Ham Radio Go Box: Shack in a Box Go Kit!

This is my 2nd iteration of a "Shack in a Box" and my 1st go at this type of video. Just shows off my go box and a little about how it all goes together....."That's not going anywhere....lol"
Tablet PC Amazon link.
www.amazon.com/dp/B07QLJGXJ1/...
Gator Cases Lightweight Molded 6U Rack Case with Heavy Duty Latches; Standard 19.25" depth, 6U (GR-6L) www.amazon.com/dp/B000YYFJEO/...

[@wd4usa]

Great job - building the box, innovative ideas (computer on hinges), and video/narration. I really like the computer on hinges! And your locating both the VHF/UHF and HF barrel connectors through the aluminum bar is just "good practice"! It's called a "single point" ground panel/bar/bus. Great job!

[@mikehannah6054]

Thanks for the good words and the info about the grounding! I need to do more research on grounding in general....thanks!

[@cqarizona4461]

Nicely done Mike ! de Scott W7TY Idaho....Getting ready to build something up in a 6U box also, you did share some great ideas here. 73

[@mikehannah6054]

Thanks Scott! Hope you make a video of what you end up with.

[@toenailjunebug5620]

Damn! That is the coolest Go Box that I’ve yet seen. 🤘

[@LoderMike]

Hi from kiwiland. Your switch lights are lovely. Follow your dreams....

[@mecee4516]

Great Go-Box Michael. The blue lights look great! For my eyes I tend use red lights because it doesn't seem to mess up my night vision so much in my more "experienced" stage of my life hi hi !

[@waynestrout1113]

Nice build! I am in the process of building a gobox with a Gator case also. Loved the idea of LED lights in the back.

[@mikehannah6054]

Thanks!

[@BakerLai]

I am confused that how to mount the radio into the 19inch box. And you have a good way, using the layers one on the bottom and one on the top, very clever。

[@W1ZY]

Great Box! It'll come in handy of the Commies make it to W9 land after landing on the shores of LA.

[@lisajohnston6422]

Great video and go-box. I am building a box myself with the following components: an Icom IC-7300, ID 5100A, Midland Micromobile GMRS and Uniden Bearcat 885 Hybrid CB + Digital Trunking for monitoring Emergency Services. I got some good tips from your video. Thanks!

[@mikehannah6054]

Glad it helped! I need to do some updates but I never can find the time.

[@mikehannah6054]

Good luck with your box!

[@xJAWAx]

Really cool setup. Extra points because it plays Mario 3.

[@stater3]

Like the ic-7300 how you mounted it. A perfect fit👍. Very nice mounting for everything especially for the pc pad. Seems like a heavy box but it looks cool so who cares right? Looks is everything. Great job and thanks for sharing 😊

[@mikehannah6054]

Appreciate it! It's around 60 pounds definitely don't wanna pack it too far! I would like to make a "go bag" with just the essentials to get on the air at some point! I have put a new vhf/uhf radio in the box since this video. instagram.com/mikehannah1984/ thanks for saying hi!!!

[@weslofton886]

This is sweet love what you did with the computer

[@mikehannah6054]

Thank you!

[@JA-fy1bn]

One of the best and most well thought out boxes I've ever seen. Great job!

[@mikehannah6054]

Appreciate that! It's seems to be an ever evolving project!

[@SV2ROC]

Great job Michael...i looking allso for new ideas on youtube to build my own Go Box it's very interesting your setup and very useful and very intresting is also your Anderson automatic switch power system supply ! thanks for share this video on youtube . Enjoy your radio and the outdoor activities (POTA,SOTA,PORTABLE ...ect.) 73s from Greece de #SV2ROC

[@mikehannah6054]

Thanks a lot! Good luck with your box!

[@MikeHemm1911]

Great video!! Currently working on mine trying to get it ready for field day and you have some great idea in this one 73s

[@mikehannah6054]

Appreciate it! Been getting a few ideas on here and FB for some improvements. Seems I have a little more to do than just adding a speaker. I think it's one of those things that will never be "done" lol....thanks for commenting.

