Other considerations:  Because the structure of this box is very open, 
a means of securing small items such as spare fuses, antenna adapters, 
writing instruments, etc, is needed. Any pouch or box that can be 
securely closed, and that has a belt loop, or slots through which the 
ties can be passed, will serve this purpose. Simply tie the holder in 
a location that allows it to be easily opened and closed. Multiple 
holders may be necessary or convenient.



It is also a good idea to have some means of quickly covering the 
entire assembly in the event of sudden weather. One or more of those 
cheap trash bag style rain slickers should be suitable. An extra one 
can be added for the benefit of the operator.



Be sure to label the crate, and each piece of equipment in it, so that 
it can be identified as yours. Also keep several copies of a list of 
the model and serial numbers of the equipment. One of these lists 
should be laminated, and kept in the crate. Store another copy in a 
separate, secure place, and keep an electronic copy on your smart 
device.



I have seen or read about other relatively simple radio boxes, but 
these designs all require the use of at least basic hand tools such as 
a drill, and a saw.



Another local ham friend has an Icom V8000 that he mounted inside a 
camper's dry box. When in use, the antenna and power cables enter the 
box through the open lid. Since this box also sits on its side during 
use, I think of the opening as a door, rather than a lid, but you get 
the idea. This means that care must be taken to prevent the operator 
from becoming entangled in the cables, and that they sometimes are a 
bit in the way.



Another neat box idea from N1GY can be found in the September, 2011 
issue of QST, under the title "The Radio in a Box, II,". This one uses 
a tool box to hold a VHF/UHF radio, a pair of 7 amp hour batteries, 
and a charger. I have considered building this one, using an HT and a 
small amplifier in place of the author's Yaesu radio, but haven't done 
so as of yet.



Here is a link to his web site, which contains the full article, along 
with several others he has written.



http://mysite.verizon.net/cpthaines/index.html



Any radio box design is a work in progress. Each one will have some 
advantage or disadvantage over the others. This crate approach is by 
far the most simplistic I have encountered. While the open structure 
is usually a big advantage, it does mean that you must pay a bit more 
attention to the environment in which the box will be used. It can 
usually be quite functional for public service events, radio 
demonstrations, and Field Day.



If you put one together, please share your thoughts about its 
performance and practicality.







Mike Duke, K5XU
American Council of Blind Radio Amateurs