VE7ZAX - Whip Antenna Trekking pole mount for SOTA quarter wave 5.6m Vertical

Easy little project that makes for a fast stable mount for your whip antenna on a rocky summit or anywhere else.  Two crossed trekking poles, or a couple of sticks at the base are held in place with two velcro straps.

Just posting this is someone finds it useful.  I'll do better instructions as some point but it's here if you want it.

🏔 SOTA Quick-Ref: 5.6m Vertical Whip

Rig: 10W QRP | Mount: M10/Trekking Pole Tripod | Radials: 2m PTFE (10x)

1. Band Setup & Estimated Performance

2. Radial Strategy (Rocky Summits)

• The Goal: Radials create an "artificial ground" on non-conductive rock.

• 5 Radials: "Speed setup." Use for quick activations or low wind.

• 10 Radials: "Performance setup." Use on granite/dry peaks to lower SWR and maximize radiation.

• Placement: Spread 360° around base. Pin ends with rocks to prevent "wire-tangle" in wind.

3. Mechanical & Stability

• Support: Lash trekking poles tightly to the M10 base.

• Wind Loading: A 5.6m whip is a massive lever. If it sways heavily, SWR will fluctuate.

• Connections: * Center: BNC to Whip.

  • Shield: M4 Wing Nut to Radials.

  • Check for shorts between the M10 and M4 bolt if SWR is ∞.

4. Rapid Field Tuning

1. Set Length: Use the table above for the initial whip height.

2. Deploy Radials: Start with 5; add 10 if SWR is > 2.0.

3. Check SWR: * Resonant too low? Shorten the top section of the whip.

   • Resonant too high? Lengthen the whip.

4. Final: Once tuned, mark the whip sections with a Sharpie for next time.

Materials:

1 x Aliexpress Female BNC soldered connector like in the picture
1 x M10 nut for the antenna mount
1 x M10 washer
1 x M4 screw for the radials.  About 12-16mm ideal
2 x M4 nuts for radials. (or  an M4 wing nut for one to them, or, get fancy and use an M4 heatset)
3 x M4 Eyelet to solder radials and ground connection.
2 x Velcro strips to fasten trekking poles
about 15cm of solid wire.  I think I used AWG 20.
1 x 5.6m Aliexpress whip antenna with M10 thread
4-10 x 2.5m radials. Totally up to you.  I went with two bunches of 5 radials each soldered to an M4 eyelet.  That way I can use 5 or 10 radials if I feel like I need them.

Build Instructions:

-Solder about 15cm for wire to the centre connector and 2 CM to the ground connection.
-Strip most of the 15cm wire. See picture
-Strip all of the short wire.
-Feed the wires through the hole and nut.  The long wire continues through a second hole to where the antenna M10 nut goes.
-Weave the stripped wire up and down through the holes to make contact with the antenna base and nut.  See picture...
-Yes, it's a fiddly  process but a one-time thing. :)
-Tighten the nut for the BNC
-From the inside cavity, put an M4 eyelet over the hold and put the short wire through it for soldering. 
-From the inside put the M4 Screw through the eyelet and hold and fasten it with a nut on the opposite side.
-Drop the M10 nun in place and add a couple drops of glue to two the outside corners does the job.  Five min epoxy, of epoxy, hot glue, whatever you like.  Even a little poke of the soldering iron to release some toxic fumes and melt some plastic out will do the job. :)
-Solder your radials to the remaining M4 Eyelets so you can attach them to the top.
-Attach your Velcro straps.  See picture.
-place the mount over the first pole and then then second pole holds it in place with the velcro.

Yes, worst instructions ever but I'm putting it out there... :). 

I keep the radials on a little winder and when you pack it all up the Velcro holds the antenna, mount, and radials together for neat packing....  Again, sheepishly, see pictures.  

Last bit, this is for my lightweight carbon trekking poles.  Let me know if you want the version for chunkier ski poles...

Hope somebody finds this useful and thanks for any likes and downloads.  I find it super useful...