In order to make satellite communication more convenient, I recently sold my U5V3 Yagi antenna and purchased a new U7V4. However, I found that the U7V4 is not as convenient as the U5V3. Here's why:
This is my tripod, along with a 3-axis gimbal. When it comes to satellite tracking, I find that the 3-axis gimbal is more convenient, stable, and easier to operate than a spherical gimbal.
This is a clamp purchased from PDD. It has a 1/4-inch threaded hole on the bottom, which can be attached to the quick mount plate of a tripod. The clamp can hold a Yagi antenna. This clamp is affordable and offers good value for money; it should be cheaper than a 3D-printed clamp. I highly recommend it to hams who need one.
This is how the U7V4 looks when mounted on a tripod. However, there's a problem, as shown in the image below.
The U-segment oscillator in the U7V4 unit, when oriented vertically, conflicts with the tripod when the antenna's tilt angle is too large. Even if the tripod's central axis is raised, this does not resolve the issue.
Therefore, I came up with a solution using a few simple accessories to offset the center of the Yagi antenna, as shown in the diagram below.
1 piece of approximately 80cm long DN25 PVC pipe, 2 crab clamps. Also includes 1 phone stand, fixed to the PVC pipe.
This is my solution, even when the angle of elevation approaches 90 degrees, there will still be no conflict. By fixing the phone to the PVC pipe, I also save space for the Yagi antenna's main support.
It is important to ensure that the three lines – the main axis of the Yagi antenna, the PVC tube, and the phone's main axis – are parallel. This ensures accurate satellite tracking.
Could these accessories affect the antenna's transmission and reception performance? Are there any better solutions that everyone can consider?
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