Emcomm DIY OFF GRID Ham Radio Go Box / Solar Generator Build

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  • Опубликовано: 5 сен 2023
  • This All In One Comms Box For Preppers Features A 12ah, 12 Volt LiFePO4 Battery, Solar Charge Controller, USB 3.0 & USB-C, Watt Meter, Built In Antenna Port, Anderson Power Pole Ports, & A 25 Watt VHF-UHF Ham Radio / GMRS Radio With Programming Cable.
    Most of the tools/materials I'm using can be found on my Amazon Store:*
    www.amazon.com/shop/k8mrdradi...
    BNC Female Mount: www.ebay.com/itm/272450137218...
    90 Degree BNC Male www.ebay.com/itm/182320753013...
    PO4 Power Battery Can Be Found At Gigaparts:
    Save 5% Off At Gigaparts With Code K8MRD:
    www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp...
    Signal Stuff Signal Stick BNC Antenna: signalstuff.com/super-elastic...
    Ed Fong Roll Up Dual Band J-Pole: (make sure to select the Dual Band Roll Up from the options) grapevineamateurradio.com/col...
    Consider becoming a Patron @ / k8mrdradiostuff
    Follow me on Twitter. / k8mrd
    Links to many of the things I use can be found here:
    www.amazon.com/shop/k8mrdradi...
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
    Big Geek Battery Box, k8mrd.square.site
    Watch the video here: • Big Geek 12V Ham Radio...
    Tri-Lam BuddiStick Pro Counterpoise Support: k8mrd.square.site
    K8MRD Radio Stuff Shirts:
    Happy Skull Guy: grapevineamateurradio.com/col...
    Tower of Terror: grapevineamateurradio.com/col...
    Parks On The Air Merch (non affiliate) www.clubgearonline.com
    Links to other stuff (affiliate where possible)
    **Save 10% off your Coax order at ABR Industries. Use code K8MRD10 at checkout.
    abrind.com/?sld=2
    The SkyHook Portable Mast Antenna Mount (non affiliate)
    www.thehamstop.com/
    Use code K8MRDRADIO for 20% off
    Save 5% Off At Gigaparts With Code K8MRD:
    www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp...
    10% off Messi & Paoloni Coax
    Use code K8MRD for 10% off.
    messi.it. (or you can order from Gigaparts)
    Signal Stuff Signal Stick Antennas:
    BNC Antenna: signalstuff.com/super-elastic...
    SMA Female Antenna: signalstuff.com/super-elastic...
    SMA Male Antenna: signalstuff.com/super-elastic...
    Signalstuff Antennas: signalstuff.com/?ref=4089
    ~~~$15 off most purchases over $65 at Radioddity:
    radioddity.refr.cc/mikedahlhofer
    *All Links Are Affiliate Where Possible
    #hamradio #prepper #comms
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Комментарии • 131

  • @Sparkletron
    @Sparkletron 10 месяцев назад +8

    I love watching different approaches to the same goal. Some suggestions from my own experiences. Don't drill any holes. Instead, take advantage of the steel chassis and use strong neodymium magnets to mount all the components. You definitely don't want any switches mounted on the outside as it's too easy to accidentally flip them. And every hole drilled potentially compromises the chassis in terms of water ingress. Not having dials and switches mounted externally also makes it more stealthy.

  • @hkmp5s
    @hkmp5s 10 месяцев назад +7

    Wago connectors are so nice.

  • @jimcombs1420
    @jimcombs1420 11 дней назад

    Love this project.

  • @SmokyMtnHiker1
    @SmokyMtnHiker1 Месяц назад

    Great build. Enjoyed it.

  • @aaronlindemann2669
    @aaronlindemann2669 10 месяцев назад +2

    Nice build! Thanks for showing us a detailed look at the process.

  • @timel64
    @timel64 10 месяцев назад +3

    I thoroughly enjoy the fact that you only have the tools you need on the bench. No distracting random doo-dads, bits & bobs. (unlike some of our other favorite RUclipsrs) 😆 You know who!

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  10 месяцев назад +2

      Clutter is a no no.

