Here is a tip. I'm using a camera lightning tripod to elevate my antenna up 10 feet. Some thick-walled plastic electrical conduit was just the right size to slip over the legs, elevate it a bit more and (most important of all) give it a wide enough base it's unlikely to blow over in the wind. Someone might experiment around to find just the right size tubing for this Gabil tripod.
Awesome options! Thanks Bob! I had to chuckle because we talked about our shared OCD for custom bags to hold our ham gear. A couple months back I found this really good rectangular bag in Amazon to hold my many antennas in my van. I looked at your bag on the picnic table and it looked like my bag! 😂 Bob, we both need a 12 step program! 😂😂 73. Joe
Agreed. That bag goes in a cabinet, in a closet. My wife and I joke we both need a case to hold our smaller cases which hold smaller bags. It never ends.
Mine arrived yesterday and it is a well thought out and engineered piece of kit as you so ably had demonstrated. I was trying to tune a 4m whip on it and decided to make up some radials... story cut .... in an earlier video you built a framework for radials that had banana plugs on them, so I went back to my box of parts and found that the female banana sockets have the same thread as the tripod four holes for radials, so now I can use my banana plug connected set of 4x3 wires easily to the tripod. One question, on the tripod there is on more threaded point, am I missing an obvious function for this?
Stirling Park, thanks for watching and commenting. Hope you are enjoying using the tripod. I'm trying to understand which extra threaded hole your are talking about. Can you give me more specifics?
@@HOAHamRadio With the legs folded to the storage position I have a 0.5cm thread between two of the legs on the ring that all of the legs attach to. It is only on one side and on the raised metal "mound", the spaces between the other two legs have the mound but no theading. I wonder if it is for some sort of whip counterpoise? I might have suggested small guy rope attachment, but there is only the one. 73 deTerry
@@stirlingpark6145 I see it now. Gabil has never mentioned this as a feature of this system, so I am going to say it has something to do with the manufacturing process, or more likely, has a function which is used by another customer of the tripod.
Bob, I appreciate the improvements to the tripod, but I second the question about whether we can purchase the new radial system separate from purchasing another tripod. Please let us know if you hear back from Gabil. Thank you.
I checked with them this evening (morning their time). They plan to sell out of the existing post (MK2 version), then offer the new configuration in today's review. They did not have a time frame for that to happen, but I don't imagine it will be long.
This is my concern as well, I would love to buy the two new mounting post assemblies without having to get another tripod. I'm using the version 2 tripod assembly with my super antenna and your custom ground radial banana plug system and it is working like gangbusters!
Yep, they sold out. I've pinned a comment to the top to let everyone know G Gabil has more stock on the way. I'll notify everyone when its back in the Amazon warehouse.
@@scottmorris4914 Shoot. I guess the response is greater than they anticipated. I do know they have more in transit so should be just a couple of days.
Really enjoyed your videos on this tripod. I’m a relatively new ham and was given a dual band 2M/70 cm NMO antenna. Is there a way to connect this antenna to this tripod?
Thanks for watching @seanconnolly3484 and welcome to the ham way of life. There is no connector with this tripod for an NMO mount. And, for a 2M/70cm mount, you will want something higher off the ground. I'm not saying you couldn't use a ground mount like a tripod, but getting a little more height on your UHF/VHF antenna would be better.
Bob, I just got the 3/8-24 post with the new radial connectors. I noticed that the banana plugs do not fit tightly. I am using the same Sewell banana plugs you are using. When I place the banana plug in the ring terminal, the leading end of the banana plug comes in contact with the thumb screw. I don't think this shorts out the ground radial connection, but I'm not sure. My multi-meter is on the blink, so I have another one on order. Have you tested radial continuity with this new radial system? Thanks for all you do!
K4NYM, good observations. The banana jack touching the thumb screw does not short the signal; the thumb screw is already part of the grounding system. I will say this ring terminal isn't quite as robust as I would like--I continue to provide feedback to G Gabil and this is one of those items to discuss. I've replaced this ring terminal with the Desco Banana Jack Ring Terminal from my ground radial video: www.globalindustrial.com/p/banana-jack-ring-terminal-0020in Appreciate the feedback; all the input I've received I've passed on and we have a "near perfect" tripod, may as well get it the rest of the way.
