Ham Radio Go Box & Solar Generator Build

[@MyTube4Utoo]

I love this kind of fabricating. I could sit and watch someone do it all day. Great job!

[@hamradiotube]

I watch all kinds of how to build stuff. Its fascinating. It's so much fun to build too. Thanks for watching.

[@HamRadio2]

This is quite the process, and probably the reason why mine is still sitting in the garage, in pieces. But the end product in your latest Texas POTA video looks great!

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah it took some time but its totally worth it. I'd definitely look for a better charge controller if I were to do it again. It puts out all kinds of RF. Super easy to bring out to the park. Just plug the antenna in and its off to the races.

[@radiodave1297]

Mike. Great video. I know it took a bit to make the box, and focus to make sure you were explaining everything for your audience. Then there's the video editing. Thanks for doing it. Of the dozens of go-box vids I've seen, it's still the one I reference. 73.

[@hamradiotube]

It's a labor of love honestly. It does take like 15 times as long to build when you are trying to get a camera angle for every aspect of it. The editing was the easy part! I'm super happy with the way this turned out and still use it like this to this day. Thanks for watching and sharing. 73

[@KI5BEZ]

I love how you politely expressed this is my box if you want a pi and a fan build one with a damn fan! 😆 great job man. Looks great 👍 Edit: I like the idea of plexi glass for ease of marking everything. Very smart and I'm sure that sped up the build process

[@hamradiotube]

lol!! Yes, build your own damn case haha! For however much time using plexiglass saved me, filming and editing completely threw that out the window. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching.

[@skipsharpe8509]

Excellent job, Mike. I particularly liked your use of plexiglass for the top and bottom.

[@hamradiotube]

Thank you very much!

[@Chris-in-ky-ky4ckp]

Great build Mike! Thanks for sharing some of the solutions you came up with to help others with their own go box builds. LCARA Ham Radio

[@hamradiotube]

My pleasure. Thanks for being here.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Great job! Now we will all wait with baited breath for its actual field deployment!

[@hamradiotube]

You and me both. I've only taken it out once since ive built it and didn't have much time.

[@JohnTrefethen]

Nicely documented build, Mike. Can you comment on the radio's audio quality after enclosing the base unit inside the box? Do you notice any degradation in audio fidelity or volume? Also, can you simultaneously charge the unit (solar or otherwise) while running the radio?

[@michaeledmonds3027]

GREAT video, thanks so much for all the production work. You have an excellent technical grasp for design, fabrication, wiring and execution of a project. Do you have an engineering background? It appeared that a management position brought you to Texas, but ham buddies and local geography are your new reason for staying. You truly have a gift for what I call "purpose driven casual" in your videos, plus a very resonant voice and approachable look. Thanks for what you bring to ham radio!

[@hamradiotube]

Hey thanks Michael. I'm not an engineer but I have been in design most of my adult life so I'd like to think I have some attention to detail. Purpose driven casual. I like that. I'm certainly not formal. I can't take my self seriously enough for that haha. Thanks for your kind words and thank you for watching. 73

[@RobertWade-ge8xj]

This is super cool and helpful. I appreciate the detailed explanations!

[@SFJF26]

That came out awesome. Thanks for taking the time and including us in the process. 73s -Sean W2FLA

[@hamradiotube]

Hey, thanks so much for watching, I'm glad you found it useful!

[@ebreevephoto]

Thanks for the video for my next project. Thought on the legs for the head unit and the bolts sticking through the top of the lid. Add a little heat shrink tubing. That's what popped into my head while watching. I have a little bigger box my G90 is going into to, so the PI will have a home.

[@hamradiotube]

That would tidy it up a bid I suppose. I've found the screws do come loose on the head unit every now and again so putting heat shrink on them would prob not be worth it. My neighbor is building a box now and he's found some little windows computer that will fit inside that runs on 12V. We were experimenting with the pi but couldn't find a good source of clean power to give it the required 3Amps they want. I'd love to hear what you come up for that.

