I just got 3 BiPods and 1 TriPod(SECO) for my GPS.

I've had the opportunity to use them a few tims and each time I use the TriPod, it doesn't hold level.

Twice, I've returned and find the point of the rod slipped(the rod also slightly not level).

I kick the legs in a little(I don't bury them since the point is only about 3 inches long), and I think the legs(or A leg) is lifting back out some extremely small amount.

I NEVER hace problems with the BIPODS.

Is there a "trick" to setting up TriPods?

John,

I set my rod on point then set my two thumb-release legs in good and level. Then I set my knurled-knob leg just enough to get a bite. This seems to hold well for me as long as a stronger wind is not the issue.

John,

The reason the bipods don't (as easily) slip off the mark are because all the weight of the pole and receiver/antenna are on the point and the bipod is just holding it there.
Now the tripods are a different animal. You've got to set them up just like a bipod by getting everything level with the two "button" type legs. Then you extend the third leg and tighten the clamp knob on the third leg--only---after you have confirmed that it is still level. And any kind of torsional "twist" in the setup is going to mess you up. The other thing is that if you tighten the pole clamp once it is set up, the legs are going to expand in the sun lifting your pole that slight amount and yep, you are out of level and off the mark a while later. Tighten the pole clamp knob just so it touches the pole and holds it in place. If you are using 80d nails or iron pins for your control points use a punch and put a good divet in the rod or the nail.

Dangerous Dave
Modified By Dave Huff on 12/27/2004 at 6:02 PM

Tripods with range poles/antennas are really four-legged. Make the fourth leg, the antenna pole, "adjustable" by leaving the screw loose.

I think that might be the answer.

I was seriously thinking of sending it back and getting another BiPod

accomplished if you have a screw loose.

I was doing the same thing for a while. After leaving the screw just touching the pole it worked fine.

John,

To aid in a good setup, have your triped high enough on the rod, so that the rod point is about 1-2" lower than the lowest of the three legs. Leave the screw clamp leg against the rod and plumb the rod like a bipod. Set your those two points and replumb again. Now swing out the third leg and loosen the screw. Let the point hit the gound in a natural position, and set the point. If you try to force the tip position you can put torque into the setup, which could cause the rod tip to creep off the ground point. With the screw still loose, check and replumb the the two thumbreleases. Then finally tighten the screw. Do not ever try to level by moving the third leg up or down.

I have three SECO tripeds. I bought a noname tripeds with three thumb releases. It is a major PITA. That plus it weighs a ton. The best way to set it up is to loosen the rod clamp, plumb the bubble using any 2 thumscres at a time, like a tribrach and then retighten the rod clamp.

I use a triped for all my GPS, except those few times I use a full tripod setup. I use a bipod only for prism glass over backsights, foresights and some monuments. The GPS is too much investement to have to pick it up in pieces.

At this time of year, you will get creep in any setup. Frost isn't hard enough to stay solid, not enough snow to bury the leg points.

Paul in PA

fire the rodman