The result is an almost "plug and play" antenna that fits in the backpack and needs no screwdriver/pliers to be assembled.
The boom of this antenna is about 85cm long, so a 16mm OD PVC pipe can hold its elements without bending. Elements are mounted on modified T connectors for the same pipe (16mm OD) and the assembly is accomplished by simply sliding the connector through the boom to the correct position.
T-shaped connectors were modified as follows:
Boom to mast connection is achieved with another T connector. Since the boom is circular, the operator needs to align elements on the same plane at every installation. An alignment mark can be drawn to speed-up subsequent assemblies. If T connectors become loose, or some wind blows, PVC tape can be used to strengthen the whole setup (not shows in these pictures, but the second director shows signs of previous use of PVC tape).
Pictures show my hybrid version with PVC boom and element mounts, that retained the original with-screws radiator. This arrangment passed the MFJ-259 test, and returned the same impedance values as with metallic boom.
I did a quick comparative measurement between the two versions and noticed no difference in received signal (front lobe, max gain). For the test I assembled both versions and measured the received signal of a weak beacon using Argo software. Strength was measured as the delta between 700Hz beat tone and background noise. Both "ear" and Argo figures suggested me that there is no front gain difference between the two setups.
In the future I might try to figure out modifications in the radiaton pattern, but I first need to find a 360deg open location.
Field trials are next as well as a no-screw version of the radiator (preview in the third picture).