[@MikeHemm1911]

@@mikehannah6054 yea seams like when ya think you're done ya find something ya want to change I'm using a couple of the older Anker bluetooth speakers but just using the cord instead of BT,they got a 24 hour play time and sound good hooked to a rig de WN4MH

[@mikehannah6054]

I had a car speaker on my first go box. It was enclosed though...haven't decided whether I should buy a new 1 or build a small enclosure for the one I already have.....decisions decisions lol

[@gfinnstrom]

EXCELLENT VIDEO well done KB7PPW

[@mikehannah6054]

Thank you!!!

[@douglassharafanowich8605]

Hi Mike, Great Video! After 3 years of operation, are you still pleased with the mid-case mounting of the Icom 7300 rather than being on the bottom rack? Thank you.

[@JohnSmith-xi2oq]

Please put a parts list and where purchased. This is the best i have seen.

[@W4GHW]

I would take a ground from every piece of equipment to the ground lug. Looks good! DE W4GHW

[@ElementX32]

Good evening sir, I have my General license and I think that I want a go box similar to your setup. I have limited space, so a go box would pull double duty as my home base station as well. Would you happen to have a wiring diagram that I can follow?

[@patricemax7242]

parfait ! perfect ! bravo !

[@mikehannah6054]

Thanks!!!

[@juancarlos-np2hq]

Very. Good. The Discotec

[@andreVE4BK]

any update on your rear alu bar and the two connectors? Is it working ok? 73 from Andy/M0RAV

[@johnnybarfield4402]

How could I purchase a fully assembled go-box? Who would have a go available?

[@ambrosecontreras5484]

Love the idea and I am thinking about putting a go box like this together. Yours is the most comprehensive. Do you have an updated list of recommendations?!

[@mikehannah6054]

Thanks! I don't really have any updated recommendations. I actually just this week disassembled the box to try something new with all the gear. Worked great while it was together!

[@mrdarin1701]

Great box. I love the fold out computer. A couple of ideas... Use anderson panel poles for the external battery. The hole is round to make it easy, and it would make connecting any other battery easier. Also blue light has been shown to be bad for health as it mess up the sleep cycles when used within a couple hours of bed time. Just thought. Idea... On the front lights, put those lights on dimmers so if you are doing might operations, you can control the among of light it throws out. Lastly, why size of the box? 4U? 6U? And I am going to have to steal the computer fold out idea.

[@mikehannah6054]

Thanks for the input! I've seen those round powerpole mounts 100 times and it didn't even register to me that one of those is just what I need! Lol, thanks for suggesting! A dimmer switch might just happen too...Thanks!

[@mikehannah6054]

It is a 6U case.

[@rohn2041]

this was a great video, thank you for sharing! I'm motivated to make my own GoBox now (complete with blue lighting!). A small question, what kept you from using Powerpole panel mounts and securing that second battery input to the back aluminum bar? Ok, I'm off to draw up some ideas for my own now :)

[@mikehannah6054]

Thanks! On the first aluminum bar I messed up, I tried to cutting little rectangles for other switches i had to use....I had a terrible time trying to cut the aluminum. I decided to stick with just drilling holes until I figure out how I can cut other shapes better, but that and having the plug for the power supply back there is definitely on the list of things I'd like to have. Thanks for commenting!

[@mikehannah6054]

Fixed! Dude makes them on a 3d printer and sells on Ebay. Cost about $7 total...much cleaner and user friendly!

[@matt89447]

Excellent build! If you made them for sale, I'd purchase. Let me know!

[@georgelocations8097]

Awesome stuff mate, thanks for sharing, Can you please elaborate a bit more on the PWS40 ? auto change over switch please, brand ? supplier ? link ... again thanks and 73s from 9H :)

[@mikehannah6054]

Thanks! I may have called it the wrong name in the video, but here is the link I used to purchase from dxengineering. www.dxengineering.com/parts/hsc-ezgate

[@CharlesHuse]

Use one of the unused switches on the front as a master power switch from the battery to distribution block.

[@mikehannah6054]

The switches aren't rated for enough amps for that or I wouldve definitely done that

[@tnyberg67]

I'd love to see any updates you've made since you posted this. And I'd like to see what it looks like coded up. How heave is it? How long does all that run on the batteries you have? What is the make on the box? Love to see more details...

