Radio Box

Several years ago I started to think about putting a Radio System into a single box for portable convenience. A mobile rig like the Icom 706, with battery, charger, tuner, etc would be mounted in a frame that slides into the box and is either used in place, or the frame is slid out and set on a table for operation.

I'm thinking at the moment that I may separate the radio and the power boxes and have two smaller boxes rather than one large one. Possibly include a small amount of battery power in the radio box so it would be sufficient for short excursions. For anything longer a second power system box would be added to the trip.

It is interesting that my power box is over 60 pounds already without radio. I think that box is better on the ground or floor rather than the table. And this is only with a 49AH battery! See PowerBox

One nice thought is that if two boxes are used, one for power, one for radio, that a single power cable can be used between them. Perhaps something with a 50A Anderson connector would be good for that to provide low impedance and capability to run a pair of radios as you suggest, with some margin. This would also handle the TS480 with 200 watt finals, or possibly a small linear.

I think with the wheeled Pelican case that the smaller lighter radio case
can be placed on top of it for wheeled transport (providing the surface is
compatible). A dolly can be used for rougher surfaces. The point is that
carrying the system is still a single trip even though it is two boxes.

My plans for a one box radio case were based on a smaller power supply (the
Gamma capacitor type supply) with a small radio (such as IC7000). A complete
station will fit into a pretty reasonable size case (such as the Pelican
1430). There is less room for a battery but a Lithium Iron battery say 5AH
4S2P A123M1 cells could fit. This would not run the rig for extended
operations, but would be adequate for short periods or riding through
temporary AC outages. Charging the battery is more complicated, but could be
worked out.

I like the internal framework design for the radio box. This allows sliding
out the framework to access the connectors and reconfigure the system. It
also allows better cooling. One design for a Radio box is to have the frame
sit on the table during operation, and sit it in a Pelican or other box only
for storage and transportation. So you open the box, lift out the frame
complete with all equipment and sit it on the table. Connect one cable to
the power center and another to the antenna and go. Some accessory DC jacks
can be provided on the radio frame for accessories so only one cable passes
down to the power box on the floor.

Separating the radio and power box gives us a lot of options. Depending on
the duration of the event a different pairing can be useful. It keeps the
weight down and allows heavy items (batteries) to sit on the ground.

-- AlanB