It doesn't really matter if you have metal contact with the tripod just 
as it doesn't matter on the car top.  It is capacitively coupled. 
73
Butch
WA0VJR
Node 3148
Wallace, ks.


Should work.  On Tue, 22 Nov 2011, Howard, W A 9 Y B W wrote:

> Hi Kevin,
>
> It seems like the tripod would work, however, is the magnet coated with
> anything that would insulate it from the metal electrically?  I only wonder
> because you wouldn't want the magnet scratching the painted surface of your
> vehicle.  Check the continuity between the coax shield and the surface of
> the magnet.
>
> Just a thought.
>
> 73's
>
> Howard #3, WA9YBW
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Kevin Minor" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Monday, November 21, 2011 9:46 PM
> Subject: How good a ground plane is a tripod?
>
>
>> Hi.
>>
>>
>>
>> I have a mag mount antenna for 2 meters and 440.  I currently have it on a
>> tripod, and I was wondering if this would make a decent ground plane for
>> the
>> antenna.  I've seen quarter wave ground planes with the ground elements at
>> an angle, and since the tripod has a similar angle I thought this would
>> work.  The tripod is three feet tall with the legs open.  The antenna's
>> mag
>> mount is attracted to the tripod, so no worries of it falling off.
>>
>>
>>
>> Just curious.
>>
>>
>>
>> GO CATS!
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Kevin Minor, Lexington, KY
>>
>> [log in to unmask]
>
>