[Elecraft] KTS1 Tilt Stand Mods

[Jerry Kincade]

In the K1 "for what it's worth" department:

I wanted my K1 to be able to rotate through 360 degrees while in the long
arm stand, so I can "fold" it up for packing/portability without removing
the K1 from the stand. Unfortunately, the stock setup won't do this, because
the 4-3/4" long arms are slightly too short to allow interference-free
rotation. Easy fix is to manufacture a couple of longer arms. 1/8" x 1" flat
aluminum stock in 36" lengths is available cheap from Home Depot. Cut two
EXACTLY matching pieces (I used 5-1/4", but they must be at least 5" for
this to work), drill holes in each end the same size as the holes in the
original long arms, using the originals for a pattern. Took about 30
minutes, works like a charm. I pulled the rubber washers off the original
arms and will reuse them. Now all I have to do is  shoot a little zinc
chromate and some Satin Black Rustoleum on the new arms, and I'm in
business. I also hit Ace Hardware's specialty fastener section for a couple
of larger 10-32 thumbscrews for mounting the K1 to the stand. My old
arthritic fingers like the bigger knobs on the new thumbscrews much better.

Last but not least: has anybody modified the "T" shaped base piece to take a
1/4-20 standard threaded camera tripod mount? With one of the new breed of
small super lightweight tripods, this seems like it might be a useful idea
for operating out of a beach chair, lawn chair, etc., anywhere you have a
place to sit but no handy place to put the K1. I'm thinking a guy might
drill a hole in the base and JB-weld a 1/4" stainless nut on top of the base
to accept a camera tripod screw from the bottom up.

73, Jerry W5KP