[@mikehannah6054]

Link to the box I bought below. IT Is the 6U version. I haven't pushed the battery to it's limits, but has lasted several hours doing POTA. I have put a new uhf vhf radio in it since this was shot. Once all this virus stuff calms down a buddy and I are going to do a few videos. There is a second video on the channel if you haven't checked it out yet. Thanks for watching! www.amazon.com/dp/B000YYFJEO/ref=cm_sw_r_apap_iPnOD2wXUzckL

[@tnyberg67]

@@mikehannah6054 Thanks Mike, I saw the Gator box looking around but with all the stuff in it, it didn't look the same. Nice work on the box, looks like a lot of fun. KC9NIF

[@rt83021]

Nice project, the only thing I might change applies to the video itself, think about using a bluetooth headset of some type to get the audio cleaner when you are talking. My other hobby is photography/videography, so I notice that sort of thing. Did you allow for a battery hook up when you don't have commercial power?

[@mikehannah6054]

Agreed on the audio, in the works for future videos. There's a battery in the box with an expansion port.

[@amwemchau62]

Sorry, could I get a link to the battery you used? I can’t seem to find it

[@mikehannah6054]

Which one? The one in the box or the wheelchair one

[@tphvid]

What computer is used? Memory, processor, etc... Thanks. Nice Job.

[@mikehannah6054]

Thanks! It's a Fusion5 FWIN232 plus. 64bit tablet, 4gb of RAM, 1.44GHz Intel...no powerhouse, but seems to run all my ham software without issue.

[@mikesamyn7054]

Mike - Nice job buddy! I have bought a Gator G-PRO-6U-19. I think that is what you have used. Plan to do a few different things. I will use an IC-7100 so that I have VHF/HF VARA Winlink capability ( though FM will not be the fastest VARA). My batteries will be in a separate case with 2 20 A-hr Bioenno batteries. I will be totally battery and solar powered. Just getting started and the zip ties were my first thought as well and will add the Velcro - great idea. Two big questions for you: 1) How much does your case weigh with all the stuff? 2) What PC are you using? Lastly really like the idea of LED lights. A MUST to add to my case! 73 Mike AJ6GK

[@mikehannah6054]

Thanks Mike! Glad you got an idea or two from this! The tablet PC I'm using is linked in the description, it still runs great. The box was right about 60lbs total, The powerwheel battery was about 10 of that. I do have another video of the box you might wanna check out, I show the tablet mount off and updated a thing or two. I actually just dismantled the whole box though. On to my next project of the "Chevy Gobalt" lol 73!!!

[@jimchase7028]

Just a suggestion, but I would have used red LEDs for your license plate lights. Easier on the eyes and red won't destroy your night vision (that's why aircraft cockpits use red instead of white).

[@mikehannah6054]

Are you talking about the switches or the lights they power? I had thought about going with red switches (the original box had red ones, but I couldn't cut the rectangles needed for those in the aluminum bar....outside my skill set atm). If I knew how bright the switches are, I would've went with red again. I did not think about using a red led for the actual light though....maybe 1 red and 1 white one for different needs/situations.....got the wheels turning lol, thanks for the input!!!

[@bb_37]

@@mikehannah6054 I'm concerned about the glare from the license plate lamps, too. You can see the glare in your video (depending on the camera angle relative to the lamps, the video washes out from the glare). I think you are on the right track with putting lamps there to provide lighting for your workspace in front of the box. Maybe there's a different type of lamp that will project less light horizontally.

[@johns2590]

Tell us more about the computer you have. Thanks!

[@mikehannah6054]

I put a link in the description for you, it has all the technicals on the listing for it. I've had it for about 11 months now and am pretty happy with it.

[@Ocrepair]

Do you have a link to the case? amazing build !

[@mikehannah6054]

Thanks! I'll add it to the description now.

[@baldtiremuddin]

What rack shelves did you buy?

[@mikehannah6054]

AC Infinity Vented Cantilever 2U Universal Rack Shelf, for 19" equipment racks. Heavy-Duty 2.4mm Cold Rolled Steel, 100lbs Capacity. www.amazon.com/dp/B01C9L3K18/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apap_GFpLe4NHXK5sV

[@brentjohnson6654]

Thanks for the tour! New sub here. Good ideas on the power supply. Do you also have battery backup/solar? Maybe you will explain in a minute. Haha. 73! Yup, I should have waited. You answered the battery question. Interesting design overall!