Just recieved mine today...unfortunately didn't get to take advantage of the disccount code. Two quesions: Just to be sure, the Gabil GRA-7350TC 3/8-24 Telescoping Antenna has a mal/femaile 3/8-24 thread at EACH end, correct? Also, any idea what the thread size is for the four holes where the radials attach to each column? Great video series. Thanks
msg Altman, great questions. I don't know on the radial thread size, but I'll check. The sliding coil of the 7350TC, has a 3/8 X 24 male at the bottom to go into the tripod, or any mount with a 3/8 X 24 female. But the top, well, that's a weird one, it is M10 X 1 male, and the telescoping whip is M10 X 1 female. I did a video on getting an adapter to go from the M10 X 1 male to 3/8 X 24 female. I could only find one adapter after searching long. It is from McMaster Carr and stupid expensive. I bought one, and it works: www.mcmaster.com/catalog/129/3685/98434A807
The tripod comes with both a UHF connector, so you are good for your ATAS 120, and a 3/8 X 24. I don't know the thread sized / type of connection for the Chelegance.
Thanks for all the awesome videos! Is there a way to adapt this to a M10 thread. I'm using a Chelegance MC-750 antenna. The optional MC-750 tripod is a little heavy to lug around. The spike that came with the antenna system doesn't work all that great in the Granite State. This tripod would lighten my load by almost a pound.
Appreciate the positive feedback Robert. The tripod is out of stock until later this month; Gabil sold out after a promotion they offered to my viewers. I sell an adapter for M10 to 3/8 X 24 on my eBay store; you can search by this number 266299313905 Its expensive. You can buy it cheaper directly from McMaster Carr...not sure how much shipping will cost you.
I am curious about the durability. I am very hard on my antennas. I have kids that trip on my feed line at the camp site all the time. Will this hold up to getting knocked around? I love the wide base though.
It is well made and rugged, but it can be destroyed. The legs when extended are aluminum and polymer, and with enough stepping on at the right place could damage it. Getting dropped and kicked, and shoved around, no problem; stepping on the extended legs repeatedly, they are going to bend / break.
I always enjoy your videos HOA Ham. On the latest model, just wanted to comment on the radial attachments. Can you imagine the amount of lost lock washers ??? They should have supplied a small bag of those, and the fact that they must be used for proper operation?? Just my 2 cents.
I was thinking the same thing. I have the second version. I think the thumb screws in the new version are a good step but fiddling with them in the field would result in lost parts.
A nice, thoroughly comprehensive demonstration of antenna ideas that can be built from a basic kit of components. I used the stock version 2 on my last activation. Thanks for the video. 73 de K0WHW @Bill-HRT
Thanks for this review. It seems like the original UHF connector pigtail coming out of the side of the post is a better arrangement. I would concerned that the 'new' arrangement would entail a lot more bending/flexing of the pigtail and may lead to earlier failure. Also, the new arrangement would seem to make it difficult to arrange the tripod legs in a horizontal configuration. Just my 2 cents from what it looks like in this video. 73 de Arnie W8DU
Al Samson, thanks for watching. Unfortunately they sold out after a promotion. They informed me they should be back in stock close to the end of the month
That's a great observation, that would pick up another batch of verticals that come with the M10 thread -- never thought of that. I'll pass it along to G Gabil.
He has in the past, and I will remind him that many who bought version 1 & 2 will want that. Once I get his reply, I will pin it to the top of the Comments.
Yep, they sold out in 12 hours; more on the way to their Amazon warehouse. Price is $119 before the discount. I 'll post and pin the comment on the video when they are back in stock.
Yep, they sold out in less than 12 hours. I've pinned a comment to the top to let everyone know G Gabil has more stock on the way. I'll notify everyone when its back in the Amazon warehouse.
Thank you. Purchased this just now. Was waiting for a good opportunity. The discount was awesome!
I was really surprised when they offered the discount for me to post. I knew it would really be helpful.
Bob this was excellent. Well done ! This tripod is on my 'to buy list'. It's versatility is off the charts. Thanks so much !
Thanks Bill. Its a great piece of gear.
I love modularity. And this is very impressive!
It is definitely a versatile piece of gear.
Good thing I've been putting off getting this 👍
Its about time I torpedoed your checking account! Its good gear.
Just wow! Amazing rundown thru all of those antennas. Fantastic! 👏🏻
Thanks for that positive feedback Ham Radio Things. Its a versatile piece of kit.
Thx for the discount code, just ordered one myself. I need more gear like I need a hole in my head.
