$50 tripods above, from 1) a piece of standard 1/2 inch schedule 40 PVC pipe, plus 2) a piece of Coax Cable terminated in a BNC Male Connector at the tripod end, and whatever your radio needs on the other, and lastly, 3) a BNC female to SO239 female adapter - which is used to interface between the BNC cable and PL259 Antenna mount at the top of your DIY PVC pipe antenna adapter. Thanks to the arcane mysteries that govern the imperial measurement system, standard "1/2 inch" PVC pipe is actually about 7/8 inch OD - which works out to about 22mm - which is a PERFECT match for these tripods central posts. Also, in another fortunate coincidence, a full size BNC male connector will just pass through that 7/8 inch (22mm OD) PVC pipe's 0.6 inside diameter and can then be mated to a BNC/SO239 adapter and attached securely at the top of the PVC post to act as a SO239 antenna base. if you use the thicker schedule 80 pipe, you may have to pass just the bare coax and assemble the BNC connector on the other side and FORCE the BNC back into the pipe after mating it to the BNC/SO239 connector - which will make for a nice tight secure fit. With schedule 40 pipe, you will have to wrap the BNC with a few layers of kapton tape or something similar (or just glue it) to insure that the upper SO239 plug is solid, secure, and wiggle free after assembly. The reason I feel that this version may actually be superior to the Gabil Radio version is because, by making the PVC pipe about a foot and a half long, we can position it to extend both ABOVE and also BELOW the tripod - WHERE IS WILL ACT AS A FOURTH LEG - which greatly strengthens the support available when the thin legs are splayed wide. To keep the pipe from pinching the coax were it exits from the bottom of the pipe, just cut a 1/4 inch slot up the side of the pipe for a few inches at the bottom end before inserting the coax, then after assembly, route the cable out to the side through the slot, and optionally, add a PVC pipe cap at the slotted bottom end of the pipe as a foot. The tripods all have a twist lock mechanism, so you can easily adjust this 'fourth leg' to any height you want and lock it into place very securely. So long-story-short, if you have some 1/2 inch PVC laying around in your garage and a suitable length BNC-BNC cable, all you would really need to buy would be the ~$50 tripod and a suitable SO239 female to BNC female adapter, and you will end up with a stronger 'four leg' tripod, for about HALF THE PRICE. - and if you did buy the Gabil Radio version (as I did) you can still add this additional DIY center post option (as I did) to add a little more height, and a LOT more support, so that, for example, the tripod can better stand up to being tied down with guy lines on a windy day. F.Y.I.

[@temporarilyoffline]

DIY rules! That's an awesome bit of investigative engineering!