[@GeoffreyKline]

Thanks for the inspiration to actually build my first go-box. I loved the way yours looked and used the same process and now I'm very happy. 73, KI5VNB

[@rhettbutlerwashere]

This is great. Thanks for taking the time to show this. I'm planning to do something similar for my IC-705 once it arrives.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching. I'll be curious to see what you come up with for the 705. 73

[@jessp9693]

Awesome build! Did very similar build with an ICOM 2730A though used 1/4 inch plywood instead of plexi. Have my General and hoping to get an HF rig I can cram into a gobox also. Thank you for the walkthrough!

[@hamradiotube]

Go box the world!

[@va7dgp]

Thank You. I like this build better than the one I got from a friend. I drop mine into one of those lawyers briefcase

[@hamradiotube]

Hey whatever works. You've got all the parts, you could easily create this.

[@myronmansfield8968]

Thanks!

[@hamradiotube]

Hey cool you found it. Good to meet you today!

[@mervyong]

Awesome build Mike and love how detailed your video is! Have a G90 too and your video has inspired me to build my own go box - Cheers Merv (VK4EMT)

[@hamradiotube]

Awesome! Thank you! Have fun with your go box.

[@jimbrown4135]

Hey Mike. I have built a few go boxes. The way I attach the components like the radio and battery is with Velcro straps. I cut slots in the plexiglass or plywood and run the straps through. The straps I use are 1” wide and up to 18” long. They really hold the components tight and are easy to undo if you need to take the components out. I can see doing a qrp box but I kind of gave up on them for my 891. I find it’s easier to just have the components loose.

[@hamradiotube]

Thats a pretty good idea. I wouldn't want to use those for the G90 though. I really wanted to keep that raised off the plexiglass as the heat sink is on the bottom. I haven't had any heat problems yet but the radio does get quite hot and don't want anything melting. Thanks for sharing.

[@SevenFortyOne]

I appreciate and agree with your comments on digital modes...nothing wrong with them at all but not my favorite operating modes. Great build by the way!

[@hamradiotube]

The only time I operate digital is if I'm not making any contacts at home on SSB. Sometimes I like to chase grid squares on ft8 but even that gets old after 20 minutes or so.

[@RicSpivey]

This looks like you had a decent good time making a thing. I enjoyed watching. Stumbled on this video watching g90 videos as I just bought one and this is great

[@hamradiotube]

I love this Go Box. I take it with me everywhere. It suits its purpose exactly how I wanted. I can get on the air quickly, I can charge things, and I can recharge it with solar. Thanks for stopping by and giving it a view. 73

[@Sam-cj4hi]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video! Its giving me lots of inspiration. Im a pretty new ham (Tech on March 21st, General about a month ago) and I just got a free 10m radio from a friend, I hope to make something similar to what you're building someday! 73s, Sam KJ7WCW

[@hamradiotube]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching and welcome to the hobby!

[@TheGeekiestGuy]

I'm glad you got that plexiglass before the coof boom. That was a dark time... a sheet like that would cost 4-6 times as much.

[@terryshackelford712]

Kewl build! You did a fine job with what you have! Thanks for the video!

[@digitaldreamer5481]

I can foresee a few problems already. You need to add a PC fan and I would replace those voltage/amp meters to the smaller round versions to give yourself more room. I would also add a pi-star zumspot to keep your options open for D Star, P25, C4FM along with Winlink , FT8 and FLdigi if you’re going to do EmComm communications in the field. I like the plexiglass idea but I would add small handles or even knobs to lift the kit out so the sun can hit the built in 20w mini’s on the inside of lid and bottom tray. I would add a set of Anderson power poles so that you may add an outside power source. When it comes to “radio go kits”, the sky is the limit.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for the thoughts. I assure you there are no problems. Like I said in the beginning of this video, I built the box I wanted to build. Specifically mentioning I have zero interest in digital modes so have no use/interest in a raspberry pi. There isn't even room for one in this case if I wanted it. This is not a "lets cram everything we can think of inside this box" type build. I chose to forgo a fan as there just isn't any room for one. So far I have had no problems with heat and I'm not too worried (although everyone else seems to be). I didn't want the smaller round versions of meters as they are 1: too deep to fit inside the case with everything else in it, and 2: I need to know more than just the voltage of the battery. You have to monitor this type of chemistry by the amp hours you've used as the voltage remains more or less constant until the battery is about to die. Handles would add more unnecessary weight. I can easily remove the assembly by grading the bolts and lifting it out. Not sure how you missed the FOUR POWER POLES I have included in this build. The top 2 are for charging. One is hooked up to a lifepo4 charge controller, the other is wired straight to the battery for charging at home. The bottom 2 power poles are for anything else I want to power off of this. I'm starting to wonder if you even watched the video before commenting?? I'm literally typing all the things I said in it. All of these things were though out as to how I wanted my go box to be. It needed to be smaller, lighter, and more practical than just about every other go box I have seen out there. There are plenty of videos of people showing off their go box, but you don't ever see anyone actually using them. Probably because they crammed them with too much stuff that it becomes a chore just to move the darn thing.