So, you're like the rest of us 🙂
love it order one today. I enjoy your content. I work at a 911 center and we have a few portable HF radios. Thank you Don
Thanks for the feedback and kind words Don. Hope you enjoy your tripod as much as I do mine.
Here is a tip. I'm using a camera lightning tripod to elevate my antenna up 10 feet. Some thick-walled plastic electrical conduit was just the right size to slip over the legs, elevate it a bit more and (most important of all) give it a wide enough base it's unlikely to blow over in the wind. Someone might experiment around to find just the right size tubing for this Gabil tripod.
Thanks for viewing and offering suggestions; always helpful.
Awesome options! Thanks Bob! I had to chuckle because we talked about our shared OCD for custom bags to hold our ham gear. A couple months back I found this really good rectangular bag in Amazon to hold my many antennas in my van. I looked at your bag on the picnic table and it looked like my bag! 😂 Bob, we both need a 12 step program! 😂😂 73. Joe
Agreed. That bag goes in a cabinet, in a closet. My wife and I joke we both need a case to hold our smaller cases which hold smaller bags. It never ends.
Mine arrived yesterday and it is a well thought out and engineered piece of kit as you so ably had demonstrated.
I was trying to tune a 4m whip on it and decided to make up some radials... story cut .... in an earlier video you built a framework for radials that had banana plugs on them, so I went back to my box of parts and found that the female banana sockets have the same thread as the tripod four holes for radials, so now I can use my banana plug connected set of 4x3 wires easily to the tripod.
One question, on the tripod there is on more threaded point, am I missing an obvious function for this?
Stirling Park, thanks for watching and commenting. Hope you are enjoying using the tripod. I'm trying to understand which extra threaded hole your are talking about. Can you give me more specifics?
@@HOAHamRadio With the legs folded to the storage position I have a 0.5cm thread between two of the legs on the ring that all of the legs attach to. It is only on one side and on the raised metal "mound", the spaces between the other two legs have the mound but no theading.
I wonder if it is for some sort of whip counterpoise? I might have suggested small guy rope attachment, but there is only the one.
73 deTerry
@@stirlingpark6145 I see it now. Gabil has never mentioned this as a feature of this system, so I am going to say it has something to do with the manufacturing process, or more likely, has a function which is used by another customer of the tripod.
I believe that is to hold the camera mount adapter when it is not being used.
Good thinking - thanks.@@mikesavage9499
Great Video! I have a severe antenna addiction this tripod is definitely a gateway for an addict 😂
So much great gear, so little money in the bank account. Thanks for watching Tony D.
Thanks for the video!!
Always my pleasure Norm_Sue B.
Bob, I appreciate the improvements to the tripod, but I second the question about whether we can purchase the new radial system separate from purchasing another tripod. Please let us know if you hear back from Gabil. Thank you.
I checked with them this evening (morning their time). They plan to sell out of the existing post (MK2 version), then offer the new configuration in today's review. They did not have a time frame for that to happen, but I don't imagine it will be long.
This is my concern as well, I would love to buy the two new mounting post assemblies without having to get another tripod. I'm using the version 2 tripod assembly with my super antenna and your custom ground radial banana plug system and it is working like gangbusters!
They just listed the new 3/8 X 24 post with the new grounding collar: amzn.to/40hSUZH
@@HOAHamRadio grazi.
@@HOAHamRadio , ordered. OK. No more Gabil purchases for a while. That company has nickled and dimed me to death! LOL
nice video. FYI - Amazon says it is currently unavailable.
Yep, they sold out. I've pinned a comment to the top to let everyone know G Gabil has more stock on the way. I'll notify everyone when its back in the Amazon warehouse.
It is now available to order again, so Amazon has visibility to the inventory in transit to them and can give a delivery date.
@@HOAHamRadio I guess they were all bought out. Says unavailable again. Oh well.
@@scottmorris4914 Shoot. I guess the response is greater than they anticipated. I do know they have more in transit so should be just a couple of days.
Scott, for real this time it seams, its available: amzn.to/3GMQY4I
Thanks for the update! Unfortunately, it still doesn't support BNC directly 😢
Thanks for that comment HB9EAJ, I'll pass that along; not sure if they will bite or not, but its worth a try.
@@HOAHamRadio Thanks a lot! All portable operators I know of (SOTA-centric) use BNC connectors as standard.
