[Elecraft] FW: Handles and feet

[Clay Autery]

I have given a "proper" spacing/protecting engineering solution serious
thought on a number of occasions.

I will simply come up with something that meets the requirements when I
get to that bridge.

I'm more inclined to incorporate a spacing plan with a replacement of
the side panels or some way to protect the vulnerable front/rear panels.

73,

______________________
Clay Autery, KY5G
MONTAC Enterprises
(318) 518-1389

On 4/22/2017 11:33 AM, Erik Basilier wrote:
> Clay wrote: " I am perfectly happy with the stock side panel protectors.
> :-)"
>
> Let me be more specific on why additional side panel protectors might be
> desired. The standard side panel feet work great when the boxes of a K-line
> are placed in the order shown in the ad's. However, when you go to a 2-radio
> configuration for SO2R, you probably want the most often looked at, or
> touched, front panels close together in the middle. The quick pace of SO2R
> operations really demands the very best ergonomics that you can achieve. I
> currently have the two transceivers in the middle for easy access to the
> knobs, with the P3's immediately to the right and left of the two radios.
> That means on the right hand side, the boxes are in the standard "K-line"
> order, but on the left hand side, the transceiver handle is free to scratch
> the neighboring P3. That is what actually happened, but it could have been a
> speaker or other box getting scratched. With the two transceivers
> side-by-side in the middle, the side feet of the left-hand radio are
> positioned next to the handle of the right-hand radio, but they are thinner
> than the handle, and there is the potential for the handle to scratch the
> left-hand radio in spite of the feet. 
>
> I realize that most people are not interested in dual-radio configurations,
> but some may have their own reasons for placing their boxes in a unique
> order. It seems to me that the handles could be redesigned so as to have no
> sharp edges that can cause scratches, or even better, redesigned so at to
> incorporate rubber bumpers. Also, the standard side panel feet could be made
> slightly thicker (i.e. thicker than the handles) , and/or available as
> add-on options for those who don't use the standard box ordering. Just an
> idea, and I am not holding my breath. In the meantime, I may go with
> removable stick-on feet, whether the common non-durable types or the better
> quality ones suggested by Clay. (In his original suggestion it was not clear
> to me that they were easily removable.) As to glue remaining after a cheap
> rubber foot has fallen off, I have in the past been successful removing it
> with denaturated alcohol, but the paint was left slightly dull. That was on
> a "Fine Junk" box, and I would not be surprised it the high quality Elecraft
> paint stands up much better. Goo Gone may be better, but I think the
> dullness was caused by the glue reacting with the inferior paint, not the
> alcohol, as surrounding areas touched by the alcohol did not become dull. 
>
> Not lacking solutions here, just in the mindset of discussing ideals. My
> comment was triggered by the image showing the KPA1500 handle. It was not
> intended to detract from the fact that the KPA1500 comes so close to so many
> of our wishes for the ideal legal power amplifier, including my own. I
> really believe the KPA1500 fills a need, and that the price is reasonable
> for what it is. For me it is not immediately affordable, but that is a
> separate issue. Maybe one day ....
>
> 73,
> Erik K7TV
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Clay Autery [mailto:cautery at montac.com] 
> Sent: Saturday, April 22, 2017 1:14 AM
> To: Erik Basilier <ebasilier at cox.net>; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FW: Handles and feet - was KPA 500 vs New 1500 watt
> amp
>
> Never said I would use that solution....  and it would not affect resale as
> it is cleanly removable without tool or solvent and no marring of the
> surface.
>
> I am perfectly happy with the stock side panel protectors.  :-)
>
> ______________________
> Clay Autery, KY5G
>
>