Rugged HF Go Kit for POTA/Camping/ARES

Let's take a look at my rugged go kit for POTA and camping. This a perfect option for ARES/RACES preparedness as well. This kit contains everything you would need minus the antenna system to get out for an afternoon, or quick deploy a station for ARES while the rest of the infrastructure gets set up to support you. This kit should run all afternoon using less than 50 watts.
Yaesu FT-891
MFJ-9201: amzn.to/3s2UKwC
TalentCell from this video: amzn.to/3uuf6Aq
6Ah I also use: amzn.to/2QcYKNC
The above amazon links are part of the affiliate program. I am including the links per a request to make finding items easier. While my goal is to provide educational content because I enjoy creating it, I decided to use these links as they offer a small benefit to me versus just linking to the product page. They do not effect you in any way, shape or form. In fact I would encourage you to try and hunt for better prices on eBay or elsewhere to save you money. I hope you understand my thought process here.

[@HamRadioNewb]

Thanks for watching! Let me know what you would change, or what your setup looks like down below!

[@VegaVenturing]

Would love to see a video on your MFJ manual tuner and how exactly it works.

[@HamRadioNewb]

@@VegaVenturing I'll try and get one up in the next few weeks! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@johnnybarfield4402]

Could you bldg 1 for me?

[@HamRadioNewb]

@@johnnybarfield4402 hi, this is as simple as just picking foam pieces out ti for your radio. Harbor freight has what is needed.

[@jamesmengel5818]

That case when shut will keep everything dry if it happens to be in a down pour. I’ve got 2 of the Apache riffle cases permanently mounted on top of my 4Runner. They’ve been up there for just over a year and everything stays dry. Love the set up you have and thinking about doing something similar as well, thanks for the video!

[@AZREDFERN]

I've been wanting to do the same thing, except hard mount without the foam, a screen for a RPi running HamClock with other various apps, and a 12v Noctua fan drafting air into the case when open and in use. All running off a compact switching power supply, and a power pole connector for vehicle or external battery use. Like a little command center.

[@robledgerwood6802]

really like this video. i have the 891 and am starting the kit build journey. great job.

[@woodsbikes6130]

That's a nice setup you built. Thank you for sharing. My setup consists of a similar sized hard case (Pelican brand) and I've placed a 1/2" plywood board in the bottom and attached the mounting brackets for both the FT-891 and a KW TMD-700 dual bander. I'm still tweaking the setup though. And I use an external power source consisting of a Powerwerx Megabox wiwth 2 - 7ah LiPo batteries. Like most of us it's a constant work-in-progress and frequently redoing a setup for a given activity or situation. 🙂 It's big and bulky I know, but for the time being it'll work for me P.s., I like your reasoning for keeping the power lead long. That was good thinking. Stay safe everyone and happy hamming. 🙂

[@HamRadioNewb]

Thanks! I'll be posting videos soon about my current setup, it's changed immensely!! Subscribe and stay tuned!!

[@VegaVenturing]

Very cool. If I get the 891 I will do a similar set up to haul around in my camper van. Thanks for posting!

[@HamRadioNewb]

It’s worked out well so far, I’ve had it out a few times. Just add antenna and go!

[@LambertMatias]

Thanks sharing your nice go box! Cheers and 73!

[@HamRadioNewb]

Thanks for watching!

[@winstonsmiths2449]

Thanks for the video. Still prepping for Tech Test but not waiting, I want a go rig built. Keeps me busy LOL.

[@HamRadioNewb]

Nice! If you want a cheaper option too you can check out the g90 as well, a lot of people seem to like it.

[@Relayer1974]

Awesome video! I just subscribed

[@k2cjbradio]

Nice kit!

[@HamRadioNewb]

Thanks! I have a v2 I'll be posting soon, much more comprehensive

[@NS0O-EN33ec]

Starting to think of a go kit and loved the items you built around yours. I am interested in antennas and have been a little shocked at the sticker price for well reviewed kits that are available for portable kits.

[@HamRadioNewb]

Wolf river coils is a fantastic solution, it's not as pretty, but works well!

[@jterrellcreative]

Great video. What kind of charger are you using for that LifePo battery?

[@HamRadioNewb]

I have a DC to DC charger I purchased from Amazon. Isdt q8 It does .1 to 25amps on all chemistries.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks for the video 73 from kb2uew

[@twohandsandaradio]

891... let's be honest, it's the only small portable 100 watt option we have available new. On the used market one can do so much better than the 891.

[@HamRadioNewb]

Any suggestions on alternative rigs? I have been extremely impressed with the 891. No complaints about it really. In my mobile setup It takes care of all the car noise, fits nice under my seat, and has a nice clear screen to navigate around the features I want.

[@notsure7874]

I'm curious too. There's the ft-818ND for a lighter setup but low power and idk how useful the vhf/uhf would be at only 1 watt or so - it's not 100w though. There's the 857D - have to get the D, or you don't get the collins filter, and that somebesh is expensive on the secondary market and also out of production. I'm all ears for alternatives - something close to the size of the 857 maybe with a built in tuner. I'm personally leaning toward an 857d so I can get ssb on vhf/uhf too, then the dual band box for "normal" local coms.

[@justinb.5822]

Nice set up. I would like it better if you would have hooked everything up and done a live demonstration.

[@HamRadioNewb]

I have a video for setting up wolf river coils, that features this case and backpack load out at a local park!

[@HamRadioNewb]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5-TkJShpJykhac

[@richarde735]

the Apache is just as good as the Pelican for 1/4 the price

[@HamRadioNewb]

Good enough for me! I think pelicans use glass fiber reinforced plastic though, similar to tools. They are more durable, but I'm not going to spend the money!!

[@JayN4GO]

What antenna do you take. Nice setup. Minimalist

[@HamRadioNewb]

Generally the wolf river coils with the 17ft whip

[@gregmeyer2294]

What was the name of the power pole distribution box pls.

[@HamRadioNewb]

Chunzehui is the brand.

[@Francois_Dupont]

how much have you paid for your Yaesu?

[@forgetyourlife]

that tuner may say 100w but look at whats inside! no way.

[@HamRadioNewb]

I wouldn't use it daily in the shack, but if something is close already I think it would be fine to clean it up. I've used it a number of times now

[@rajurammaraj1899]

Nice setup 73s de VU3MYP

[@HamRadioNewb]

Thanks!