July 05, 2013

The Go Box

It has been over a year since a contact on HF was logged from AB8XX base. The FT-950 was boxed up last year. There were no antennas up. We are at the top of the solar cycle and propagation is still poor (worst cycle in 100 years). 

So, what do I do? I make a Go Box. An entire shack in a box. The rack mount kit weighs 35lbs and is phone and digital ready  160m to 70cm. Includes APRS and Crossband Repeater functionality as well.

Why a Go Box? Because Amateur Radio is more fun when it can be portable. It is perfect for Parks on the Air and Field Day. All it needs is some electrons and antenna hookups. 

Here's what I managed to squeeze into a single 3U rack mount flight case:

FT-857D for HF/6m, backup 2m/70cm
TM-D710A for 2m/70cm, APRS + Packet
HF semi-automatic antenna tuner
Signalink USB Digital Mode Interface for 857
25A compact switching power supply
7Ah sealed AGM battery
Low Loss Powergate for batt. charging and switching
4 port fused Anderson Powerpole distribution block
4 port powered USB hub for TNC and HF Digital interfacing
32GB flash storage on USB hub
Serial to USB converter for TNC
Custom rear panel for RF, AC, DC, and USB connections
Custom front panel with main buss master switch
2 12v accessory outlets

More to come...