Tips for Safe & Stable Tripod Setups - RovingInternet.com
When setting up your tripod, these are some basics that will help you get a stable, blow-over- proof setup every time.
Notice in the figure above that the feet are well-planted and the dish is ballasted with six gallons of water. Also note the wide stance of the setup.
- The footprint should equal the height of the dish. For example, measure the height of your dish setup. If the bottom lip of the dish is 62 inches from the ground, the feet of the tripod should be set at least 62 inches apart. If the bottom lip of the dish is 59 inches from the ground, the tripod feet should be set at least 59 inches apart.
Using Ballast
With this geometry, you’ll need ballast and it is always better to error on the heavy side. Use at least 40-50 lbs of ballast — 5 gallons of water or more. 50 lbs or more is highly recommended.
This should be stable in winds gusting up to 40 mph. The more weight it has, the more wind it will withstand.
Using Anchors vs. Ballast, with a Narrower Stance
If you absolutely must set up with a stance that has a footprint narrower than your height measurement, be aware that the dish will have a tremendous leverage advantage over any ballast you use. With such geometry, the ideal is to have the dish anchored to something immovable, as shown in the figure above, on the left.
If that is not possible, consider a hundred pounds or more of ballast. Barbell weights are a compact choice for such ballast.
Using a Very Wide Stance
Shown on the right is a tripod with a very large stance. In this case, no ballast is needed, but you must still plant the feet well. Legs spread this wide can withstand 60 mph winds.
Setting the Feet vs. Tying Them Together
There are footpads on each foot for you to stand on, to set the feet. Set them as deep as you can, in the soil you’re on.
If you’re setting up on a hard surface, you’ll need something to keep the feet from spreading. You can use a chain. Some people use a folding wood platform to set the tripod on. These options are illustrated above.