[@mikehannah6054]

Haha, thanks! Hopefully I'll have my next project done soon and get a new video on it uploaded. Been a busy, strange year...

[@brentjohnson6654]

Mike Hannah yes it has been a interesting year. Hey, do you use that box in your ham shack as well?

[@mikehannah6054]

The box is my ham shack..... I guess I should say.... Was my ham shack!

[@brentjohnson6654]

Mike Hannah oh, is it no longer used? One other question: What type of metal did you mount the SO239 connectors on? I am building my own feed through panel and aluminum is a dissimilar metal that I don’t want to connect my copper ground strap to. Thanks for your input. 73!

[@mikehannah6054]

It was aluminum flat bar. Yes, I dismantled the box and am working on installing it all in my Cobalt...or should I say....Gobalt...lol

[@ecc1944]

Nice job Michael! Tell us some detail about the box. I see the name GATOR.. Where did you find it? Does it have deep top and bottom recesses? and so forth. KM4SNR

[@mikehannah6054]

www.amazon.com/dp/B000YYFJEO/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_sMlfDbZ74PCMH

[@mikehannah6054]

That's the box I purchased off Amazon. The top and bottom dont have too much room above and below if the shelves are mounted as close as possible to either. I'm not close to it atm for an exact measurement, but I'm thinking about 3/4" maybe. Plenty of room for wires, but not excessive.

[@mikehannah6054]

For anyone not wanting to click the link, it's a 6U gator case from Amazon priced at $189

[@mikehannah6054]

And thank you!!!

[@mattb7895]

Nice box. The wiring is killing me though, this would be the picture of perfection with some wire managment.

[@mikehannah6054]

Haha thanks, I'll eventually trim and zip tie everything on it. Had to make sure I was happy with all the placement first.

[@RA4FOC]

Good shack!

[@mikehannah6054]

Thank you!!

[@mylesakatrm4388]

Awesome job thanks for sharing. I would make sure all the grounds radios, tuner anything that is a ground is attached to the steel bar you have the antenna's SO239s run throw are all grounded together! The bar with should be fine that is how a lot of antennas are run from outside to the inside. You will not be transmitting both radios at the same time so shouldn't be an issue. For your VHF/UHF radio try it hooked up without the HF antenna to see if your receive improved. Just a thought & then you will know if there are any issues! Good luck would love to see the updates! 73 KJ6IHZ ✌

[@gamingforlive2150]

The leixen vv898 also sucks on rx

[@hubzcaps]

bigger than camoham can. lol

[@K6TJO]

Consider me inspired! 73 de K6TjO

[@vandela177]

I would make a wooden slat to replace the back bar and remount the antenna connectors to it.

[@gamingforlive2150]

gonna be honest here as a student im not gonna pay 1.4k

[@nr3rful]

If you would have purchased a Yaesu vhf/uhf/hf you would have needed one radio, not two. Space saved.

[@ajameslee]

Then he would not have access to DMR. Go build one yourself and you can only put one radio in it

[@nr3rful]

@@ajameslee DMR is not ham radio

[@mattb7895]

@@nr3rful How is it not? DMR literally works by transmitting and receiving RF. I agree that things like Echolink, Wires X, or even using DMR from a hotspot are not "ham". However, DMR still uses repeaters and does not require internet access, it can even be used for simplex. Its just sending the information as a digital code but it still uses RF to do so. It requires no more infrastructure than a regular analog FM repeater aside from the repeater being DMR capable. This said I almost strictly use analog and personally prefer Fusion to DMR. Digital modes aren't going anywhere nor should they, I became a believer after comparing analog to digital on simplex.

[@michaelzehrfeld7766]

@@nr3rful ...exactly matching the typical snooty, cocky wannabe radio amateur view....

[@robertrockwell7581]

have too mute half the video because of the stupid hard rock music.

[@mikehannah6054]

Less than a minute for the intro and a 5 second time lapse isn't half of a 16 minute video. 🙄