+++++++++++++++++++ From: "COLIN WHITMORE" To: Cc: "Elecraft" Date: Tue, 11 Feb 2003 07:27:55 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Cheap-n-dirty K-1 bail Mike wrote: I also rarely use the KTS1. It is a little **too** versatile, when all I= need is something to prop the K1 up at an angle. I would be interested = in buying, were one ever available, a **simple** fold-down wire bail type= of front stand, attached by the four screws that are under the front pan= el. 73, Mike / KK5F Mike, et al, I have the K1 tilt stand (KTS1) and it is a excellent stand worth the pur= chase. However, there are times that I would prefer not to carry around t= his complex of a stand so I came up with a couple of alternatives. One ut= ilizes parts of the KTS1 and makes a sturdy compact stand, the other is c= heap and works FB! Alt #1 - Take a piece of aluminum bar stock measuring 3/4" X 1/2" X 5-3/8= ". Drill and tap the ends to accept the two holes (and associated screws)= on the end of the long arms of the KTS1. Using the hardware from the KTS= 1 secure the bar stock to the arms forming a "U". This compact stand can be flipped over the top and positioned so that the= bar stock is stowed behind the radio and above the antenna jack (it also= protects the antenna jack in this position). To set the tilt angle simpl= y loosen the screws securing the arms to the K1 and flip the "U" so that = the bar stock is now below the K1 and tighten the screws to hold the desi= red angle. I use a rubberband wrapped about midway up the arms to give th= e K1 something to rest against and this prevents the K1 from sinking to t= he table. Alt #2 - "The Never Fail Cheap & Dirty K1 Bail"; (with apologies to Tom, = N0SS, and his probe) Take a piece of 15" long by 3/32 - 1/8" diameter sol= id wire (a heavy duty coat hanger works great!). Slide two 1/2" X 1/8" ID= vacuum hose (any auto parts store) to the middle of the wire. Starting f= rom the middle measure 2-5/8" each way and bend 90 degrees. You now have = a square "U", with the base measuring 5-1/4". From the corners of the "U"= measure 3-1/2" and bend 90 degrees so that if the "U" is sitting on a ta= ble the two bends you just made would stick straight UP from the table. N= ow, measure from those just completed bends 1-1/4" and make a 90 degree b= end such that the ends of the wire are now facing each other. Clip the en= ds of the wire about 3/8" away from the just completed bends. These littl= e stubs will fit into the screw holes on the K1 that are designed for the= tilt stand. When you first complete this stand take the top cover off to= ensure that there are no interference's with the KNB1 or the KBT1 when t= he stand is installed. Trim accordingly. Slide the two rubber hose pieces= to the corners. These will act as the feet of the stand. This compact stand can be flipped beneath the radio and the bottom of the= bail can snapped against the rear of the radio and beneath the antenna j= ack for stowage. To use simply flip the stand forward and use a rubberban= d mounted three-quarters the way up the parallel arms to secure the radio= at the desired viewing angle. When using the K1 in my camper or at home I prefer the full-blown KTS1. I= t's secure, robust and holds the K1 at many viewing angles. Tent camping = or operating from the soccer field I like either of the alternatives beca= use they are compact and simple. Viola! 73 ES GD, N0YGY - Colin ++++++++++++++++