I think a common mistake in making a go box is to try to put too much in just one box. I have adopted the idea of instead of having one large 6U box go with two 3U boxes. This modular approach allows more flexibility. You can stack two 3Us as part of your base station and then easily move them to a mobile site if required. In addition, move your power to outside the box. This will both free up space and be a lot lighter to move. If you need any additional accessories, get separate accessory bag along with your antenna bag. Remember, you are not going to backpack this thing and will probably need to bring a table, tent/gazebo, ice chest, chairs, solar panels, ect.. to adequately support This is in contrast to man portable operations which has a whole different set of requirements.
Great setup! I've been putting together a setup similar to this in a 4u case. This video would have been very helpful about 6 months ago, but as I start to reorganize and tinker with my box, I found some excellent tips here
Go box? Good grief....that thing is huge. I have a go box, but only the size of a very small suitcase. That thing doesnt seem to be conducive to “go”. With that being said....good job. Clean setup 😁
Ade Larsen If you listen for an upcoming segment on the FoTime Amateur Radio Podcast (itsfotime.com) you'll hear me talk about understanding what your box is for. In this particular example, my box was built for a specific purpose which is to show up at our EOC which has nothing but power and antenna drops. Though overall, I do appreciate the sentiment. I'm mentally moving towards more of a radio in an ammo can approach.
KF7IJZ Thanks for the reply. I guess we must understand Each to His Own. Everyone has different needs and desires. What's right for you might not be right for me. But the ammo can radio sounds good. The truth is that if things were really bad, you don't want to be talking, only listening. They'll track you the first second you tx. In fact, the government knows where we all live anyway so they will confiscate our gear. When it comes to storms, amateurs are not really that important most of the time to be honest. I keep hearing amateur radio clubs say that we are going to save the world when things are dire - It's just not true. Sure, there are times that we've helped out but the professionals will quickly put us in our place if we try to exert any kind of "authority" which we don't have. I say "enjoy amateur radio any way you like". Each to his own. There's nothing wrong with being prepared either - it's a good idea in fact - just don't think that you're going to save the world when a disaster comes. And when ones thinks a little - the government already tells us to have a 3 day kit with a receiver and spare batteries. Why are amateurs any different ? Enjoy your hobby how you like good Sir. Cheers and 73's
Had a 8U Gator Case with an FT-857D, Alinco DR 235 Mk III (220), Yaesu FT-8100, Power Supply, speakers, and a 2U drawer which worked great. I just wanted to sell everything and I'm actually going to a larger Gator Case (10U or 12U) with shock mounts and brand new equipment. It will be heavier but that's okay as I'm going to mount it to a folding dolly for easy transport. These boxes are great ideas for us hams.
Have you ever thought to use the 1ru racks as a vertical mounting rack for your radios have you ever thought of using a psu from a pc as a power source when connecting into mains power of the 12 volt rail. If you where planning aux power pack option you may want to look at an IEC connector as a cable connection on DC power.
I know this is an old video, but I was going to suggest putting the transceivers down at the bottom instead of the drawer, and mount the faces more flush at the top. This would put more of the weight onto the bottom. I think the drawers are taking up a lot of room for the volume of the contents, and the contents could be placed in zip locks bags or into a separate parts bag.
I see Powerwerx now has a 2U rack mounted power supply. I'm looking forward to putting together a similar setup, (IC-7100 & ID-880h or 5100a) as well as a TNC-X and Byonics GPS for packet use. I may omit the drawer to keep weight down. 73 de KT4KN
Marc Brown The cases are Gator Pro Series Molded Racks. The specific model number for my case is G-PROR-6U-19. This model has wheels and a collapsible handle and is available in 4, 6, and 8 U models. The drawer unit was separate and purchased on Amazon. www.gatorcases.com/p/29158-79/g-pror-6u-19
I think a common mistake in making a go box is to try to put too much in just one box. I have adopted the idea of instead of having one large 6U box go with two 3U boxes. This modular approach allows more flexibility. You can stack two 3Us as part of your base station and then easily move them to a mobile site if required. In addition, move your power to outside the box. This will both free up space and be a lot lighter to move. If you need any additional accessories, get separate accessory bag along with your antenna bag. Remember, you are not going to backpack this thing and will probably need to bring a table, tent/gazebo, ice chest, chairs, solar panels, ect.. to adequately support This is in contrast to man portable operations which has a whole different set of requirements.
