I bought my first mobile desk in 2021. It features a cubby beneath the desktop that fits my rotator controller and other small items. After some testing, I decided to modify the desktop for a better look at the rotator controller.
Later, I moved my radio displays from near the driver’s door to alongside the center console. That move left less than an inch of clearance between the desk and the radio displays. This photo is deceiving, but the laptop screen can block my view of the side rear-view mirror. I wanted to solve both challenges.
I experimented with a simple 16-inch wide plank to create a simpler desk, something that I could use when I didn’t need to carry the rotator controller. Later, I bought a larger, thicker, and heavier bamboo cutting board and then crafted some changes to make it to fit the contour of the seat bolsters and sit level in the seat. I painted it black and topped it with CatTongue skateboard grip tape.
The board is held to the seat by bungee cords so I can remove it in just a couple minutes. I used it when I wanted a desk for my laptop but didn’t need to carry a rotator controller. Then I had an idea…
My only complaint about the Green Heron DC-powered rotator controller is that its display cannot be read from all angles (see top photo above). I had to crane my head around in order to read the numbers while fine tuning a heading. I wanted a way to mount the controller so that the display was facing directly at me.
Coincidentally, I also wanted a better mount for one of my external monitors. I looked to RAM Mounts to see what they had to offer. I chose their shortest Tele-Pole with VESA mount. The mount is fastened to the cutting board with 5/16″ carriage bolts.
Each mounting position can hold up to four pounds. The heavy cutting board definitely was a good purchase for supporting this unexpected load. RAM mounts offer a lot of adjustability. Still, getting the mounts pointed right where I wanted them was a bit of a challenge.
I finally achieved the angles that I wanted after plenty of fine-tuning. Again, I’ve lost some storage space by removing the mobile desk. However, this new solution provides more clearance around the radio displays, a clear view of the rotator controller’s display, and an unrestricted view of the side rear-view mirror.
I’ll put everything to a good test during ARRL’s VHF contest in September, hopefully with cooler temperatures. Until then, I’ll continue to refine the settings and operating practices. See more photos in the album below.
Clear View of All,
Scott