[@austincarroll8294]

Great video! This will definitely be something I make this summer. Thanks for the inspiration

[@Ron_pd3ron]

Awesome, fantastically made. Nice project for the winter. First i must order some parts by Aliexpress. Before i have it.. its winter Thnx Mike👍🏻👍🏻 greetings from the Netherland🇳🇱🇳🇱

[@hamradiotube]

Get to building. Its a really fun project.

[@propagating-radio]

Fantastic build description! Thanks for sharing this.

[@hamradiotube]

Glad you like it!

[@CrowMoto]

Very nice n clean build! Great cable Management and fitting components! Channel is now on mm Favoriten List. 73 from Germany!

[@hamradiotube]

Hey thanks so much! It was a fun build. The only things I would have changed would be using Wago connectors instead of the wire nuts. Just to clean it up a little more. No one would know but me of course. Glad to have you here and thanks for adding to your favorites. 73

[@brandonbk7tor145]

Loving this setup, might have to try something like it. Was happy to hunt you today for POTA, sorry I ended up losing you after we did our signal reports, went from 55 to totally dead. Gotta love 20m! Hope the rest of the activation went well! 73 de K7TOR!

[@hamradiotube]

Its pretty cool. I was using the 891 yesterday. Needed to get a lot of contacts so I could hit 1000 for my Kilo award at that park and got it! Thanks for hunting. 20 was def painful for sure. 280 contacts yesterday were on 40 and only 10 on 20.

[@danquigg8311]

Maybe consider adding bits of heat shrink tube on all of the spade lug connectors - for 'just in case' insulation. Great job!

[@hamradiotube]

See its little things like that that would have been smart to add during the build haha. Good idea.

[@mikemiles3068]

Good job Mike❗️ I just got my 30A solar controller in from Bioenno and I still have to order the 20A battery before I can start my build. You gave me some good ideas👍

[@hamradiotube]

You can do it!

[@AndyWragg]

Cracking build Mike great effort. Just a suggestion for next time you have to carry out maintenance on the box, instead of double nutting (oo-er) the bolts that have some play in them (the kick stand pivots etc) use nylock nuts and a washer. Much less prone to working loose. 73

[@hamradiotube]

Well that would have been a lot better than the way I did it. I just used parts on hand for the most part. That didn't even cross my mind. Good idea.

[@willian.direction6740]

Made 9 QSO on JS8call from a VKFF park Sunday, good mode to add few qso's to my score of 44 vk5cz.. Good go box.

[@hamradiotube]

It's a great mode, I just prefer SSB.

[@abecoulter8550]

most connectors od the D-sub serries or that serrial port can be found on aliexpress in a right angle version

[@johntorok6589]

Very nice job, it makes me want to build one. I really liked the head mounts.

[@hamradiotube]

You should!

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

Super Job Mike, how does one get any thumbs down here, its yr build n yr box,.. cheers I like it !! 73 mate

[@hamradiotube]

It’s just par for the course. There’s always someone in every video.

[@mikel5077]

Thanks for the Inspiration... Giving me some ideas for my Icom 7100 go box

[@hamradiotube]

Awesome! I'd love to see it when you finish it.

[@derekcopsey6989]

Hi Mike, just an idea to finish the box off, I would be tempted to use dome nuts, you might have to cut your bolts shorter. And it might prevent you from grazing or cutting your hands if you brush them over your bolt ends. Very tidy job, by the way :D.

