What it is:
If you are looking for a fast and easy way to deploy a vertical antenna, this might be just the ticket! It is perfect for hamsticks, Wolf River Coils, SuperAntenna kits, among others. It is significantly more wind resistant than a tripod.
Theory:
Portable vertical antennas for POTA often work best when ground mounted BECAUSE it makes the counterpoise system simpler. Radials laying on the ground couple with the earth so do not usually need to be tuned as they do for elevated systems. This depends somewhat on ground conductivity. At the beach on sandy soil you will likely need more (or tuned) radials which can be fussy.
Note:
A spike mount is NOT a good option when the ground is frozen.
Warning:
Always stay away from power lines.
What you need:
• Mirror mount for your antenna type (3/8-24 or UHF)
• Spike of some sort...examples:
- Steel angle (or aluminum), about 12" - 15" long (3' piece cut in half)
- Common spike nail, 12" long ($1)
• 90-degree UHF connector (optional)
What you do:
• Cut end of angle at 45-degree angles to make a point
• Attach angle to mount
• Push or tap into the ground
• Attach antenna, coax, and radials
• Check and adjust for minimum SWR
 
(click images to see detail)
Alternate Design & My Favorite:
A flag pedestal from KwikGoal.com used for corner flags on a soccer field makes a nice mount for an antenna. You can attach a standard mobile CB mirror mount or use on the bottom of a guyed mast for a wire antenna.
The welded disk helps improve stability even with such a short spike. The difference the disk makes is remarkable as it helps prevent the spike from shifting sideways keeping the antenna vertical (as long as the soil is good and not sandy). Because the spike is only 6 inches long, it is easy to plant without needing a mallet (unlike the longer spike above which I pack with a hammer).
Flag Pedestal (click photos to enlarge)
Complete Kit: WRC coil, mil-style whip, pedestal mount,
coax and radials (attached with copper alligator clip)
Pedestal Mount Assembled
Pedestal Mount in Ground
Pedestal Mount Deployed
with Antenna and Radials
Pedestal Mount Deployed
with full-size 20m vertical
Tent Pole Antenna
UPDATE
Pedestal Mount Assembled with Hose Clamp
works when mirror mount bolts are too close
|