    • @N8JLS
      @N8JLS 10 месяцев назад +1

      Hey, don't talk about Josh like that 😆

    • @timel64
      @timel64 10 месяцев назад +2

      I admire & respect the man, but the table is too distracting. I keep wondering where does the Flipper-zero go in this build?

  • @michaeledmonds3027
    @michaeledmonds3027 10 месяцев назад +4

    Very nice real-time build, Mike. You have a gift for electronics and basic construction. Excellent video!

  • @pale_2111
    @pale_2111 10 месяцев назад +3

    Looks like there's still plenty of room in the can to put a roll up j-pole antenna in the can as well. The only thing I'd do differently is put some flex seal around the connections to keep it waterproof as much as possible. Cool little project that can come in handy.

    • @blankreganon5395
      @blankreganon5395 10 месяцев назад

      I was thinking the same about room to store things. If the powerpoles and USB connector be moved to the left of the switch, there would be more room above the radio.

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  10 месяцев назад +2

      there really isn't as much as you'd think once you take the mic off and cram it in there.

  • @Krispin291
    @Krispin291 11 дней назад

    This is super nice, simple, and detailed instructions! Thank you. I am building this 💯! By the way, Metallica 🤘😎🤘

  • @clems6989
    @clems6989 6 месяцев назад

    I like the mounting and use of the antenna.
    Good job thanks for sharing it..

  • @deankq4adj125
    @deankq4adj125 10 месяцев назад

    Well done, nice step-by-step video!

  • @seancook4317
    @seancook4317 6 месяцев назад

    thank you for this, i know lots of youtubers use these cans but this the first time ive seen someone like build it from scratch, usually they just show you whats in theirs. awesome video :)

  • @route66radioW1WMT
    @route66radioW1WMT 10 месяцев назад

    Very cool build! Great job!

  • @rickhartnett3971
    @rickhartnett3971 10 месяцев назад +1

    Even if I never build it the video was very informative and I learned quite a bit. I'm sure that informaion will be used in other projects. Thanks a lot.

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  10 месяцев назад

      Well now you have to build it!

  • @sweeperdave1
    @sweeperdave1 2 месяца назад

    Thanks for this. Gonna build one this week!

  • @randallweaver3587
    @randallweaver3587 10 месяцев назад

    I made one of these a few months back. I made a reinforced balsa wood frame and mounted everything to the frame... it is SNUG to slide into the can, but there are no holes drilled into the can, that way the waterproof/EMP (modest) protection remains in tact. I used a 25 watt Retevis RA-25, external speaker and a 4.5 a.h. battery, with room to add a cigarette outlet and some powerpoles. I also wired everything through a single rocker switch to ensure everything was turned off (nothing draining the battery!). I did add a battery direct power connection so that I could charge the battery/power the device with an external source.

  • @blankreganon5395
    @blankreganon5395 10 месяцев назад +1

    Great build! I think this would be a great next project for me. If the radio had a crossband repeater built in, it could be used to provide access into a repeater that can't be accessed directly using a HT.

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  10 месяцев назад +2

      Yeah you could do just about anything you can think of. So long as it fits that is.

  • @retevisQA
    @retevisQA 10 месяцев назад +1

    Cooool build. It is easy to carry to everywhere people go, and seems safety could be a good protect for devices. Great DIY idea. 👍

  • @greyshape4247
    @greyshape4247 2 месяца назад

    Love this! What's more, is I found your excellent video by watching your vid on Sad Ham comments. Thanks much!

  • @chrissewell1608
    @chrissewell1608 10 месяцев назад

    Nice build, with minimal parts, for a bells and whistle Go-Box. I have been planning a similar ammo can design (over a year now!). I keep adding more crap into the design, and it probably won't all fit into the "Fat 50" ammo can!
    You could always glue some strong Neodium magnets to the radio mount, and then it would just mag mount to the steel can! Allowing for easy In / Out of the radio.
    Also , if you want to add 110V power, you can get a 110V AC wall-wart power supply (with enough amperage) to properly charge the LifePo4 Battery. Plug it into your Solar Power Input plug. Then you have the option for Solar charging OR Shore Power supply!

