Posted: 4/16/2015 12:04:44 AM EDT
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So here is my dilemma/idea/brainstorm. HF rig (barring any more catastrophic medical expenses or 4 digit car repairs) will be the Arfcom favorite 7200 with IT-100 tuner and sec-1223BBM power supply. 2m rig will be a Yaesu 1900. I want to build it into a box/kit that can easily be packed up for field day and mostly for trips to the cabin without carrying and loading everything individually. I have looked at pictures and read up but need some guidance and specific recommendations.
My shack is in the basement and have antenna lines ran from my dipole and 2m/440 antenna that I have been using with radios i have borrowed and tried out. I am looking for something that i can easily and simply unplug, close up, toss in the car and head out. I want to add a battery backup for home use and battery use is critical for the cabin as it runs off a battery bank. I want it to be comfortable anough for desk use but also easy field use set up on a picnic table. I am looking for something that is basically a shack in a box. I thought about building it with an 857d for size and 1 rig simplicity but it will be used mostly at home so I think i want a little better feature set Since portable with only be done 5 or 6 times a year. I understand the basics of "find a box that everything fits in and mount it" but what else am i going to have to add in to make sure i don't blow up thousands of dollars of radios and batteries. Looking for suggestions and guidance. |
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I will see if i can find some some photos tomorrow.
in the meantime log on to QRZ go to my page n5hvg scroll all the way down to see my brief case box on my dash. Also go to google images and search for slip seat box. These are CB setups but some just may give you an idea of which way to go. Slip seat drivers driver a different truck every day so your radio has to be highly portable. I hope this helps. I always used an Icom 706 or 7000 for mobile hf and vhf combined. Ed.....................movinon |
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This is what I did, but did not plan on having a 2m rig in there, too.
I do have a 2m rig, in another little Pelican box, a 1200 I think. I have a Powerpole on the end of the power cord and can simply plug it into the little strip in the back of my HF portable rig. Here's what I did with the same gear, IC-7200, SEC-1223BBM, and IT-100. http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_10_22/675680_.html |
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I built mine as a removable shelf 'unit'. I was my shack for at least the first 2 or 3 years I had a ticket.
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Quoted:
Thanks everyone. Any specific recommendations on proper power distribution inside the box? That 857d is so tempting for a portable project but the budget says one HF rig and the DSP and filtering on the 7200 tells me that is the way to go. The IF filtering on the 7200 is light years better than the 857D's DSP in the audio section. I have both and think you are making the right decision. Once you start working digi modes you will be sooo happy with the 7200. |
The true answer is get both.
I went for both and tote the FT-857 for portable and the IC-7200 at home. The weight and size can add up fast but you can always make improvements as you utilize your gear. My go box is still a work in progress as I'm waiting for the computer that will be integrated in the box to finally get released this year. If things go right I will be able to do a enhanced V2.0 thread for my go box. My original Emcomm Box Build Link 
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