Portable power and radio kit - home build?

[Littlears]

Has anyone built a home brew radio/ battery / solar charge / dc power supply case?

I’m thinking of building a radio in ammo can type setup but could use some help with products / design “gotchas” to get started

any lessons learned you all have would be good to hear!

 

[357magnum]

Welcome to the Forum Little ! I used & old Plano Box Rack that held 4 box's ( trays ) , w/ box's removed , I installed my Old Cobra 140GTL , 250 King Bee Amp , Meter , Hand held Scanner ( slid on the side ) Old RS Spkr mounted on top , plus room to keep a Stock Mic in case I need it . I like it , it has a handle , easy to carry in/out w/ Anderson Connectors . But just recently had to reinforce it to make up for the cutting I did on it . Just a thought , worked for me . Stay Healthy & Safe ! 73 & God Bless ! Leo

 

[Littlears]

Welcome to the Forum Little ! I used & old Plano Box Rack that held 4 box's ( trays ) , w/ box's removed , I installed my Old Cobra 140GTL , 250 King Bee Amp , Meter , Hand held Scanner ( slid on the side ) Old RS Spkr mounted on top , plus room to keep a Stock Mic in case I need it . I like it , it has a handle , easy to carry in/out w/ Anderson Connectors . But just recently had to reinforce it to make up for the cutting I did on it . Just a thought , worked for me . Stay Healthy & Safe ! 73 & God Bless ! Leo

thanks! Would you mind sharing some pictures?

 

[CB590]

FAT50 poly can will hold 20ah battery, 10 amp charge controlller for solar. I also mounted a switch and bolt meter on outside to monitor. I use a battery tender to charge the 20ah when needed to keep fresh. Try and find a pic later for you.

 

[BJ radionut]

KK6USY/Firerunner here on the forum built these up...pretty "SLICK"

 

[CB590]

Simple MC4 panel mounts (for solar panel). 20ah battery inside, 10amp solar controller, and I used a 3 pin aviation plug setup to prevent polarity error. Here it's shown with simple 110v 190w inverter you run a small fan when power went out. Again never used a panel with it yet but a 50w-75w would be overkill to charge the 20ah battery.

I was wrong earlier. Just a plain poly 50 cal can (not FAT50)

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

@Bow has a nice setup.
https://reverendbow.wordpress.com/2017/07/08/comm-can-ver-2-0/

 

[binrat]

I run all portable for HF. Normally with LiPo batteries, some 3 cell, some 4 cell. in mainly a KX2 radio and a 50 watt amp. Due to trying to eliminate weight I don't use a box deal, but pouches.
For radio only I use a 4 cell LiPo 2600 mah battery with a voltage reducer in a small utility pouch, this combo giver me about 4 activations of use. About 1 - 2 hours each activation, for 3 years of use with no problems so far.
For the amp / radio, same voltage reducer and a 5500 mah 4 cell LiPo in a larger case. Running about 50 watts gives me about the same duration. This is of course year round. Below -20C the battery goes into a pocket when using.

 

[BJ radionut]

Below -20C the battery goes into a pocket when using.

Bet that's not the only "things" in pockets!!!!

 

[Littlears]

Simple MC4 panel mounts (for solar panel). 20ah battery inside, 10amp solar controller, and I used a 3 pin aviation plug setup to prevent polarity error. Here it's shown with simple 110v 190w inverter you run a small fan when power went out. Again never used a panel with it yet but a 50w-75w would be overkill to charge the 20ah battery.

I was wrong earlier. Just a plain poly 50 cal can (not FAT50)

View attachment 40137

what solar controller & panel setup are you using?

have you had any success with portable antennas for cb / gmrs / ham etc? (Not car mounted , but truly “portable” )

 

[Bow]

@Bow has a nice setup.
https://reverendbow.wordpress.com/2017/07/08/comm-can-ver-2-0/

Thanks Bud! I have a new version of that as well

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

Thanks Bud! I have a new version of that as well

If you could post some pictures of your new setup, that would be great. I am going to put a can together to take on beach trips. I have a Midland GMRS mobile and an Anytone Smart that I plan to stick in it. Might make a good command center for the golf cart too. Haha!

 

[Littlears]

If you could post some pictures of your new setup, that would be great. I am going to put a can together to take on beach trips. I have a Midland GMRS mobile and an Anytone Smart that I plan to stick in it. Might make a good command center for the golf cart too. Haha!

im kinda thinking of doing the same. What antenna would you use for such a portable system?

 

[Bow]

im kinda thinking of doing the same. What antenna would you use for such a portable system?

For VHF/UHF, the TRAM 1181 with a Nagoya Ground plane kit is widebanded enough to cover 2M Ham, MURS. 70cm, FRS/GMRS

 

[Bow]

If you could post some pictures of your new setup, that would be great. I am going to put a can together to take on beach trips. I have a Midland GMRS mobile and an Anytone Smart that I plan to stick in it. Might make a good command center for the golf cart too. Haha!

I'll try to get a couple photos this evening... here is one I have available...