[Elecraft] Cheap-n-dirty K-1 bail

[COLIN WHITMORE]

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Mike wrote:

<snipped>

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

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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


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