In the last few months I've gained access to a Makerbot Replicator 2 3D printer and I've been spending a bit of time acquainting myself with it, printing test pieces, understanding the slicing software, and exploring the Autodesk Fusion 360 application for design.
I have a tunable whip I occasionally use for portable QRP (low power) ham radio operating - a Wonder Wand Widebander. This is designed to attach directly to the back of a portable radio such as the Yaesu FT-817D using its RF connector. However, a number of my radios are kit-built or homemade and don't have a suitable mounting point, and I'd like to use a cable to connect the antenna to those radios - a support was therefore needed for the antenna.
I spent some time over the holidays putting together a design for a bracket for the antenna that would mount onto a standard camera tripod, and printing the first instance. A recess in the bottom of the bracket accepts a push-fit 1/4"-20 UNC nut that the tripod screws into. Photos below.
Files for the print are available on Thingiverse including STL files for printing and a Fusion 360 archive for modifications.