[@hamradiotube]

A couple other people have suggested that too. I'm not worried about cutting myself. They are recessed inside the box so thats highly unlikely. Plus, I need to grab the bolts when I need to take it out of the box. It doesn't bother me that they aren't covered. That would tidy it up a bit though.

[@derekcopsey6989]

@@hamradiotube Hi mike, good call, i didn't think about lifting out. Could always furn the box upside down to remove inner bit. Still is a great project ;)

[@gregfuller9586]

Hi Mike, great build! How is the sound with the speaker down below the plexi glass?

[@hamradiotube]

Surprisingly good. I was wondering if I would need to add an external speaker but I don't feel the need too. The lid also helps direct sound towards you as well. I'm very happy with it.

[@research903]

Just off the top: get rid of the wire nuts and use male>female FULLY INSULATED spade or bullet connectors, use right-angle FULLY INSULATED spade connectors on the switches & sockets, etc. Layout a routing chart and run the wiring like a printed circuit board. If necessary, use hot glue to hold the wires in place or devise some method of holding the wires to lessen the effect of movement and vibration on the system. In addition, look on Amazon for a right-angle DB9 connector or right-angle DB9 Serial Cable-pass through type, angles to the side.

[@hamradiotube]

I wanted to get the right angle spade connectors but ended up using what I had in the shack. I can't fully use male/female as I'm connecting multiple wires together in a few places. The wire nuts at some point will prob be replaced. I don't really like them. Some have suggested wago connectors I believe they are called? Thats prob the rout I'll go. I'm not too worried about the wires moving though. Everything is pretty tight inside. The wires don't really move. Honestly I'm surprised everything just worked the first time I put it together and I didn't see any of the famous magic smoke lol! Thanks for watching and commenting. 73

[@TianarTruegard]

@@hamradiotube For my battery go box, I simply soldered the wiring harnesses together and insulated with heat shrink tubing. Though most of my wiring runs into a 12v fuse box like is used for RV trailers. Using 2 10Ah bioenno batteries. Two sets of power poles plus a 12v socket and a USB charger. I can run my Icom 718 at full 100 watts for hours and hours (I haven't actually fully determined how long it runs). I get multiple evenings use out of it and I usually only go on the air for 3-4 hours at a time. Everything's all installed in an old tool box I had purchased at Meijer.

[@brentOhlookAsnake]

I’ve got a go box I made that stores my equipment. Since I do hikes often I can’t bring a whole box so I’ve got a couple small padded cases for that. Nice build. Also why are there 2 watt meters. Maybe I missed that.

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah I have all kinds of different gear to take on my outings as well. This is just the newest toy. The top meter is used for monitoring my charge input, either off solar or mains to see how many amps have gone into the battery. The bottom is for monitoring the amp hours I've used and voltage of the battery. I want to be able to compare amps used vs. amps gained with solar when out in the field so I can know exactly (ish) where my battery is at. I may have used 4 amps but got 2 back from solar so I would still have 4 amps left in the battery (6 amp battery) if I stopped charging.

[@demizer1968]

Erector set to the rescue 😎👍

[@craigvk2paw17]

Totally agree about digital , it’s not like the bands are choked with analog

[@hamradiotube]

Unfortunately not. I do a little ft8 here and there but prefer to actually talk to a human. Not for too long though haha! I like to keep em short.

[@TNGUNGUY]

i would cut off the ends of the bolts and cover them with acorn nuts to give it a nice finished look.

[@A-_-_A]

If you hang an 110 pH inductor off the positive output, that may just remove your rf hash from the charge controller. Just a thought.

[@hamradiotube]

And as soon as I find out how to do that I will give it a try.

[@weslofton886]

That was a awesome build can't wait to start mine . Great video keep it up.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks a lot. It’s a really fun project. And something I use a lot. I’m sure you’ll like yours too.

[@HammockRadio]

Great job! My only suggestion for v2 is to use Wagos instead of Anderson's and wire nuts. That would free up quite a bit of room and stay secure. Other than that, I dig it! 👍🍺

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah I had a lot of these parts just lying around already so I just used what I had. Totally agree though that would make for a bit cleaner build.

