I think a go box should all be contained with everything you need to operate in one box, including solar charging capability. 👍

That Apache is the size of my power pack. 6x 20Ah lifepo batteries to drive a 100w HF and a 50w dual band HAM along with a 6 station ht charging station and a 12v laptop. Those along with the charge controller and fuse/terminal blocks are located in a larger pelican case.

Good point on adding good ventalation. Especially when using a radio for a long time. And thats why we are building a Go Box.

When I built my radio box, I used a case of similar size to the Apache 4800, but built in both a 2m radio and a Xiegu G90 for HF. I intentionally didn't locate the power and antenna ports on the outside of the case, as those should be disconnected when not in use in the field, and it also allows me to pull the entire radio unit out of the box so I can set it on a table and use it out of the case if wanted.

Thanks for the video. I'm rebuilding my comm gear for a newly forming CERT team. Good common sense videos. I expect to be ordering some of the web gear here very soon.

LOl. I have a couple of Apache 4800 cases around. I grabbed one every time HF had a sale on them until I have about 3 just waiting for projects. Kind of planning on turning one into a go kit., So this was helpful. Thanks.

Awesome video, as usual. Gives me some good ideas how to set up some extra mobile units I have. Looking forward to more like this! Stuart W1SLC

Hello, I'm from Brazil. Very helpful videos. Thanks and 73.

Good pair of crimpers for non insulated works great in a pinch for power poles

Looks like that mobile unit is no longer in production due to not meeting FCC requirements. You have a gem there!

@KS6DAY

Жыл бұрын

The latest version is the TH-7900. They work the same but the TH-7900 is perma locked into the HAM band only operation whereas the the TH-7800 came with more generous TX capability. They are decent, affordable and dependable as mobile rigs go.

Great build. I would like to see the review on the radio. I was just thinking about getting one and saw some mixed reviews. It seems to be great but I have heard they have quality control issues. Some work great and others are lemons on arrival. I would love to hear your experience with them. Thanks!

Industrial velcro would be versatile to mount the speaker.

@WolfQuantum

Жыл бұрын

I've used industrial velcro to mount mini-sized radios in a vehicle. I've even used it for mounting mobiles on top of a shelf in the shack to keep it in place. I also use it for mounting accessories. Very handy stuff.

Two 90 degree connectors for each end of the antenna pigtail would give you more room and relieve the strain on the coax.

Put the roll up J pole In a pvc pipe. Tends to have great swr and it’s a 5/8 wave Vs 1/4

Great GoBox. I have seen many with the plexiglass and everything cut and drilled out. What you did makes the most sense as it allows for ventilation and is straight and to the point. I am going to use your format for building a GoBox for my Yaesu FT-8900 Quad Band radio. Where did you get the parts - coax port and coax port cover, power port going to outside of case? Anyway, great setup and great points about the air flow and circulation.

great info as always, i would be interested in seeing a mobile setup in the truck if youre willing to make it. my biggest thing is getting an antenna without causing permanent damage or modification to the truck.

@TheWingnut58

Жыл бұрын

If your truck has a "receiver" type hitch, you can get an antenna mount for it.

A few thoughts: First, minimalist is always best. Especially when you need to fix something in the field! I really like what you ended up with here! Second, you should *always* fuse both _ground and positive_ wires into your radio! Cheap insurance against voltage across either and the radio enclosure. Granted this is very remote in a go-box like you’ve built, but it is not a remote possibility in a mobile install. Again cheap insurance. Third, I would never run a mobile radio using a cigarette lighter plug! Ever! They are not designed to carry the amperage that the radio will require. Better to use large alligator clips, like you mentioned, with power poles. Connect directly to the battery this way instead. Next, look into antennas that require no ground plane. For instance, my FTM-400 connects to a Diamond NR73BNMO antenna which requires no ground plane or radials. I’ve had it for 30 years and it still works flawlessly (on about its fourth vehicle now). Finally: you _do_ still need to think about other ancillary items. Extra cable, power wire, power pole connectors, power pole distribution block(s), connectors, repair tools. Cluttering up a clean install with this stuff is the wrong way to go, but I guarantee that you will need the one thing you didn’t pack when out in the field. Every field day I learn this. Every. Single. One. Ugh, I try, but there is always _something!_ 🤦‍♂️ One last thought, if this is for EMCOMM, don’t forget HF if you have the privileges! (Even if you don’t that doesn’t mean someone else can’t be the control operator while others use the equipment!) Or CB radio. Expand your thinking to include very small, local, regional and wide-spread communication needs. My go-bag is a 3-day backpack and includes everything to set up a QRP (

Hey I was wondering if you were going to get back to the go-box? I wanna know more about this project and how you are going to power it

I like it. Kind of like having a super hot woman....too high maintenance. The average lady is always your best bet in the long run. One change I'd make would be to put a 90 degree adapter on the output of the radio and then attach the coax to it. It gets the coax out of the way of your storage area so it won't get beat up over time. As to getting a new radio, look at the Yaesu FTM 300. Having the digital is good and offers a little more OPSEC. The APRS is another great feature. Allows texting when you have no bars on the phone. Also 50 watts on UHF and VHF and cross band repeat. Not the cheapest on the market, but lots of features. I look at it as an EMCOMM Swiss Army knife. It does it all. I had the same problem with a radial kit I bought and had to use a die on the threads. Works great now.

How did you mount the head on the top of the Box

nice video, love it. Big fan here (wrup661) Where did you get or purchased the power connector to the case (pannel)? what is it call or where can I purchase it? great video and great idea Also where did you gete the antenna board connector as well, thank you for this videos.

Nice box ,simple, but I think I spotted 2 wrongs maybe . First wrong probably leave a little space to the front of the radio so there is a little circulation of the air. I mentioned this because some radios when the fan starts and you put your hand from the front side of the radio you feel the air coming to your hand .to the yaesu radios this happens , I don't know if it is the same at this radio and talking nonsense to you , you must discover ,find it this by your self. And probably second wrong that you make ,put the radio upsidedown only of have heatsink from the other side, disadvantage of this? The speaker will go down to the case so maybe a little bit no good sound, maybe you have to check it out first for sure because is in the box maybe make a good enough sound . Like the speakers are in a box almost? I just put the radios with the sink up so they cool more fast .if they do have a heatsink. I don't know if this particular radio have one forgive me!

Just saw a podcast by Mission Darkness on making a Faraday Pelican Case as I want my GoBox to be protected from CME/EMP. Have you thought about putting TitanRF Faraday Fabric/Tape/Foam Gasket on any of your GoKit's to protect from CME/EMP? I like your setup, but am thinking of lining case with TitanRF material first. I am thinking I have to place the equipment in there (drill holes, place items in there) take them out, put material down, then put everything back, and seal, with Faraday Tape, on the inside. Anyone have any thoughts.

I wonder if that flicker on your video is RF? It doesn't bother me, but I notice it on a lot of your videos, agin it's not bothering me, maybe it's APRS or something idk. Just leaving a comment KK7KLD