Rez Antennas Scout Antenna is more than a feed point. It’s the core component to an Innovative antenna system that can be deployed four ways: wire dipole, rigid dipole, ¼ wave vertical, and delta loop. In working through this antenna system for an product evaluation, I put the Delta Loop and the 1/4 wave Vertical configurations on the air. The bands weren’t terribly cooperative during the test, but I learned some neat things about the antenna system.
Watch this week’s video, Unlocking Versatility: The Scout Antenna System works anywhere here: https://youtu.be/qM4zpOUepLw
I’ve got a fascination for portable delta loop antennas. I’ve put the Chameleon TDL on the air more than a few times and generally enjoy it. The Scout holds the same promise for me. These ‘building block’ antenna systems lend themselves to experimentation and I look forward to a renewed exploration of the Delta Loop and how its utility can be maximized.
Tripods for ham radio
Since I’ve started to use extensively use the POTA PERformer antenna, I commonly receive questions about the tripod I use to elevate my antennas.
The tripod in question is the Bogen (Manfrotto) 3001 legs with a quick release plate. The tripod legs are probably close to 30 years old, but the Manfrotto system is rock solid. I’ve been involved with photography long before ham radio, so some of my photographic equipment has worked its way into my radio gear.
Unfortunately the 3001 is no longer produced and I’m not sure what the current Manfrotto replacement is. If you are looking for a rugged aluminum tripod, maybe consider the 190X https://amzn.to/4il3IzC. I’ve got a Manfrotto 055 that I use for video and it is bulletproof. They are a step up in size and weight from the 190X. When you start shopping tripods, they tend to get expensive fast.
Greg, KJ6ER, of POTA PERformer fame is using a Polarduck 78 inch tripod https://amzn.to/4lrrvk0 for his deployments. I ordered one and was going to start featuring it in videos, but it is also now currently unavailable. So I am in a quandry. Do I continue to use my aging Bogen that you can no longer get or do I switch to the Polarduck that I just purchased but also can no longer get..
What is common in a lot of Chinese products is that they all come out of the same factory and whoever is selling them slaps their name on the side. So if you page through Amazon, you will find scores of tripods that all look similar to the Polarduck and each other. There may be a suitable replacement, just under a different name. This Smallrig CT-20 78.9 inch tripod looks almost identical to the Polarduck https://amzn.to/3Y4N1RE. I wouldn’t be surpised if it’s the same thing.
At this point, the best I can do in helping you select a tripod is to offer these bits of advice:
- Look for a tripod that extends to at least 60 inches. This will allow sufficient height to elevate your antenna but not too high that you are unable to work on the antenna. Who wants to tear everything down when you need to adjust the whip.
- The tripod should support at least 20 lbs. Antennas themselves are fairly lightweight, but if you need to sandbag or guy the tripod, it will need to support that weight and stress.
- Avoid carbon fiber tripods. Aluminum tripods will be more sturdy and less prone to falling in the wind. Cheap carbon fiber tripods are not worth it and a quality carbon fiber tripods get expensive fast.
- It’s a bonus if you can splay the legs out. Setting the tripod to its lowest position by splaying the legs out turns your setup into a ground mounted antenna.
Finally, whatever you do, remove the head that comes with the tripod and replace it with this quick release plate: https://amzn.to/3YeAb3p A sturdy quick release is more useful than the ballhead that commonly comes with the tripod.
This may be a topic for a video, let me know in the comments if you’d like to see me explore that.
Finishing up
As I mentioned in this week’s video, this is a two-parter. I will be exploring the horizontal or dipole configurations of the REZ Scout in a future video. I anticipate that to air on April 30. I’m also hoping to pull the camper out of the garage very soon. My plan is to upgrade the solar system to a 24 volt panel, and I’d love to share what I’ve learned. No air date is scheduled for that, though.
Hamvention is only a month away and already I’m scheduling meet ups. Drop me a line if you are planning to attend the world’s largest hamfest.
I hope to catch you on the air soon
Michael
KB9VBR
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