[@matthewvetter5070]

Great job, I just built my own Hamm-o can. I would suggest to use crimps not wire nuts. Either way great job. KJ7RMX 73.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Chezeehat]

@15:10 the word you are looking for is "Meccano" It has been around since the 1930s

[@hamradiotube]

Hey look at that it has a name!

[@cliftonhead9665]

GREAT JOB I mean great job, The only question I have is what about the radio heating up after using or transmitting. With the box inside the case with no air flow do you need to remove the interworkings. Because I know a few folks talk about the radio being hot.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching. I had a lot of fun building this and use it all the time. Heat is something people have asked more than anything about this build and I have had zero issues with it. This is far from a sealed box. Air still circulates even without a fan. That may all change in the Texas summer but only time will tell. The radio does run hot for sure, even outside of the box.

[@KB1HQS]

Nice setup Mike! Thanks for sharing.

[@hamradiotube]

I'm sure we'll be seeing you hiking up mountains with one just like it haha!

[@KB1HQS]

@@hamradiotube I'll leave that to you to carry :)

[@VE3IPS]

GRab and Go and make contacts at lunch, on the way home or out on a walk. Thanks for keeping the FT8 stuff at home and not in a go box. Roll up to park, throw wire up on a mast and hit tune and go make QSO

[@hamradiotube]

Oh my god finally a comment that supports my lack of FT8!! You get it. So many people have commented about why I didn't put a Raspberry Pi inside. Because never have I ever said to myself, boy I would really like to sit in front of a computer screen listening to the whine of ft8 while out in a beautiful park.

[@marcellinogemelli5218]

Great job, am inspired by your video and am starting the planning process for my own. Two thoughts, though. 1) Why include the solar charger in here? I would only leave the battery access and put the solar charger together with the solar panel when/if I'm taking the panel along. 2) Most of my antennas have PL259 and I'll use a PL259 "pigtail to bulkhead". With the room saved I could permanently have the CE-19 interface or at least its cable should I be doing FT-8 on the go, including not only in the field but eg in a vacation home.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Marcellino. The short answer is because I wanted too. The more things I have in the box the less I will forget. I have 5 different solar panels that I'll use at any given time so having the charge controller in the box prevents it from getting lost. Second, I don't really care that much about digital so I wasn't concerned with putting all that extra stuff in there, which still wouldn't fit even if I didn't have the charge controller inside. Most of my antennas that I'd use with this build have bnc as do the thinner coax I use. I have adapters if I use something else. The point of me showing this build isn't to question why I did something, quite honestly, who cares why I did what I did? The goal is to inspire others to be creative and come up with your own solutions that best reflect your own operating style, which by the sounds of it, I have done. Thanks for watching. Let me know if you have any other questions. 73

[@marcellinogemelli5218]

@@hamradiotube Hi, thanks for the reply - YES! You have inspired me for sure. I know you don't like digital, hopefully I've given an idea to people who do. Great stuff you do here on KZbin, keep it going! 73's KM6EAY

[@scottweinstein4255]

Do you recommend protection for the exposed solar charge controller? Maybe large shrink tube? Conformal coating seems like overkill though.

[@hamradiotube]

I actually have it in heat shrink but cut it out for this video to show it better.

[@scottweinstein4255]

@@hamradiotube awesome. I like that it's mppt but I also read that the rockpals 60w panels may not trigger mppt correctly vs pwm.

[@wild-radio7373]

Dang! How am I missing these livestreams?!?! Watching the replay now. Thank you for doing this :) 🤜🏻👍🤛🏻♡♡♡

[@hamradiotube]

It wasn't a live stream. Just a premier. I didn't give much notice last night so you're prob not the only one.

[@peterdekeles.]

too cool. Guess I know what I'm doing this winter.

[@hamradiotube]

Nice. It's a fun project and very practical. I use this all the time.

[@OLDMANGAMING1970]

You are the man. Love it

[@paulhastings3109]

Question Why not use a bus bar for Fuze and Hopefully to away with less wire. There's 2 m we're loose uh power Poles. I'm still trying to lay mine out think it'll be a big headache.

[@brentOhlookAsnake]

So is the top part of the distribution block for charging the battery and solar panel? Or which is each plug used for?

