Yaesu FTX-1 Optima Grab Handle Bracket (MHG-1 Replacement)

Two of these brackets mount to the side of your Yaesu FTX-1 Optima as a spot to anchor a grab handle. This is an alternative to Yaesu's MHG-1 handle. I made mine in the photos by tying a paracord cobra stitch between the two brackets, though many approaches to connect them will work fine. 

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES

Bolt Length

The MGH-1 uses M4 15mm bolts. Bolts that are too long can damage the electronics inside the radio, cause a short circuit, or create dangerous conditions with the high voltages involved.

Proceed carefully and at your own risk. 

I anchored the brackets using M4 16mm bolts, but I shortened the effective length by threading a nut on directly under the bolt head, and using an M4 standard washer. This shortened the bolt to effectively 13mm. The bracket bolt hole is 8mm deep, so the bolt effectively protrudes 5mm into the radio. This allowed me about 3 full turns and feels secure. Your mileage may vary, but I wouldn't do anything that goes more than 5mm deep into the mounting holes. The close-up photo shows the spacer nut.

Handle Type

The radio mounts are not designed to support a shock load, only a fairly static  load.  Making a long handle that allows the radio to be hung over a shoulder or around your neck increases the likelihood of a sharp force against the bolt holes which could lead to them stripping and the radio falling. It's a handle, not a leash. I wouldn't swing it around. 

Print Materials and Orientation

I printed with PETG. I wouldn't trust this in PLA because I always use the radio outside, and it will eventually get a lot of UV exposure. I'd prefer PC or similar, but I think PETG will do, though you should monitor for damage and deterioration. It's an expensive radio. 

The brackets MUST be printed on their sides -- the model orientation I uploaded imports to Prusa Slicer correctly. A narrow side should be down, and the "mouth" of the bracket spaced to accept the wraps of paracord should be to the side. this puts stress along the layers instead of across the layers, reducing the risk of layer separation and part failure. The two photos of the bracket on its side show the correct print orientation.