This is both part 1 & 2 of explaining how I constructed my Ham Radio "To Go" box so KEEP WATCHING AFTER it says THE END. For Portable use both in house and if needed emergency, field day, etc. I plan to use the anderson strip to power my Elecraft KX3 when it arrives to! Will attached KX3 with a bit of velcro or once I get KX3 will see if another way. I have room over my 857 or will change 2 meter mobile to a smaller one(I have a FT-1500 which is smaller) I used the Pro 8u below is the link. http://www.ebay.com/itm/270928271874?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 As far as mounting, I used #6 screws, bolts and washers. The screws and bolts can be purchased at lowes or home depot in quanity of 100 (they contain both screws and bolts), washers are separate. I also bought some small L brackets, both 1 " x 1" and 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" however only use it with the MFJ power supply. P.S. I turned the L brackets inward so it would look better. It made it a little harder to tighten but looks much better. I was able to take off 2 of the screws of the case and use the L bracket to attach to the shelf. I would be careful as the what shelves you purchase because some are way to expensive, some are solid(heavy and you would have to drill holes, unless you plan to use all velcro) I found mine on ebay for $19.99 including shipping. Here is link http://www.ebay.com/itm/120871494530?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 I did use velcro for my LDG YT-100 tuner because the L brackets would not line up and it was so light. I decided on the pro 8 u case and the best price I could find was.....the case has a card enclosed to send off for free($10 shipping)rear rack. Be sure to include a note you need the right side bracket cut at the bottom 45 degrees because if not, it will hit the wheel well and not fit. http://www.ebay.com/itm/270928271874?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 I used a Yaesu FT-857 and Yaesu speaker however for the 2 meter rig I used a motorola speaker which has great quality and here is a link. http://www.ebay.com/itm/370569436020?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 For 2 meters I decided on the Yaesu FT-2900 because it was reasonably priced and has high power of 75 watts. For the DC power I used a Powerwerx 6 way which is much less than the rig runner but smaller and works the same(except no fuses) but fuses in the radio cords are fine for protection. http://www.powerwerx.com/powerpole-power-distribution/ps-6aa-inline-6-way.html and a set of 25 anderson power poles-less to buy larger quanity and I figured I would have them for my home station and other uses for a long time. http://www.powerwerx.com/anderson-powerpoles/powerpole-sets/30-amp-red-black-anderson-powerpole-sets.html At this time I do not have a battery however plan to add one with the Western Mountain powergate http://www.powerwerx.com/batteries-chargers/super-powergate-backup-power-switching.html This will allow running on A/C(mfj power supply), charge battery and will automatically switch over if lose AC power. I used braided cable for the ground system 9 feet was only 8 bucks including shipping! http://www.ebay.com/itm/130664677606?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 Here is a link to the military ground rod http://www.ebay.com/itm/270500044159?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 The drawer I got at sweetwater.com and I spoke to Jared Kalish (800) 222-4700 ext 1662. jared_kalish@sweetwater.com Be careful to ONLY get 14” deep drawer if you have Gator Case with wheels as the drawer will hit the wheel well if the drawer is any deeper. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Qty ItemID Description Ser# Mfg List Sell At Extended ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 MARD2LK 2RU Locking Rack Drawer 118.80 75.00 75.00 This was normally $118.80 but he discounted it for me to $75. I found the ground bus at Lowes and it was under $7. The screws lined up in the rear rack which made it convenient and out of the way. Hope this along with the pictures help you. If you have any more questions, let me know. Good luck and have fun. I just took my time over several weeks putting it together!

• published: 21 Apr 2012
• views: 24008