[@hamradiotube]

Yes, the top is solely for charging. Top left has the solar charge controller connected. Top right is bypassing the charge controller so I can use my home charger. They both go into the top meter so I can monitor how many amp hours have gone into the battery. The battery itself has 2 separate connectors, one for charging and one for output. Thats how I was able to split everything. It's actually pretty easy. I am no electrical engineer trust me.

[@jeremychvilicek118]

Can you add a power input so that you could plug this into a power supply? I'm liking this concept and thinking it would be nice to have one radio in a box and then be able to easily take it from the shack to the field. Let me know your thoughts. I'd be thinking about doing it with the IC 7100

[@hamradiotube]

You could. You'd have to splice in another wire somewhere though. Prob from one of the power poles on top of the case directly to the power wire for the radio. That would only leave one available power pole for other things though. You'd also have to figure out a way to isolate it from the battery connection to the radio so the power supply isn't putting power into the battery. Prob not the worst thing in the world if it did though.

[@jeremychvilicek118]

@@hamradiotube Could I add another set of power poles for this operation? I would probably need to add a few switches and some instructions so that I can bypass the battery. Do you have a schematic of this current setup?

[@joegarcia7904]

Good Engineering and Good Amateur Practice! KM6WBL.

[@hamradiotube]

I appreciate you watching. 73

[@winstonsmiths2449]

Last comment I promise: like your work with Josh! Watch all of those vids.

[@hamradiotube]

Awesome, thanks so much!

[@richardwhitcroftkc3rrw63]

I purchased the 4800 for this build ... good guess on my part..... might not have the space issue then. In your final build did u consider not to use wire nuts

[@hamradiotube]

No this is the final build. I though about getting some wago or whatever they are connectors but if it aint broke don't fix it. I built this to be as small and compact as possible so I don't really consider the space an issue.

[@gregorysmith3097]

Nice build. I'm an idiot, it never occurred to me to use my grinder like you did for the G90 feet. For the front panel cable, there are angle adapters and angled cables available in DB9 form factor. It may make it easier to route the cable, or maybe not. And is there any reason you couldn't mount the radio body upside down since you aren't a fan of the heat sink on the bottom?

[@hamradiotube]

Grinder all the things! I don't think the 90 adapter would be better as it would be at an awkward angle when collapsed. The only reason I mounted the radio like I did was I wanted the speaker firing up but there's nothing stopping you from mounting the other way. I haven't had a chance to use it much in the heat but I haven't had any problems so far with the radios temperature. We'll find out this summer if I need to add a fan.

[@JoeBurden]

I just realized you got a 90 deg coax connector in there. Those things will go bad and short on ya. FYI. POTA on!

[@hamradiotube]

What?? Maybe a crappy one.

[@JoeBurden]

@@hamradiotube Just following the advice of Jimmy, KA5DOB "The Audio Man." He has even gone so far as to put it on his QRZ page in red letters. It was in relation to frying tubes in an amp. YMMV. 73's. Good to catch ya on POTA today.

[@KC0VFO]

Not to be too critical, but I would think the fan on the G90 would force the radio to overheat. Maybe I am missing something?

[@hamradiotube]

Well, there is no fan on the G90 to begin with. Everyone has commented about the heat but it works great in this box ever since I built this. It’s still in it and I use it all the time.

[@jbgreer]

Thanks much for the behind-the-scenes-making-of video. I wonder if there’s a reliable way to insert a right angle connector into the back of the G90 to reduce the overall length and bend on that cable.

[@hamradiotube]

Sure there is. I had one on in the beginning of the video. I just don't need it. There isn't any stress on the coax and its only a 6" jumper. This way actually worked better.

[@jbgreer]

@@hamradiotubeIm' not talking about he coax connector; I caught that elbow connector before you switched the pig tail. I'm talking about the 9(?) pin connector from the G90 body to the head unit.

[@JnJTrueOutdoorAdventures]

Great video on the design and completion of the Go Box!! Really like how you did that. 73 Juddie WD8WV

[@hamradiotube]

Thank you very much!

[@hhampton]

Did you give any consideration to either drilling holes in the bottom plexiglass panel below the body of the radio or even cutting an opening to aid air flow and cooling? Also, how long can you operate with the 6 amp your battery?