  • @douglasvamateurradioandmore
    @douglasvamateurradioandmore 10 месяцев назад

    A box for flying. Thanks for the idea Mike

  • @kennyray1381
    @kennyray1381 10 месяцев назад

    Nice build Mike!

  • @JohnSmith-xi2oq
    @JohnSmith-xi2oq 3 месяца назад

    I agree with some of the comments about keeping everything internal. If you wanted to do this build, why not use a plastic ammo can. Easier to drill and less susceptable to moisture condensation. I do like the size.

  • @joshuacalbick4834
    @joshuacalbick4834 10 месяцев назад

    Nice build, inspires ideas. Remember kids, it's only dangerous if someone gets hurt.

  • @terryshackelford712
    @terryshackelford712 3 месяца назад

    Well done! Thanks much for the video.

  • @jasonhoy5402
    @jasonhoy5402 10 месяцев назад

    Nice thanks, working on a build of my own right now or at least saving for it

  • @Westoftherockiesyourontheair
    @Westoftherockiesyourontheair 9 месяцев назад

    Another great video Mike. Keep them coming!!!

  • @1originaloutlaw675
    @1originaloutlaw675 10 месяцев назад

    Great video. I need to build one

  • @williammitchell6065
    @williammitchell6065 4 месяца назад

    Hey Mike, I do all my drilling and hole cutting inside black tote, it contains the jobs and metal shavings and filings as I learn from your projects, your a great teacher sir!!! thank you for the continuous education - N1WDM 73

  • @vetinger
    @vetinger 2 месяца назад

    so cool project! Thanks!!!

  • @ufuksarnik5782
    @ufuksarnik5782 3 месяца назад

    Thank you for the simple and clear explanation. thank you for your effort...

  • @richardkennedy815
    @richardkennedy815 10 месяцев назад

    Great job... Thank you

  • @christominded4726
    @christominded4726 5 месяцев назад +1

    Why do I feel nervous about safety with this video? LOL😂 Nice build!

  • @hemitj
    @hemitj 10 месяцев назад

    AWESOME project & execution! Thank you!

  • @notthatguy4515
    @notthatguy4515 9 месяцев назад

    Awesome Project

  • @SoopSammich339
    @SoopSammich339 9 месяцев назад

    i made this today. very cool

  • @IndependentNewsMedia
    @IndependentNewsMedia 5 месяцев назад +1

    Nice video, keep up the good work, God bless.

  • @wushock92
    @wushock92 10 месяцев назад

    Nice build, Mike. WØRHP

  • @stahpit1971
    @stahpit1971 8 месяцев назад

    cool box

  • @KC7ZXYtube
    @KC7ZXYtube 10 месяцев назад

    Absolutely love the seo optimized name for this video. Seriously. That's about the best I've seen. 👌 Great video and great box build, too. 😊
    Take care, and 73!

  • @hamradiopenpals
    @hamradiopenpals 10 месяцев назад

    Great build buddy!! I’d buy one of those……😂

  • @beansmalone1305
    @beansmalone1305 8 месяцев назад

    I would recommend that when using a uni bit like that its safer to put the box on the ground and hold it between your feet and brace the drill against your leg so that if it catches it won't strain your wrist. I'm an electrician and drill through metal boxes all day long and it is possible to sprain your wrist pretty easily even with a relatively weak cordless drill.

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  8 месяцев назад +1

      Well where the heck were you when I was drilling these holes lol!! Yeah that makes a lot of sense. I edited out a lot of drilling and yes it did pull my wrist for sure. Fortunately I didn't hurt myself.

  • @FirstUnitedTactical
    @FirstUnitedTactical 5 месяцев назад

    Awesome Vid!! Great job!!

  • @MikeN2MAK
    @MikeN2MAK 10 месяцев назад

    Very nice, very nice.

  • @chronobot2001
    @chronobot2001 4 месяца назад

    Nice, although I'm not a fan of pop rivets. I know the minute I pop rivets something I am going to need to get back in there and I'll have to drill them out.
    Really nice build.

