Lightweight Portable Radio Mast Ground Mount

The Freedom Spike is a lightweight ground mount system for portable radio masts. Designed for ham radio POTA activations, GMRS field setups, backpacking with antennas, and anyone who needs a mast up fast without depending on trees.

This 3MF includes three build plates, one collar size per plate. Print the plate that matches your mast.

COLLAR SIZES

• 28mm — fits GigaParts Explorer POTA 20 and similar masts
• 30.75mm — fits GigaParts Explorer POTA 33
• 35mm — fits the Lil Dude LD6 from the dam radio dude

If you have a different mast, measure the outside diameter of the bottom section with calipers. If it's close to one of these sizes it will likely fit. Order of fit quality: 28mm is the snuggest standard size — other masts near these diameters may work with slightly less snug fit.

REQUIRED HARDWARE — NOT INCLUDED

You will need to source the spike and brass inserts separately:

• Aluminum ground spike — M10 approximately 9" length recommended (see affiliate link below)
• Brass threaded inserts — M10 spike thread (see affiliate link below)
• Rubber mallet for driving the spike in hard ground

IMPORTANT: Drive the spike into the ground FIRST. Then thread the printed tube base onto the spike. Never hammer on the plastic — it will crack. The spike does the work.

AFFILIATE LINKS — HARDWARE

• Spike: Amazon Link
• Brass inserts: Amazon Link

These links help support the project at no extra cost to you.

PRINT SETTINGS

• Material: ASA (strongly recommended for outdoor use — UV and heat resistant)
• PETG is acceptable for occasional use or shaded environments
• PLA is not recommended — will deform in direct sun, hot cars, and field conditions
• Layer height: 0.2mm
• Infill: 25% or higher — this is a load-bearing part
• Supports: Not required
• Print orientation: As oriented in the 3MF — collar opening facing up

ASSEMBLY

1. Print the collar plate for your mast size
2. Install brass threaded inserts using a soldering iron or heat set tool
3. Drive the aluminum spike into the ground at your deployment location
4. Thread the printed base onto the spike
5. Drop your mast base into the collar

FIELD NOTES

• Soft soil: spike goes in by hand or light mallet. Rocky ground needs a mallet on the spike.
• Never deploy where the mast could contact power lines if it falls
• The spike leaves a hole comparable to a tent stake — use good judgment in parks

WANT IT READY TO USE?

If you would rather skip the print and hardware sourcing, I sell the Freedom Spike fully assembled — aluminum spike, ASA-printed collar, brass inserts installed, ready to deploy.

• Printed in ASA for outdoor durability
• Available in all three sizes
• Spike and inserts included — nothing else to source
• Ships ready to use

→ Nomad Gearworks