[@hamradiotube]

No I didn't want to cut any more holes than were already in it. There is plenty of room around the perimeter and the hole for the head unit. I'm not too worried. On RX the battery will last about 10 hours. Working a full on pileup until the battery is dead prob 2.5-3 hours I would guess.

[@phillipannmaxson262]

Well done Mike, Any chance of seeing a wiring diagram for the box? I'm going for a radio box with a battery and a second box, actually a combo solar controller /laptop power supply brief case. So I'm trying to split off some of your wiring to the second box, which will have an included battery /watt meter/ for my 12 volt laptop and a step up voltage transformer to supply my regular laptop at 16.5 volts. I have watched your video multiple times and still can't figure out your interconnects, which I don't think apply to my situation. KI5PC

[@hamradiotube]

I'm not sure I follow you. You're going to make 2 boxes but you want to connect them together? Does your computer charge with USB-C? You could just get at USB-C PD outlet. I use them in my newer builds and can charge my laptop off of it. I think it charges at like ~20V. These are the ones I use now. amzn.to/4f9S8Fz

[@burakd83]

Very cool build. I learned a couple of tricks too. Would it matter if the radio body was mounted upside-down since you have the head remote? Precision engineering with aviator safety glasses :)

[@hamradiotube]

Well I've gotta look cool while I do it don't I? It wouldn't matter other than the speaker would be firing downwards. Thats the only reason I didn't mount it upside down.

[@davidtheriault7652]

Digital - spot on! Listening to a dial-up modem during an “Activation”.. is completely boring! KO4KHB

[@53capridrive]

Great job! Your videos are very enjoyable to watch. 73

[@hamradiotube]

Thank you very much!

[@Jimmyzb36]

Thanks for the inspiration. I'm planning a g90 box with an amplifer and external bio battery. no solar for now. I am concerned about rf with the amp enclosed with the radio. Thanks again. Jimmy KN4UXO

[@brentOhlookAsnake]

Can you actually plug anything into the powerpoles on top? Or are they specifically for the wiring underneath? Also, the barrel connector, where did you get that?

[@hamradiotube]

Sure you can. The top 2 are wired for charging but the bottom 2 can power whatever you want. The barrel connector came off of my old wireless guitar system rack mount. I knew I would use it for something some day.

[@timaustin577]

2023 buying one next week :-)

[@sanjithnair3266]

Nice work sir. I got some new ideas from this video. Thank You.

[@hamradiotube]

Awesome, glad to hear.

[@paulhastings3109]

What size box did you use. What is the next size at harbor freight. Looking forward to build my.. don't know if I will my 817 or the g 90. tnxs 73. Oh what was the other charger.

[@hamradiotube]

I'm using the 2800. 3800 is the next bigger size. My home charger is a HiTek. There is a link in the description.

[@paulhastings3109]

@@hamradiotube tnxs don't how 817 will work but if all falls through just go fo the g 90, lose 2 and 70 but gain more power out. Decisions decisions

[@radiomb53]

Very nice design and video 73

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks so much.

[@dadlife3558]

Not sure if I missed it. What battery did you use?

[@hamradiotube]

6AH Bioenno.

[@danjensen9303]

Nice job 👍

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks 👍

[@neilmartin112]

where did you get the work bench?

[@hamradiotube]

Harbor Freight.

[@dxscotland5901]

Great job 👍

[@hamradiotube]

thanks

[@richardwhitcroftkc3rrw63]

what was the box you used for this project

[@hamradiotube]

It's one of the Harbor Freight cases. I cant remember the number but its the one below the 3800.

[@ajameslee]

Awesome setup! What about heating issues? Have you had any issues with the unit getting too hot? If so, I guess one could add a fan and leave the top off the radio body since it’s in a water resistant case.

[@hamradiotube]

I haven't done a full on test out in the field with a huge pileup all day but what I have done with it I haven't worried about heat at all.

[@ajameslee]

@@hamradiotube really awesome build

[@michaelbailey4774]

Just found your video - great build! I won a G90 a couple of months ago and just started playing with it. A couple of quick questions that I did not catch while watching the video - What Case are you using, and what is its' size? What thickness of panel have you found to be the most effective? Have you found any "heat" issues with the radio since making this video in the last 18 months - would adding a small cpu type fan to the case help? Thanks --- Michael KI7LXY

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching! Literally every one of those things is in the description of the video. No I don’t have heat issues. I have no need for a fan.