  • @DonDegidio
    @DonDegidio 10 месяцев назад

    Hi Mike,
    Nice build. I probably have some chassis punches of the correct size for those large holes. Stay safe. 73 WJ3U

  • @seancook4317
    @seancook4317 6 месяцев назад

    also, there is a clutch setting on powerdrills that makes it so the bit will stop at a set torque and you wont twist your arm off, it's fun to watch still though lol

  • @ZeroHarry
    @ZeroHarry 10 месяцев назад

    Nice build, thanks for sharing. I feel the pop-rivets may not be the best choice if you need to drill them out to get the radio out. Cheers

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  10 месяцев назад +1

      Nah, they're stupid easy to get out. But I have no intention of taking the radio out.

    • @chrissewell1608
      @chrissewell1608 10 месяцев назад

      Replace them with a magnetic base, on the radio mount. Then you can remove the radio any time.

  • @danielrgusa
    @danielrgusa 10 месяцев назад +1

    Great build. The only part I’m concerned about is the BNC adapter sticking out the side. Hopefully, it doesn’t get banged up or broken when in transit or being packed away.

  • @thedirewolfpack3151
    @thedirewolfpack3151 7 месяцев назад

    Looks really good, but there is a where you have to have it on to charge it no matter what for the fact that he ran it through the switch with the charging kit building

  • @KS0JD
    @KS0JD 10 месяцев назад

    My only thought on the design is something to make it easier to take the radio out of the box. But I could have missed the access to the screws that hold the radio to the mount. Great design! 73

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  10 месяцев назад

      You can put screws if you want. I just have no intention of taking the radio out. And if I want too, I can just cut the rivets.

    • @paulsengupta971
      @paulsengupta971 10 месяцев назад

      I was thinking that a couple of access holes could be drilled in the side for the screws on the one side of the radio. The other side is accessible if the battery comes out.

  • @Bugkiller991
    @Bugkiller991 10 месяцев назад

    Sweet!

  • @ometofu
    @ometofu 9 месяцев назад

    excellent video, my recommendation is to update the battery system to tool battery like dewalt / milwaukee to supply the 12v with a step down transformer. You then immediately have multiple spare batteries and ready to go when SHTF... and you can easily charge tool battery with solar panel with usb c output too directly to many of these tool battery system.

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  9 месяцев назад

      That would be a huge downgrade.

    • @ometofu
      @ometofu 9 месяцев назад

      @@hamradiotube downgrade? u trust no name battery and majority of prepper don’t check their equipment frequently. U can get 20v dewalt with 12ah or just 6ah will give u the same amount of energy

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  9 месяцев назад

      @@ometofu Yes. A downgrade. I literally do not care what other people have. And why would I care what a pepper would have? Plus, a 20 volt battery is too much voltage and it would be stupid to use that with a buck converter. It's inefficient. Plus, the batteries you are suggesting are LiPo with an average life of 3-400 cycles. LiFePO4 has an average lifespan of 2000 cycles. Plus, LiPo batteries are unstable as hell. LiFePO4 won't blow up on you.

    • @ometofu
      @ometofu 9 месяцев назад

      @@hamradiotube u opened statement “prepper” son. people trust their tool battery more than ur china made low quality battery.

  • @chrissewell1608
    @chrissewell1608 10 месяцев назад

    Does the flexible ham stick, antenna, fit inside the ammo can too?

  • @tylerblock3377
    @tylerblock3377 4 месяца назад

    If I wanted to have an HF/VHF/UHF go box, would adding a second radio be as simple as adding another antenna port on the case and another set of wago connection ports from the battery to the other radio?

  • @BlackBearOutdoors
    @BlackBearOutdoors 5 месяцев назад

    Weird question: If you are only using one set of anderson power poles to charge, is it needed to connect the second pair? Or can you just take the used one through the charge controller?

  • @JeffCowan
    @JeffCowan 10 месяцев назад

    Tight!

