I have a set of Begali Adventure Paddles. They are wonderful paddles. I have the mount for my IC-705, KX2, and desktop. Each mount works well. However, there are times when I do not have a stable platform for my radios or the paddles. At these times I usually hold the paddles in my hands. My go to handheld paddles are my N0SA SOTA paddles. I got mine from his last run. They are an excellent paddle.
I tried holding the Adventure paddles in my hand but I would cause errant dits and dahs. I first thought I would 3D print a box for the paddles–to much thought. I then thought about getting some square aluminum tubing. Too expensive. I scrouged around in my shop and found some 1″ angle aluminum. Perfect. Before I go on let me explain, that this was done with hand tools. A hacksaw, files, hand drill and drill bits. I also used a Dremel tool a little. This project is far from perfect. I never let perfection be the enemy of good enough.
Here is the piece roughed out.
The slot is where the finger guard mounts to the bottom of the paddler using a 4-40 screw. Mounted it looks something like this.
The guard extends past the end of the paddles to help protect the cable where it enters the paddle.
In use the paddle/guard combo looks like this.The guard keeps my index finger from touching the paddle lever and allows me to put my thumb below the paddle lever on the other side. It is very comfortable to use even with my large mitts.
A coat of primer, followed by paint and a clear coat and viola!, it is finished.
I will let it cure overnight and it will be ready for the next adventure. 73-de Scott
Plato’s Republic he said that *our need will be the real creator* or the proverb as we know it today *necessity is the mother of invention*. Recently, my friend Thomas K4SWL acquired a Yaesu FT-891. During his YouTube video, he expounded on how much fun he had with it. It did indeed look like fun. During this time I was pondering about doing more day activations instead of overnights. With the cost of everything still climbing, the need to conserve becomes apparent. I thought an FT-891 might really be a great radio for these day activations. Then reality set in.
I already have a number of projects I am working on and misc things like maybe having to replace my old 33′ push-up pole, it was not in the stars nor was there a twinkle in my wife’s eye when I mentioned it. In reality, the IC-7300 is a great radio and does everything I need to do especially in the field. I don’t need another radio, I have 3 100 watt radios and 3 QRP radios. I still wanted an easy setup for these one-day activations. I want to drive to a park, set up in a few minutes, operate, tear-down in a couple of minutes, and head for home or another park. I also wanted to make my day activations park ranger friendly. To me that means trying to be inconspicuous. I have two projects planned. The first is a desk for my truck. I am making a desk to sit over the center console and front passenger seat big enough to hold my IC-7300, a laptop and a CW paddle. My plan is to secure the desk to the truck and the radio to the desk. I also wanted to make this as cheaply as possible. I used stuff I had on the property such as a half sheet of plywood and some construction lumber. The only things I had to buy were some screws and eye-bolts, about 14 dollars worth.
The plywood was cut to 24 x 38.5 inches. The length covers the center console and front seat while still allowing me to get to the heat/AC controls. I gave the corners a generous radius and I broke the edges with a router. On the underside, I used a 2 x 12 to make a spacer for the center console where the cup holder is and a leg for the other side over the passenger seat. The spacer is glued and screwed to the desktop but the leg is not attached. This is to make it easier to store. I made a socket for the leg using 2 x 2’s. It’s probably easier to look at a picture than me to try to explain. I added eye rings to the rear of the desk and use a bungee cord to secure the desk to the passenger seat. The only other thing I did, sprayed the top with polyurethane. Note. I am not a carpenter or cabinet maker. I use rough hand tools to get the job done and I am often making do with what’s on hand or what’s the cheapest way to do it.
Putting the desk in the truck, everything feels good. I brought out my IC-7300 and laptop and placed them on the desktop. There appears to be plenty of room for both plus a set of paddles. I will use the desk a few times before I decide where the radio will end up and then figure out how to secure it. I am pleased with the result. While I thought having an FT-891 would be fun, in reality, the IC-7300 is better suited to my operating style.
The desk was comfortable to use and the truck can be driven when it is installed. Without the laptop, there is plenty of space for a notepad or an iPad. Now, if I could just find the time to get out and operate. 73 — Scott
KK4Z 