I too use a fold-up tripod made from approx two metre lengths of wooden battens. To be honest, it can be a bit wobbly on the drop, so I need to refine the design. However, when it works, it works well. My cat does not have a pin (it has been designed to use the spinni halyard for raising and lowering, and thereby keep downward pressure on the ball). I don't trust that either, and I tie the mast foot to the beam, using the downhaul lines, etc. It's saved my bacon a couple of times. I take a car tyre to rest on the rear beam, and the mast can rest on this if I miss the tripod, or knock it over as the mast is lowered! Having said all that, a helper is better!