[CW] A Go Box

[D.J.J. Ring, Jr.]

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.



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).


ICOM IC-2730A Dual Band Transceiver
A dual-band VHF/UHF option perfect for local communications and emergency
services.


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.

Powerwerx DC Power Supply
A solid desktop DC power supply with Anderson Powerpole connectors for easy
power management.


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.

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.

Tram 1235-M Magnet Mount
A magnetic mount that easily attaches antennas to vehicles or other metal
surfaces.


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.

Anderson Powerpole Distribution Block
Manage power connections efficiently with an Anderson Powerpole
distribution block.

Velcro Cable Management Straps
These reusable straps are great for securing cables and maintaining
organization.



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.

Baofeng UV-5R Handheld Radio
A reliable backup radio for portable VHF/UHF use. It’s lightweight and
perfect as a backup device.


BTECH APRS-K2 Cable
A cable to interface radios for APRS tracking with smartphones or tablets.


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.

8. Of course you need a good CW Key


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!
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