Discussion: SI's control stands - any good?
in: Orienteering; General
Jan 20, 2017 12:53 PM
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AZ:
I see that SI has a new fibreglass control stand that is "easy to transport due to its simple plug-in system". It almost looks like the SI unit holder unplugs from the post, so that when you put the stand in the forest you first put in the stand, then attach the holder, then insert the SI unit, then add the control flag, and also a backup pin punch on a string.
If it is like that, I'd be pretty interested - it would reduce storage space.
I've tried to find more information online but the only place I can find any info is at the bottom of SI's WOD special offers page. (Not on the distributor's page for Canada, US, UK).
Does anyone have experience with them?
If it is like that, I'd be pretty interested - it would reduce storage space.
I've tried to find more information online but the only place I can find any info is at the bottom of SI's WOD special offers page. (Not on the distributor's page for Canada, US, UK).
Does anyone have experience with them?
Jan 20, 2017 3:46 PM
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I have no experience with those but I have made control stands with similar features. Here are a couple pictures:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/21240768/SAM_3...
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/21240768/SAM_3...
It starts with a Baygard plus step-in electric fence post and I cut the top off using a metal cutting blade so the overall length is about 38". I remove one of the adjustable hooks so there is only one left and that will be used to hang the flag. The posts cost me about $2.70 ea. on-line.
Next I epoxy a 1/2" tube to pipe male adapter to the top of the post. These are about $0.60 ea at Home Depot
The SI bracket is screwed to a PVC Tee where the stem of the tee is threaded so it screws onto the adapter that is epoxied to the post. I think the Tees are about $0.60 ea. too.
The control flag is hooked, not tied, onto the ajjustable hook using TWO of the three strings that go from the central point to the edge of the flag. I would get a picture of this in place but the ground is frozen.
As mentioned by AZ, being able to remove the head unit makes storage much easier and it's easy to hold 10 or 12 of these stands in one hand. Of course the head unit needs to be carried but those go in a backpack with the SI units.
The baygard plus post is the only one with adjustable hooks so there is no need to cut off the extras. Also, cutting off the top shortens the post so it doesn't stand as high as most of the fence posts used today at events. Making the overall length 38" will place the bottom of the flag about 12" off the ground when the post is embedded all the way to the step.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/21240768/SAM_3...
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/21240768/SAM_3...
It starts with a Baygard plus step-in electric fence post and I cut the top off using a metal cutting blade so the overall length is about 38". I remove one of the adjustable hooks so there is only one left and that will be used to hang the flag. The posts cost me about $2.70 ea. on-line.
Next I epoxy a 1/2" tube to pipe male adapter to the top of the post. These are about $0.60 ea at Home Depot
The SI bracket is screwed to a PVC Tee where the stem of the tee is threaded so it screws onto the adapter that is epoxied to the post. I think the Tees are about $0.60 ea. too.
The control flag is hooked, not tied, onto the ajjustable hook using TWO of the three strings that go from the central point to the edge of the flag. I would get a picture of this in place but the ground is frozen.
As mentioned by AZ, being able to remove the head unit makes storage much easier and it's easy to hold 10 or 12 of these stands in one hand. Of course the head unit needs to be carried but those go in a backpack with the SI units.
The baygard plus post is the only one with adjustable hooks so there is no need to cut off the extras. Also, cutting off the top shortens the post so it doesn't stand as high as most of the fence posts used today at events. Making the overall length 38" will place the bottom of the flag about 12" off the ground when the post is embedded all the way to the step.
Jan 20, 2017 8:51 PM
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Item 4 on the accessories page (80 cm = 32 in)
https://www.sportident.com/products.html#accessori...
https://www.sportident.com/products.html#accessori...
Jan 25, 2017 7:35 AM
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Nice work, Carl. Is the PVC tee threaded to fit on the adapter? If not, does this wear over time?
Jan 25, 2017 3:45 PM
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PVC tees are available threaded or unthreaded so make sure and buy the threaded ones. Just to make sure they match though, buy the adapter and the tee at the same time and check that they thread together. By the way, the head unit --the SI holder screwed to the PVC tee-- only needs to be lightly threaded onto the stake. You aren't trying to prevent a leak so no need to tighten it down
This discussion thread is closed.