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, with links to purchase the components.
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.
- Pelican 1510 Protector Case
The Pelican 1510 is a popular choice for building radio go boxes. It’s durable, lightweight, and easy to carry.
Buy on Amazon
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.
- Yaesu FT-891 HF Transceiver
This compact HF transceiver is a great option for portable setups with excellent performance. It covers all HF bands (160-6 meters).
Buy on Amazon - ICOM IC-2730A Dual Band Transceiver
A dual-band VHF/UHF option perfect for local communications and emergency services.
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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.
- Bioenno Power LiFePO4 12V 20Ah Battery
This lightweight, long-lasting battery is perfect for portable amateur radio use. It includes built-in protection and a charger.
Buy on Amazon - Powerwerx DC Power Supply
A solid desktop DC power supply with Anderson Powerpole connectors for easy power management.
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4. Antenna and Mounting Options
You need a portable yet efficient antenna to transmit and receive signals effectively in different environments.
- Super Antenna MP1DXMAX Portable HF Antenna Kit
This portable HF antenna is compact, easy to assemble, and works on multiple bands.
Buy on Amazon - Diamond NR770H Dual Band Mobile Antenna
An excellent antenna for VHF/UHF operations with strong performance and durability. Pair it with a small magnetic mount for portability.
Buy on Amazon - Tram 1235-M Magnet Mount
A magnetic mount that easily attaches antennas to vehicles or other metal surfaces.
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5. Mounting and Organization Accessories
Keeping your go box organized is key to easy access and quick deployment.
- NavePoint 1U Rack Shelf
A sturdy rack shelf to mount radios and accessories securely within the go box.
Buy on Amazon - Anderson Powerpole Distribution Block
Manage power connections efficiently with an Anderson Powerpole distribution block.
Buy on Amazon - Velcro Cable Management Straps
These reusable straps are great for securing cables and maintaining organization.
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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.
- Fumei DG-503 Watt/SWR Meter
A compact SWR meter to monitor your antenna efficiency.
Buy on Amazon - Baofeng UV-5R Handheld Radio
A reliable backup radio for portable VHF/UHF use. It’s lightweight and perfect as a backup device.
Buy on Amazon - BTECH APRS-K2 Cable
A cable to interface radios for APRS tracking with smartphones or tablets.
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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!
