Permanent Base Station Structure (For the duration of the Job)

More important than the mount is the location.?ÿ It needs to open to the sky and away for machinery traffic.?ÿ I can not tell you how many times I have seen the contractor mount the base right up against the job trailer where it is susceptible to multi-path and obstructions.

That being said, your mount does not seem that bad.?ÿ I've seen plenty of 2" pipes set in dirt without any bracing.?ÿ The higher the better.

IMO support legs are not really needed for a 6' 4x4. 3" pipe is often used. The real trick is finding a safe place for such things.?ÿ

That wouldn't well here in the NE. We recommend a 10ft 6"x6" post with concrete, set at least 4ft below grade. Must get it below the frost line. 6ft is way too short, and 4"x4" posts tend to warp.

4" steel beam with a 5/8" bolt and a platform for car battery work well here.

@leegreen

Yes, I was thinking of 6' above ground. I definitely needs to be sunk below frost level below. 

@leegreen I like that. They actually use a 8' 4x4 and bury it at least 24"

Is that steel beam in concrete or driven in with a backhoe?

Take a look at these: https://kb.unavco.org/kb/article/unavco-resources-gnss-station-monumentation-104.html

?ÿ

$7500 for a base station that's 21' deep? Anyone else thinks it excessive?

Those things are for permanent installations that will run unattended 24 hrs a day for years.?ÿ

Suggestion - chain link fence post driven to 3 or 4 feet below grade, leaving 5-6 feet above grade. Fill with concrete and cast a 5/8"x 20?ÿ stainless bolt in the top. Brace with chain link posts if you feel the need. Fencing fittings will make that easy. Cost for material well under $50.?ÿ

Posted by: @mark-mayer

5/8"x 20?ÿ stainless bolt in the top.

5/8-11