Icom V85-Desktop
My Radio Gear
Kenwood TS-430S
PS-430 Power Supply
SP-430 Ext Speaker
AT-250 Auto Tuner
MC-60 Mic
Old Brass Straight-Key
HM-158L Ext Mic
BC-167A/D Charger
FA-B2E Antenna (ducky)
SP-13 Earphone
CP-19R 12 volt charger
Comet BNC24 17" Antenna
Accessories
Angle Adapter w/BNC
Antenna Cable
Antenna Base (MFJ-332B)
Antenna Farm
40m Hamstick Dipole
50ft Wire Antenna (Rx only)
2m 17" Comet Mag-mount
(more on the way)
Misc Radio Projects
Morse Mouse
50ft Wire Antenna (Rx only)
2m 17" Comet Mag-mount
(more on the way)
Other
The Workshop
(more coming soon)
Links
ARRL
UARC
(and more to come)
Solution...
What I found that caught my interest was a table top microphone stand (RS 33-370) and a spring loaded mic adapter/clip (RS 33-372). By removing the 4" extension from the base and screwing the mic adapter directly into the base the stand/adapter height is perfect for the V85. Attaching the belt clip to the V85 as an attachment point to/in the microphone clip, the mic stand becomes a 'quick-release' V85 desktop stand. The adapter has an adjustable angle, so you can get just the view you need of the V85 screen. The Radio-Shack components are black (with a nice wrinkle finish on the base) which compliments the black/dark grey of the Icom gear. The look is clean and professional.
The mic adapter spring tension is quite sufficient to hold the V85 very steady. Combined with the weight of the base (apx. 1.5 lbs), this resists any pull from the antenna connection, external mic cable, or power-supply connection. Adding a BNC angle adapter streamlines the antenna line attachment configuration. Because the clip is spring loaded (rather than a screw-type) the V85 can be quickly removed from the stand for regular portable use.
I was so pleased with the look and feel that I purchased a second stand/adapter setup for the HM-158L mic. Again, the height is perfect and the angle adjustment allows you to adjust things to your liking. Since the HM-158L is a speaker/mic I get a great sound at a suitable distance for speaking and the PTT on the mic is more convenient for desktop use. For those late night sessions, the HM-158L has a headphone jack for my favorite (and quite affordable) Sony MDR-V150 headphones.
Below are some photographs of the the V85, the stand/adapter components, and the final results. The cost of the two stand/adapter setups is about $40.
Enjoy?
From Handheld to Desktop?
Problem...
Purchasing the new Icom-V85 was a good idea on my part; however I confess I was torn between the handheld and one of its mobile brothers. My final decision was based of course on simplicity and portability. The negative side of the trade off in my opinion is two-fold: 1) power (the mobile units had 45~65 watts available), and 2) using the handheld in a less than mobile environment (i.e. my office). The power issue isn't such a big deal for repeater use in my area, but having the unit secure when attached to an external antenna or an external mic while at my desk was a concern. I didn't want the use or stabilty (i.e. staying put) hampered by the coax for the external antenna, an antenna which by design would be far more efficient than the stock rubber duck antenna, or being 'bungeed' around by the coil cord of an external mic.
I did some research and considered some option for creating a desktop mounting system for the V85. The only option I found with any appeal was the HT Radio Desk Stand by Nifty Ham Accessories. Still it seemed a bit too industrial for my taste.
After contemplating the problem and rummaging through my workshop, I came up with a solution which I think works.