[@winstonsmiths2449]

These comments are ideas for others to consider. I do not have many tools and I improvise all the time LOL! These ARE NOT intended to say "my ideas are better" or any silly sh!t like that. I used this material for the top panel/cover: www.homedepot.com/p/3-16-in-x-2-ft-x-4-ft-Chalkboard-Whiteboard-7012145/313109284#overlay I used cheap backer type board for the base/bottom. I also used nylon locking nuts for the support of the cover/top. I made sure the height of the cover/top was at X inches, threaded on the nylon nuts and that lefty about 1/4" of the bolt exposed above the cover/top. I made it look purty by using acorn nuts! That means I will need a tool to remove the cover, but I just include a cheap flat wrench I had laying around from an Ikea purchase. Just put it in a storage bag that fits inside the case.

[@hamradiotube]

Right on, thanks for sharing. Hope you enjoy your new toy!

[@matthewanderson73]

How much RF noise does the MPPT Charge controller put out?

[@hamradiotube]

Well the first one I bought and have since managed to destroy put out zero rf noise. This one is all kinds of noisy. I didn’t have the first one hooked up in the same way though so that might have something to do with it. I had it hooked up to the solar panel a bit away from the radio.

[@matthewanderson73]

@@hamradiotube I appreciate the information. I am still trying to finish my gobox. I am down to the charge controller (I have the RFI Powerwerx one now) & solar panel. Having to stay budget friendly since I’m ordering a 891 when I pass my general Saturday! 73

[@mikeramsey9747]

Was there a reason that you couldn't install the radio upside down so that the cooling fins were up vs. down? Use of Wagos would had made connecting the wires together. Heat dissipation is my only concern with your build otherwise awesome job.

[@hamradiotube]

One, it doesn't really matter, two, the speaker fires up which is more important to me. I assure you there is no problem with heat.

[@epnuzuluaga766]

Ferrite cores to stop the noise, how does that box run with the G90 getting hot, i see there is no fan, is the heat an issue?

[@hamradiotube]

That might work if there were any more room inside. I’ve not had any issues at all with heat either. That’s prob the biggest question I get on this video. Even in the Texas heat I’ve not had a problem.

[@epnuzuluaga766]

@@hamradiotube Thanks you for the timely response, your answer helped relieve a bit of worry I had about the unit. I take receipt of my G90 tomorrow, and have already eyeballed my pelican briefcase for a go box for it.

[@chrissewell1608]

It kills me to watch someone building a project, when they don't have / use the right tools. I know every guy doesn't have a full tool shop, at hand. But, dude, I hope you have gotten a set of wrenchs by now!

[@stephanhersey1186]

Assume build. Gave me some good ideas. Thanks. Steve, k7ofg

[@jkpisces]

how do you secure it down when u carry it so that it wont bang or rattle around?

[@hamradiotube]

I close the lid.

[@jkpisces]

@@hamradiotube then it will be rubbing on top of the lid with the available space in between

[@Wastin_Time]

So how long does that 6 amp battery last with that rig? I have a mcHF rs-918 I'm wanting to build something like this with

[@hamradiotube]

just on RX about 10 hours. Full on pileup about 3 hours. The RS-918 would last even longer as it doesn't draw as much current. I have that radio too and love it.

[@Wastin_Time]

@@hamradiotube I'm trying to figure out what I want to build with. I have a 10 watt solar panel that I could trickle it with.

[@krazyjojo1]

Use some ferrite beads and that will help with the RF

[@hamradiotube]

Good point.

[@EarthlyVibes]

🇨🇦🇺🇸 well that certainly gave me some inspiration, thanks a bunch.

[@hamradiotube]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jamescarroll6954]

Fabrication? Ah-you just made that up.

[@hamradiotube]

I make a lot of things up.

[@ravenbarsrepairs5594]

Rather than having a screw head pushing on the battery, why not source thinner knobs for the radio?

[@arayarock1]

Nice! im looking for some ideas! yours is good°!