Mine was just delivered yesterday, a swiss army knife of antenna options, very well made....Also an HOA Ham...Keep up the great work!!!! Tnx, N2FH
Thanks Faris H, hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Really enjoyed your videos on this tripod. I’m a relatively new ham and was given a dual band 2M/70 cm NMO antenna. Is there a way to connect this antenna to this tripod?
Thanks for watching @seanconnolly3484 and welcome to the ham way of life. There is no connector with this tripod for an NMO mount. And, for a 2M/70cm mount, you will want something higher off the ground. I'm not saying you couldn't use a ground mount like a tripod, but getting a little more height on your UHF/VHF antenna would be better.
Bob, I just got the 3/8-24 post with the new radial connectors. I noticed that the banana plugs do not fit tightly. I am using the same Sewell banana plugs you are using. When I place the banana plug in the ring terminal, the leading end of the banana plug comes in contact with the thumb screw. I don't think this shorts out the ground radial connection, but I'm not sure. My multi-meter is on the blink, so I have another one on order. Have you tested radial continuity with this new radial system? Thanks for all you do!
K4NYM, good observations. The banana jack touching the thumb screw does not short the signal; the thumb screw is already part of the grounding system. I will say this ring terminal isn't quite as robust as I would like--I continue to provide feedback to G Gabil and this is one of those items to discuss.
I've replaced this ring terminal with the Desco Banana Jack Ring Terminal from my ground radial video: www.globalindustrial.com/p/banana-jack-ring-terminal-0020in
Appreciate the feedback; all the input I've received I've passed on and we have a "near perfect" tripod, may as well get it the rest of the way.
Great video Bob. Just subscribed to your channel. What brand collapsible antenna are you using? Like the ODG color. Thanks
Thanks for watching and the sub. The ODG is a 7 element collapsible from Amazon -- amzn.to/3CZueMy
@@HOAHamRadio Thanks Bob.
Just recieved mine today...unfortunately didn't get to take advantage of the disccount code. Two quesions: Just to be sure, the Gabil GRA-7350TC 3/8-24 Telescoping Antenna has a mal/femaile 3/8-24 thread at EACH end, correct? Also, any idea what the thread size is for the four holes where the radials attach to each column? Great video series. Thanks
msg Altman, great questions. I don't know on the radial thread size, but I'll check.
The sliding coil of the 7350TC, has a 3/8 X 24 male at the bottom to go into the tripod, or any mount with a 3/8 X 24 female. But the top, well, that's a weird one, it is M10 X 1 male, and the telescoping whip is M10 X 1 female.
I did a video on getting an adapter to go from the M10 X 1 male to 3/8 X 24 female. I could only find one adapter after searching long. It is from McMaster Carr and stupid expensive. I bought one, and it works: www.mcmaster.com/catalog/129/3685/98434A807
Great video! Do they also have metric fitting converters for the Chelegance MC-750 antenna kits? Also how would I install the Yaesu ATAS 120a antenna?
The tripod comes with both a UHF connector, so you are good for your ATAS 120, and a 3/8 X 24. I don't know the thread sized / type of connection for the Chelegance.
Thanks for all the awesome videos! Is there a way to adapt this to a M10 thread. I'm using a Chelegance MC-750 antenna. The optional MC-750 tripod is a little heavy to lug around. The spike that came with the antenna system doesn't work all that great in the Granite State. This tripod would lighten my load by almost a pound.
Appreciate the positive feedback Robert. The tripod is out of stock until later this month; Gabil sold out after a promotion they offered to my viewers. I sell an adapter for M10 to 3/8 X 24 on my eBay store; you can search by this number 266299313905
Its expensive. You can buy it cheaper directly from McMaster Carr...not sure how much shipping will cost you.
I am curious about the durability. I am very hard on my antennas. I have kids that trip on my feed line at the camp site all the time. Will this hold up to getting knocked around? I love the wide base though.
It is well made and rugged, but it can be destroyed. The legs when extended are aluminum and polymer, and with enough stepping on at the right place could damage it. Getting dropped and kicked, and shoved around, no problem; stepping on the extended legs repeatedly, they are going to bend / break.
Looks good but overkill for an Elecraft AX-1 or similar. Great for a WRC or SuperAnt
Spot on Richard N1RBD, thanks for watching and commenting.
I always enjoy your videos HOA Ham. On the latest model, just wanted to comment on the radial attachments. Can you imagine the amount of lost lock washers ??? They should have supplied a small bag of those, and the fact that they must be used for proper operation?? Just my 2 cents.
