A problem with these poles is their tendency to collapse, always at the wrong time!
I fully extended mine and drilled a hole near the top of each section and 3D printed some 'C clips' (or is that an E clip?) with a moulded pin to insert into the pole...
(as always, click the pics to go supersized)
Mk 2 clip with an external 'eye' to thread a wire through to stop it flapping about in the breeze!
Now, the pole stays extended and doesn't collapse. It's a simple matter of prying off the C-clip and collapsing the pole. Extending it and aligning the pin holes is a little fidgety, but still easy and makes for a snag free, quick to erect pole.
Bends quite a bit in 25+ MPH wind - guys are next on the agenda. You can see each C-clip up the pole!
I also found a 3D printable 'DX Commander' style base plate allowing operation on/upto 4 bands with a single coax feed...
I'm awaiting delivery of some stainless hardware to finish it off.
To be continued....