  • @NovemberOneOscarGrouch
    @NovemberOneOscarGrouch 10 месяцев назад +1

    I wonder if you cleaned up the paint from the top lip of the box and the inside of the can lid if it would act as a faraday cage for the components inside.

  • @dougdaniels
    @dougdaniels 10 месяцев назад +1

    Definitely building this. Any concern with heat build up in the box with radio and battery in a confined space together?

  • @anduril328
    @anduril328 10 месяцев назад +2

    You can put any dc voltage in to to the solar ports. at home i have a LRS 150-12 power supply feeding the charge controller,
    You will also get the radio further back if you use a pl259 to bnc-m jumper and a bnc-f bulkhead adapter.

  • @knifeswitch5973
    @knifeswitch5973 10 месяцев назад

    How does one work repeaters when the grid is down?

  • @UndyingShadow83
    @UndyingShadow83 10 месяцев назад

    Cool build. Any RF issues with everything power related being so close to the radio?

    • @BlackBearOutdoors
      @BlackBearOutdoors 5 месяцев назад

      I built one also and I am in fact getting some RF "buzz" in the background when I transmit. Not sure how to get around that. I added Ferrite chokes on the antenna cable going from my radio to the connector on the outside of the box but that did not seem to work.

  • @giossico
    @giossico 7 месяцев назад

    like it

  • @codysden1
    @codysden1 8 месяцев назад

    I am new to ham radio and am a diet... I am looking to build a box similar to this.. my question is... 2hat battery, charge controller and solar panel(s) will I need for a 25w quad band radio, 4 led lights, a dual 3.0 USB, 12 volt power adapter, baofeng ht charger base, and at least 1 fan (computer) to keep box ventilated and cool?
    Any help, ideas, advise is greatly appreciated

  • @mattjames9755
    @mattjames9755 10 месяцев назад

    With that configuration does the power need to flipped on for the solar to change the battery? If so how would you wire so it would charge while not in use?

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  10 месяцев назад +1

      It does. You would need to wire the CC separately to the battery. Or just turn the radio off.

  • @offgridamy7176
    @offgridamy7176 5 месяцев назад

    Just built one today . I went with a 20 amp hr battery. Mine was no drill

  • @noexcuses6727
    @noexcuses6727 7 дней назад

    How come there is no Save selector ?

  • @BlackBearOutdoors
    @BlackBearOutdoors 6 месяцев назад

    Great build! Can I assume the USB is an additional charging option? Also how far was that repeater you hit?

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  6 месяцев назад

      The USB will not charge the battery. It's for charging your devices. The repeater is about ~12 miles away.

    • @BlackBearOutdoors
      @BlackBearOutdoors 6 месяцев назад

      @@hamradiotube Great thanks for the info and posting a cool project!

    • @BlackBearOutdoors
      @BlackBearOutdoors 5 месяцев назад

      I am starting a similar build and I am pretty stocked to see how it will turn out. Quick question, the black and yellow power poles are for solar as per your video. What is the red and black for and what is your alternative charging method to solar? Thanks!

  • @wolfwizard406
    @wolfwizard406 10 месяцев назад

    Hum!… Why are so many go boxes designated for uhf vhf, and not as hf in an ammo can.. Nice build Mike!

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  10 месяцев назад

      I actually built a go box for HF way early in my ham journey. I just found it to be too bulky. VHF/UHF is way easier in my opinion. But there are plenty of HF boxes out there. Lots of guys use rack mounts for music gear.

    • @wolfwizard406
      @wolfwizard406 10 месяцев назад

      Yes those rack mount thing are to heavy to take more than 30 deer unless it has wheels and … Thanks for your efforts to inform the masses..!@@hamradiotube

  • @W8MJL
    @W8MJL 10 месяцев назад

    Wait, what the heck? No metric tape measure? And you call yourself a ham....LOL 😁In all seriousness Mike great video, would love to see more off the grid builds and videos. Thanks for keepin' it real brother. 73 de W8MJL & K8MKL

    • @paulsengupta971
      @paulsengupta971 10 месяцев назад

      It surprised my somewhat, being from the UK, as all our tape measures have inches on one side, centimetres on the other.

