Richard Loerky, KAI VAI, #573

I don't think KAI VAI's are standard issue, but they sure would be easy to fabricate. Picture a wire frame slightly larger than the inside dimensions of the ports. Where the two ends of this springy wire meet (center bottom or top) they are bent at 90degrees which creates a couple of tabs. Squeeze these tabs together, insert in port opening, then release for a snug fit. Glue a slightly oversize piece of screen to non-tab side of frame. These screens do not interfere with the opening/closing of the ports. An easy, inexpensive solution.

Stephen Scott

For #140 I made two sets by cutting the portlight shapes out of hard copper roof flashing and then using bronze screen in one, and brass screen in the other. Sandwich the screen between two of the portlight rings. I drilled holes and made rivets out of 10 gauge copper wire to hold them together. Then I soldered around the edges (with an iron) to make it all a little stiffer and to make it fit more securely.