FLIGHT STAND IDEAS

Progress!  Version 2.0 (update from previous)

Updates: I've found a cheap site for telescoping antenna parts online.  I ordered ten of them for this project and will probably order about 20 more.  A dollar and some change a piece.

This version utilizes a round base from a wall light bracket (the type used in outdoor utility lighting, very cheap at four dollars and some change a piece).  The bracket is 4" across at the base, and has a swivel mounting for the light itself.  I removed the light and the screw-in swivel bracket, removing the wires and such.  I'm left with a piece that screws in nicely to the bracket (it's designed to do so, of course), but with a largish hole on one side and a small hole on the antenna that I will be mounting to it.  The solution is a largish fender washer (about 1") that has a hole small enough for washers to take up the slack when I thread a small bolt through one end.  I had to buy three small washers to space the antenna OUT from the washer because the little 'tang' that screws into (presumbably a radio) is much thinner than the antenna and causes it to lean outwoard when I tighten it inward.  So: five teeny washers per assembly, 1 small bolt and nut (small enough to fit through the hole on the bottom of the antenna), 1 fender washer.  See the assembly notes.

VERSION TWO OF THE FLIGHT STAND FOR SKY SMASHERS

Photos:

[Click to enlarge image]
[Click to enlarge image]
[Click to enlarge image]
[Click to enlarge image]
Stand1: Overhead
480 X 640
26 KB		 Stand2:
480 X 640
26 KB		 Stand3: High shot
640 X 480
117 KB		 Stand4: Bent a bit
640 X 480
117 KB
[Click to enlarge image]
[Click to enlarge image]
Stand5
640 X 480
116 KB		 Stand6: extended
480 X 640
38 KB

Performance: The flight stand held up a heavy 30mm figure fully extended without toppling.  It WAS a trifle shaky fully extended, which makes me think that this might not be the ULTIMATE solution unless I can find an intelligent solution for weighting down the base.

Work continues.