The most common question I’m asked is “Where did you get those legs?”

They’re photographic light stands.

When I was planning the layout I knew that I would end up setting up and taking down the modules by myself, at least from time to time. I realized that a couple of tripod stands with small table tops could hold two modules in mid-air while I assembled end plates.

Lightweight lighting stands are suitable for my lightweight modules. The mini-tabletops shown are cut from cabinet plywood; The shape was developed after some trials for flexibility and light weight. A recessed tee-nut creates a threaded connection for the stud on the tripod top. The adjustable stands allow the layout to be set up from 34 inches to 7 feet high.

If you decide to use stands like these, be sure that they are rated for at least most of the weight of your modules. Choose stands with knobs that securely tighten the height adjustment - they are better than friction levers that may slip and allow the height to “self adjust” downward over time. Microphone stands can fail suddenly and unexpectedly, so avoid using those. Speaker stands are good candidates for similar heavy supports.

The stands I use are about 2-1/2 pounds apiece. I carry all the supports for the Berrett Hill layout in one large suitcase.

Kevin Hunter