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A go box is an essential piece of equipment for amateur radio enthusiasts who want a portable,
organized, and ready-to-use setup for emergency communications, field operations, or portable use. Fortunately, with
products readily available on Amazon, building your own amateur radio go box can be straightforward and cost-effective.
This article will guide you step by step.
Webmaster note: I was going to forward the original email to everyone, but the links in the email were reported as dangerous to follow by MalwareBytes. 1. Selecting the Box: A Durable Case The foundation of your go box is a rugged and portable case that will house all your equipment. It must be waterproof, impact-resistant, and lightweight. The Pelican 1510 is a popular choice for building radio go boxes. It's durable, lightweight, and easy to carry. 2. Radio: The Heart of Your Go Box You need a reliable transceiver with multiple bands, excellent range, and good reviews from the ham radio community. The Yaesu FT-891 compact HF transceiver is a great option for portable setups with excellent performance. It covers all HF bands (160-6 meters). The ICOM IC-2730A Dual Band Transceiver dual-band VHF/UHF option perfect for local communications and emergency services. 3. Power Supply and Battery System A go box needs reliable power for portable use. Combining a battery and power supply ensures you'll always be operational. The Bioenno Power LiFePO4 12V 20Ah Battery is a lightweight, long-lasting battery perfect for portable amateur radio use. It includes built-in protection and a charger. The Powerwerx DC Power Supply is a solid desktop DC power supply with Anderson Powerpole connectors for easy power management. 4. Antenna and Mounting Options You need a portable yet efficient antenna to transmit and receive signals effectively in different environments. The Super Antenna MP1DXMAX Portable HF Antenna Kit contains a portable HF antenna that is compact, easy to assemble, and works on multiple bands. The Diamond NR770H Dual Band Mobile Antenna is an excellent antenna for VHF/UHF operations with strong performance and durability. Pair it with a small magnetic mount for portability. The Tram 1235-M Magnet Mount easily attaches antennas to vehicles or other metal surfaces. 5. Mounting and Organization Accessories Keeping your go box organized is key to easy access and quick deployment. The NavePoint 1U Rack Shelf is a sturdy rack shelf for mounting radios and accessories securely within the go box. Manage power connections efficiently with an Anderson Powerpole distribution block. Velcro Cable Management Straps are great for securing cables and maintaining organization. 6. Accessories for Monitoring and Setup To round out your go box, you'll need a few extras for monitoring power levels, connecting components, and organizing tools. The Fumei DG-503 Watt/SWR Meter is a compact SWR meter to monitor your antenna efficiency. The Baofeng UV-5R Handheld Radio is a reliable backup radio for portable VHF/UHF use. It's lightweight and perfect as a backup device. The BTECH APRS-K2 Cable can interface radios for APRS tracking with smartphones or tablets. 7. Assembling the Go Box Once you have all the components, follow these steps to assemble: Layout and Planning: Arrange your transceiver, power system, and accessories inside the case. Use the rack shelf or mounting hardware to secure heavier components. Power Distribution: Connect your transceiver and accessories to the battery or power supply using Anderson Powerpole connectors. Cable Management: Use Velcro straps to organize and route cables neatly. Antenna Setup: Keep the antenna components easily accessible so you can deploy it quickly when needed. Testing: Test the setup to ensure all systems are operational, including power, SWR readings, and signal strength. Conclusion Building an amateur radio go box is a rewarding project that gives you a portable, organized station for emergency situations, field operations, or portable use. With readily available components from Amazon, you can assemble a professional-quality setup tailored to your needs. By investing in a rugged case, a reliable radio, efficient power solutions, and organization tools, you'll be ready to operate anywhere and anytime. Stay prepared and enjoy the freedom of portable amateur radio operations! |