Freddy B, thanks for watching and commenting. I'll be sure to pass along your thoughts; I think they are helpful.
I was thinking the same thing. I have the second version. I think the thumb screws in the new version are a good step but fiddling with them in the field would result in lost parts.
A nice, thoroughly comprehensive demonstration of antenna ideas that can be built from a basic kit of components. I used the stock version 2 on my last activation. Thanks for the video. 73 de K0WHW @Bill-HRT
Thanks for stopping by, watching, and commenting Ham Radio Tectonics!
Thanks for this review. It seems like the original UHF connector pigtail coming out of the side of the post is a better arrangement. I would concerned that the 'new' arrangement would entail a lot more bending/flexing of the pigtail and may lead to earlier failure. Also, the new arrangement would seem to make it difficult to arrange the tripod legs in a horizontal configuration. Just my 2 cents from what it looks like in this video.
73 de Arnie W8DU
Thanks for watching and commenting Arnie. The trip center stays off the ground so there is plenty of room to "flex", but yes, it does flex.
Thanks!
Thanks a bunch Marc, appreciate the support!
I cannot order from Amazon not in stock is there another place to buy. Thank you
Al Samson, thanks for watching. Unfortunately they sold out after a promotion. They informed me they should be back in stock close to the end of the month
It is back in stock; here is the link: amzn.to/3UE7gmg Try this discount code, it if is still active it would get you 15% off: 15JWHYTL
If this also had an M10 adaptor option this would be the best all-round tripod for portable operation
That's a great observation, that would pick up another batch of verticals that come with the M10 thread -- never thought of that. I'll pass it along to G Gabil.
McMaster-Carr sells an industrial quality M10 to 3/8-24 thread adapter typically with next-day delivery. Part #92499A793
I have version 2. Is he selling just the updated radial modification do you know? Thanks.
He has in the past, and I will remind him that many who bought version 1 & 2 will want that. Once I get his reply, I will pin it to the top of the Comments.
@@HOAHamRadio Thank you very much! 73 de KN3A.
They just listed the new 3/8 X 24 post with new radial grounding collar: amzn.to/3A1ungX
What's the price on this tripod in USD? Sold out at the moment.
Yep, they sold out in 12 hours; more on the way to their Amazon warehouse. Price is $119 before the discount.
I 'll post and pin the comment on the video when they are back in stock.
It is back in stock Ryan: amzn.to/43zRhtr
because of the default craziness, I waited and now it is sold out, is there any alternative to this tripod?
I've not found anything quite like this. They told me they thought they would be back in stock by mid June.
@@HOAHamRadio thank you for your quick response....will keep checking
It is back in stock; here is the link: amzn.to/3UE7gmg Try this discount code, it if is still active it would get you 15% off: 15JWHYTL
Do you have a non-Amazon link for this? Amazon is permanently boycotted.
To my knowledge, they only sell on Amazon...sorry about that.
@@HOAHamRadio Then that is not an option for me. I will have to look for something else.
Always great videos 73 N2FH
Thanks for stopping by and watching Faris H.
Wish they had an option for the Chinese standard antennas
Jerry, you mean for the strange thread sizes (strange to us who use 3/8 X 24)? I think they are M10 maybe male stud?
@@HOAHamRadio yup M10
Currently unavailable.
Yep, they sold out in 12 hours; more on the way to their Amazon warehouse. I 'll post and pin the comment on the video when they are back in stock.
Its back in stock Krisy: amzn.to/43zRhtr
just went to Amazon link and it is unavailable.
Yep, they sold out in less than 12 hours. I've pinned a comment to the top to let everyone know G Gabil has more stock on the way. I'll notify everyone when its back in the Amazon warehouse.
Its back in stock Anthony: amzn.to/43zRhtr
None of the discount codes are working on 10/31/23.
@LoriMarino thanks for letting me know. I have sent G Gabil an email this evening, and hope to have an answer in the morning.
Gabil gave me a new code for November, here it is: 15D3BIDL
Looks cool too bad you can’t buy one anywhere
They sold out a few weeks ago. I'll post a brief video update once they are back in stoock...and a discount code.
It is back in stock; here is the link: amzn.to/3UE7gmg Try this discount code, it if is still active it would get you 15% off: 15JWHYTL
AWESOME
AWESOME thanks
AWESOME thanks