Locking Mechanisms

Curious to know, why lock two legs only and how this tripod will be stable if only two legs are locked.

For three leg locking standard method of telescope tripod is good.

If you notice the front leg, it comes out and rotates about 140 degrees. The weight of the contraption holds this in place. The other two leg have a sideways movement. This is only about 30 degrees. The weight of the contraption does not lock this movement, as it is acting in a different direction to the leg movement.

Are you sure the carbon fiber matrix is going to be able to withstand the shock and vibration loads for which this tripod was designed? Also, bear in mind that the weight of the tripod also helps keep the business end of your system on target...

I hope so. I am more concerned about locking mechanisms failing under the vibrations. I can always make the legs more robust. In reality the actual time spent under the high vibrations is very low. It will be given to soldiers.

This reminds me of a little story about a carbon fibre spade that was designed for the army. The prototype was made and given to the army to see if it was up to the normal standards a metal spade wold go through. Unfortunately the guy handing it over left it with them and said "There you go, see if you can break that!".

This was taken as a challenge. The next day a broken spade was returned with the advise. "That took us a while until we ran over it with a tank". "Yes we can break it". "Do you have any more as they are really light and better than our metal spades".

How about a simple folding brace with a lock clip?

Hmmm, that might be a bit more difficult if the legs are at an obtuse angle to each other (but still could work with a swivel attachment point on the legs)

Tonyma

that looks like a tripod for a .30 cal machine gun. as much fun as it might be to help, I won't if it is a weapon base. (pacifist)

Chris