Mike:
I completely echo what Bob has said here.
I'm going to start getting the stuff to make one myself here.
Can't wait for part II.!
And, you're right; it just seems so easy to do!
Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob, K8LR" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2013 9:19 PM
Subject: Re: Part 1 of My Radio Box
> Mike,
>
> That was an excellent description of your go box. I've been thinking
> about
> putting one together for a long time, but your article just might get me
> going! I'm looking forward to part 2.
>
> 73
>
> Bob, K8LR, [log in to unmask]
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mike Duke, K5XU" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Friday, March 22, 2013 8:56 PM
> Subject: Part 1 of My Radio Box
>
>
> The radio box I am assembling uses a milk crate style plastic bin.
> Therefore, it is not a "dry box". It is simply a way of securing
> equipment into a container so that it can be easily carried, connected
> to antenna and power sources, then be fully operational with little or
> no removal of anything from the box.
>
>
>
> The setup takes full advantage of the slots that are part of the milk
> crate construction style. This means no drilling of holes or cutting
> of the crate is necessary.
>
>
>
> In use, the box stands on one of its sides. In this position, the
> opening which would normally be the top of the box becomes the front,
> and the slotted bottom becomes the back panel. Equipment is installed
> in the box with front panels facing the opening, but recessed far
> enough from the front to keep knobs and displays from extending beyond
> the rim, and to allow full access for at least two of the handle
> slots.
>
>
>
> Everything mounted in the box is held in place either by heavy duty
> zip type cable ties, or by Velcro cable tie straps. The zip ties are
> used for the equipment, and the Velcro straps are used to confine the
> excess length of power cables, line cords, and other wires. Although
> some of these cables could be shortened, doing so would limit the
> usefulness of the equipment should it become necessary to remove it
> from the box.
>
>
>
> The box that was shown at our club meeting has an Icom duel band rig
> hanging from the top in its mounting bracket. This bracket is held
> firmly against the top of the box by several zip ties that pass
> through the slots of the bracket, over one of the ribs of a slot in
> the top of the box, and are pulled tight. All of the slots of the
> bracket are thus tied in order to keep the radio from sliding from
> side to side, or from front to back.
>
>
>
> An MFJ 25 amp power supply sits on the bottom of the crate. It too is
> held in place by several zip ties which cross it from left to right,
> and others that run from front to back. The supply is positioned so
> that its rear panel is about two inches or so away from the back of
> the crate. This location provides some protection for the back of the
> supply, while leaving enough room to easily reach the connectors
> through one of the slots, and to route the power cord out through
> another.
>
>
>
> The mounting bracket for a "Motorola type" external speaker is
> attached to the rear panel of the crate near the left side, with the
> bottom of the front edge of the speaker just above the top rear edge
> of the power supply.
>
>
>
> A microphone hanger is fastened to one side of the crate. It is near
> the front, and about halfway down the vertical height of the box. When
> it is on the hanger, the microphone is completely inside the box.
>
>
> In use, the antenna feed line simply passes through a slot on the back
> of the crate and is then connected to the radio. The AC cord for the
> power supply exits in a similar manner. The DC cable from the radio
> can easily be brought out for connection to a battery.
>
> Stay tuned for more in Part 2, which will come your way later this
> weekend.
>
> Mike Duke, K5XU
> American Council of Blind Radio Amateurs
>
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