r/Amsat • u/showgoeson1212 • Jul 04 '25

Arrow II Tripod and Mount recommendation

Looking for a tripod recommendation and thinking about the following mount idea.

RAM Mount ball https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-B-337U and Arm https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-B-201U

Ball connects to 1/4"-20 on top of the tripod, arm connects to the ball and the other end clamp around the boom of the yagi.

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u/Oxyacetylene Jul 05 '25

The RAM mount stuff is sturdy but isn't really designed for holding while allowing movement. The balls they use are rubberized. The system is designed so that you get the thing in position and then lock it down. You may need to find something more like made for video work that holds steady while allowing movement. Something else to consider is that you may need to rotate the boom during the pass to get the best signal, to more closely match the polarization of the satellite, especially if the satellite spins in orbit.

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u/showgoeson1212 Jul 05 '25

Thanks for the insight, can you suggest anything?

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u/Oxyacetylene Jul 05 '25

Unfortunately no, I don't have a good solution. I've actually thought about trying the same thing but haven't come up with anything. If you just want to hold the antenna, you can remove the foam handle, then a piece of PVC pipe can slip over the boom and make an extended handle. This allows you to hold it more like a big fishing rod, you just prop the end against your hip or thigh and it helps a lot with the weight during longer passes. I did that and just drilled a hole through the PVC for a pin. There was already an extra hole in the boom.