I started with a tripod I bought at the local thrift store (Goodwill) for $10. It was not suitable for camera work, but did just fine for satellite work.
The tripod helped a lot when I used an HT and attempted to write everything on a notepad.
It was like training wheels on a bicycle! While I was learning, it made all the difference.
I noticed after some time -- and watching YouTube videos of satellite operations -- that all the experienced operators did not use a tripod. They held the antenna in their hand.
So, I thought I would try it.
Getting an inline audio recorder and a head set helped quite a bit. I have heard that a foot switch is also quite helpful.
And, after not much time at all, I became quite comfortable using the Arrow using only one hand. It is much, much better for matching axial rotation. And, it gives you a feel for the satellite when you twist your wrist and hear the difference in the audio signal -- in my case, it is now automatic, like driving a car, to hand-orient the antenna while adjusting for Doppler and glancing at the tracking software on the smartphone.
An improvement I would very much like to make is to modify the Arrow's boom to be a LidStick, a la Mike W8LID's excellent idea: https://twitter.com/w8lid/status/976267117183033346?lang=en
So, get a tripod but plan on using it only for a while. You will want to switch to full manual after not much time. :)
-- bag
Bryan KL7CN/W6 Location: CM98, usually E-Mail: bryan@KL7CN.net Telephone/SMS: 408-836-7279
On Apr 24, 2019, at 06:26, Chris Pohlad-Thomas via AMSAT-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org wrote:
Can anyone please provide a recommendation on a tripod to use with an Arrow II? I want to make sure I find something that can handle the weight and do a 90 degree turn.
Chris KC1E
-- Chris Pohlad-Thomas