Great setup! I've been putting together a setup similar to this in a 4u case. This video would have been very helpful about 6 months ago, but as I start to reorganize and tinker with my box, I found some excellent tips here
Go box? Good grief....that thing is huge. I have a go box, but only the size of a very small suitcase. That thing doesnt seem to be conducive to “go”.
With that being said....good job. Clean setup 😁
It's amazing to see what some people consider a "Go Box".
Ade Larsen If you listen for an upcoming segment on the FoTime Amateur Radio Podcast (itsfotime.com) you'll hear me talk about understanding what your box is for. In this particular example, my box was built for a specific purpose which is to show up at our EOC which has nothing but power and antenna drops. Though overall, I do appreciate the sentiment. I'm mentally moving towards more of a radio in an ammo can approach.
KF7IJZ Thanks for the reply.
I guess we must understand Each to His Own.
Everyone has different needs and desires.
What's right for you might not be right for me.
But the ammo can radio sounds good.
The truth is that if things were really bad, you don't want to be talking, only listening.
They'll track you the first second you tx.
In fact, the government knows where we all live anyway so they will confiscate our gear.
When it comes to storms, amateurs are not really that important most of the time to be honest. I keep hearing amateur radio clubs say that we are going to save the world when things are dire - It's just not true.
Sure, there are times that we've helped out but the professionals will quickly put us in our place if we try to exert any kind of "authority" which we don't have.
I say "enjoy amateur radio any way you like".
Each to his own.
There's nothing wrong with being prepared either - it's a good idea in fact - just don't think that you're going to save the world when a disaster comes.
And when ones thinks a little - the government already tells us to have a 3 day kit with a receiver and spare batteries.
Why are amateurs any different ?
Enjoy your hobby how you like good Sir.
Cheers and 73's
Had a 8U Gator Case with an FT-857D, Alinco DR 235 Mk III (220), Yaesu FT-8100, Power Supply, speakers, and a 2U drawer which worked great. I just wanted to sell everything and I'm actually going to a larger Gator Case (10U or 12U) with shock mounts and brand new equipment. It will be heavier but that's okay as I'm going to mount it to a folding dolly for easy transport. These boxes are great ideas for us hams.
Awesome setup there, I love that Kenwood radio.
Ringway Manchester Thanks! it is a fantastic radio.
Have you ever thought to use the 1ru racks as a vertical mounting rack for your radios have you ever thought of using a psu from a pc as a power source when connecting into mains power of the 12 volt rail. If you where planning aux power pack option you may want to look at an IEC connector as a cable connection on DC power.
I know this is an old video, but I was going to suggest putting the transceivers down at the bottom instead of the drawer, and mount the faces more flush at the top. This would put more of the weight onto the bottom. I think the drawers are taking up a lot of room for the volume of the contents, and the contents could be placed in zip locks bags or into a separate parts bag.
great video. Just bought a 4u SKB case and your video gave me some great thoughts on the layout. 73 KK4EQF
I see Powerwerx now has a 2U rack mounted power supply. I'm looking forward to putting together a similar setup, (IC-7100 & ID-880h or 5100a) as well as a TNC-X and Byonics GPS for packet use. I may omit the drawer to keep weight down.
73 de KT4KN
Very nice setup Sir!
can you please tell what model this is? and did it come with the drawer?
Marc Brown The cases are Gator Pro Series Molded Racks. The specific model number for my case is G-PROR-6U-19. This model has wheels and a collapsible handle and is available in 4, 6, and 8 U models. The drawer unit was separate and purchased on Amazon. www.gatorcases.com/p/29158-79/g-pror-6u-19
put your storage drawer on top for better weight distribution.
terrific job 73 from kb2uew
Good god man, organize that drawer. Make it work for you not against you.
Mike L I have ultimately decided that the drawer is evil - too heavy and clutter prone as you have pointed out. Thanks for watching!
Superlative. E23IUY THAILAND
nice
Really??
Really cool!
Here's mine (finally completed - mostly): ruclips.net/video/H_lk1lntu0g/видео.html
switching power supplies are garbage such a waste of space
umm umm umm
Great Video! de W2CSI