QRP Vertical Station Shelf

by Donnie Garrett, WA9TGT

For some strange reason, I've always had a tendency to lay things out in a horizontal manner. My QRP station is a classic example of this. So a couple weeks ago I decided to consolidate my station into a less scattered arrangement. I wanted to take a different approach to my otherwise horizontal tendencies and try to construct a vertically stacked station. I had 3 goals in mind:

I wanted to consolidate my QRP gear into a user-friendly arrangement.
I wanted to integrate my LCD computer monitor and computer keyboard onto the same operating desk.
I wanted to eliminate a separate computer desk.

Before View - Operating Position

After taking some measurements, I decided on a width of 15" for each of the 3 shelves that make up the vertical station shelf. I also decided to use a height of 15" for each of the 2 vertical sideboards. I purchased two 4' long 1"x10" Pine boards at a local lumberyard for the project.

After each of the five boards were cut to a length of 15" on my table saw I sanded, stained and applied 2 coats of clear finish to each board prior to assembly. The shelf spacing is 4" in between each shelf and the entire unit was assembled using 1-5/8" galvanized deck screws.

New Operating Layout

My 4:1 antenna balun and my 2 Alpha Delta antenna switches were mounted on the right side of the shelf. Sitting on the desk behind the station shelf is a MFJ 1126 (8) position Power Poll strip. Underneath my desk is a little 4-amp power supply that operates the entire QRP station. The main desktop computer now sits to the left of the desk.

Vertical Shelf

So far, I've been very happy with this arrangement. I accomplished all my desired goals and I have my entire QRP station at my fingertips!

Enjoy,

73, Don / WA9TGT