  • @AndrewWells527
    @AndrewWells527 10 месяцев назад

    17:00 how long were you waiting to say that?

  • @Toner-N1SWT
    @Toner-N1SWT 10 месяцев назад +1

    LOVE THE NEW LOGO! LOOKS MUCH BETTER AND VERY EFFECTIVE. CAUGHT MY EYE RIGHT AWAY. N1SWT

  • @uncledanny7
    @uncledanny7 4 месяца назад

    What battery did you use

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  4 месяца назад

      I'm using a Gigaparts PO4Power (LiFePO4) 16AH that I had as a spare that needed a job, so I used that. Can't seem to find it on their page right now but they have a 12AH available. www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=Mike+K8MRD+Page#?lp=Mike+K8MRD+Page&Stockstatusfilter=Currently+in+stock%21&res_per_page=60&search_return=all&page=2 That'll do the job just the same.

    • @uncledanny7
      @uncledanny7 4 месяца назад

      @@hamradiotube thanks for the info

  • @andrewb9276
    @andrewb9276 10 месяцев назад

    Why use a metal 50 cal. box? MTM or Plano seems to me much better. Lighter and easier to drill. You’ve lost any sealing with your holes.

  • @earlbrown525
    @earlbrown525 10 месяцев назад

    Get yourself a small drill press....you'll thank me.

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  10 месяцев назад +1

      Nah, I prefer to drill dangerously :)

  • @K9TPT
    @K9TPT 10 месяцев назад

    How many times did you re record because you said K8MRD Radio Stuff. ???😂

  • @nickl3872
    @nickl3872 2 месяца назад

    I was the 1000th like lol

  • @n3jw34
    @n3jw34 10 месяцев назад +1

    Satan and this guy are proud! Still think that you should come up with a company logo featuring an interleaved line drawing of the both of you sitting at the "Skunk Works" bench!!! He could be perched on your shoulder and supervising the processes.

  • @therobonegroup6532
    @therobonegroup6532 10 месяцев назад

    Ham Radio Tube??? I hope you didn't loose too much sleep coming up with the new name?

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  10 месяцев назад +2

      Wow, that one cut me deep. Where'd you get your insults, the toilet store?

    • @paulsengupta971
      @paulsengupta971 10 месяцев назад

      @@hamradiotube Do they sell them?

  • @WaynesWorld69
    @WaynesWorld69 10 месяцев назад

    You absolute lunatic! Recklessly brandishing gun oil all over the place while using alcohol! Some sad ham is cracking massive sads right now and about to email you! 😂😂😂
    Seriously nice build! I need to make this. Keep up the great work (especially p*ssing off "sad hams") 😂

  • @Ei2iP
    @Ei2iP 9 месяцев назад

    The sound of a metal box been carried around, would be so annoying, not for me, I'll stick to my plastic Go Box, nicer look and feel

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  9 месяцев назад

      What? There is no sound. It's an inanimate object. And plastic won't act as a ground for your antenna, but hey, you do you.

  • @AD6DMDennis
    @AD6DMDennis 10 месяцев назад

    Your solar controller is so bougey.

  • @thaliadezi4352
    @thaliadezi4352 9 месяцев назад

    🙌 *Promo sm*

  • @robertjeffery3237
    @robertjeffery3237 10 месяцев назад

    Ummm… Nice build. But clamps save fingers…

  • @stephenwalters9891
    @stephenwalters9891 10 месяцев назад +1

    Is this the shopping channel. Buy more Chinese made junk.

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  10 месяцев назад +3

      No it's just where people stop by to leave stupid comments.

    • @ometofu
      @ometofu 9 месяцев назад

      agreed. so many youtubers do this with cheapest china junk battery

  • @douglasvamateurradioandmore
    @douglasvamateurradioandmore 10 месяцев назад

    Carefully mike, someone might take offense to you talking to about gun oil.
    Just kidding, no one cares.

  • @chrissewell1608
    @chrissewell1608 10 месяцев назад +1

    I'd bet Tim Allen Approves 👍👍🛠📐⚡️