UPDATE: Feb 2021 - Here is a link to the parts list for the Big Orange Box! docs.google.co... This is my first attempt to make a ham radio Go Box. This is for 2m/70cm emcomm, primarily for ARES and Skywarn activities.
Nice setup. Would have loved to see the underside and get a description from you on how you architected the electronics, connections, etc. A list of your materials would be helpful too...like the case you mentioned the name, and maybe some other helpful tips on the power supply etc. I been making my own go boxes out of ammo cans and now wish to do a brief case style like what you've done here. I love the fact that you can get a pi and use winlink too. That's one of my goals also. Thanks for sharing. Cheers and 73! Oh and btw, i am a Cubs fan as well. Lived in Chicago for 40 years, now I'm in Annapolis MD cheering the Nationals. Go Cubbies! Lambert, KK6WOW ARES/RACES
Nice build. I like how clean it looks and love the PI monitor as well. As noted by many others, I would love to see under the top plate how you have everything positioned and connected.
Nice rig. Just a suggestion, I would get a label maker and label everything... You never know when another person might need to use or deploy your go box.
one of the better builds I've seen. Very impressive. As others mentioned, seeing the undercarriage would have been great, but great build, awesome video.
Being a Linux/MAC OS user only I also stumbled upon the dilemma on how to run winlink and VARA modem on my go box raspberry pi using the Signalink and the KX3, well The PI4 with 8 gigabytes of RAM can run Windows 10 flawlessy (at least for what I need to do) so I carry two SD cards in the box, one for Raspian and one for Windows, so if I need to run Winlink/VARA to send or receive email while out camping, then I insert the Windows 10 SD card into the Pi and I'm in bussines.
For the extra switch: It is possible to use the Raspberry Pi without a monitor. For instance, you could use a table to SSH into the Raspberry over a WiFi network run by the Pi itself. Then you wouldn't need to power the display. So you could use one switch to power on the Pi and a separate switch for the monitor.
Yeah, I think you're right. My plan was to add banana plug outlets instead of powerpoles because the whole powerpole thing seems like an expensive marketing ploy to me, but so many people use them that I may add outlets for both.
Repeat, nice job! One recommendation from what I learned building my first: Use barrel nuts or (easier to find) acorn nuts. They cap off the support bolts neatly AND prevent gouges to the arm. Just use bolts that will not be more than 1/5" an inch above the the cover panel. Also learned that using nylon locking nuts to set the height of the covering panel and to minimize the length of bolt that is exposed. They can be adjusted to get the cover panel at just the right height. The two bolts trick to lock is okay but a PITA when adjustments are needed. AND...I learned that using a fuse panel with spade connectors with no ground post is easier. You can place a common ground wherever you like and is can help keep the King Rat from forming! LASTLY...I prefer to have my plug-in receptacle (USBs, cigarette lighter, etc.) toward the case hinge. Keeps wires/cords out of the way. Okay, last comment: I am still looking for a speaker to mount on the cover panel. I have a Yaesu FTM-400XDR and the control head is a PITA to position. The radio body is beneath the panel` and the built in speaker gets muffled a bit. I have a cut-out area where I mount the control head on a DIY bracket. It lowers it just enough to close the Apache 2800 case lid and not put much pressure on the control knobs. It does allow for hearing the speaker but I still want the exterior speaker option.
Great video! You have provided me with the motivation to complete a very similar go box using a Hatbor Freight water tight case. I just ordered the Astron DeVincenzi. Genius! 73 Guy AE6FE
Outstanding!!! Just remember, it involves a lot of trial and error. The only way I ever finished was by refusing to give up after doing something completely wrong!
I like your video. I would like to see more about how you interconnected the AC power into the system, inverter you used, etc. Do you have plans to incorporate a solar charger into your setup ? I also didn't see what you did with regards to your antenna setup and still maintain the waterproof integrity of your case.
Finally someone who understands if you have a water tight case you don't put holes to the outside of your $$ case for accessories which wrecks it's Water Proof Property's & flotation ability!!. Please List items used in build for the viewers Great build !!! Now you need a solar charger and LifePo4 Battery Build 100amh ad some Anderson connectors. Question Why a fan when QTY 25w and on top of inner cover? do you have power supply that hot? Tighten loose nuts and use lock tight in future lol.
YES! THANK YOU FOR THINKING THE SAME WAY!!! Why on earth would anyone drill a hole in a perfectly good watertight case when there are all sorts of ways to get around that?!? Clearly you and I are in the intelligent minority :-D
And your other comments...yes to all. I knew the fan would be overkill, but I operate outside in the summer in Texas and I wanted to be extra sure I didn't melt my rig.
Nice setup!! I did something similar with a 50 caliber plastic ammo storage box from MTM. I have a video of it and it's Construction on my TH-cam channel. That extra switch could be used for a TNC or a Signalink sound card interface. You could do digital on VHF or UHF on simplex. Use to do that a lot 12 years ago. Did PSK and even slowscan tv on 2 meter fm simplex. Juddie WD8WV
Could you on your next video, think about opening up the case and showing us what inside?? I know you got a Raspberry Pi due to the monitor in the case lid. I want to do the same thing with the FT-817ND I have and the Signalink USB interface that I have. I would love to see what all you have behind the control panel. I am always looking at ideas to incorporated into a portable setup. As I mentioned in my earlier comment, I have my VHF/UHF camp radio that I did in the 50 caliber ammo storage box, but I want to do a HF setup as well and with the Yaesu FT-817ND it is all band and all mode, covering 1 MHz to 30 MHz and then 6 Meters, VHF and UHF. So I would have it all in one box. Again, great video and great setup!! Juddie WD8WV
@@k5hrv605 thanks!! I have already watched it and posted a thank you. I really want to do something like that maybe for my Yaesu FT-817ND. I love seeing peoples inventions and how they are assembled. Juddie WD8WV
Very nice build 👍. Consider bringing Pi's micro SD card out to the faceplate. You can get extender cables with bulkheads and covers. Looks like you have the space for it.
You're thinking is right on the money in my opinion. Unfortunately, one of those switches does already control an LED strip at the top of the open case.
For nice build for hobby/ rec use! I don’t see it being used for any kind of redundant or emergency communications as the size and setup( radio/ software) dosent seem practical.
In the time since I built that rig, I've come to agree. I tried to make it "cool" instead of practical. It's too heavy, too big, needs a higher quality/more capable radio, LiFePo batt, and a small headless PC instead of an RPi. I'm thinking of making a video about precisely that, along with a more practical build. I'm always open to suggestions!
Hi! I'm fortunate to work for an employer who uses this material for one of its products and allowed me to have a scrap for free. It's excellent for a control panel. It's called ValuMetal by a company called Nudo. www.nudo.com/p_valumetal.php?crumb=%3Ca+href%3D%27l_sign_panels.php%3Fitem%3Dproduct%27%3ESign+Panels%3C%2Fa%3E
Yeah, I should have addressed that in the video, but forgot. The 1/4" plywood platform on the bottom of the case is attached to the inside of the case using "industrial" Velcro, available from Home Depot, Lowe's, etc... I'm also using industrial velcro to keep my components attached to the plywood. The holes cut into the control panel were made suing my employer's very large computer-controlled router (I got a lucky break). To replicate that kind of precision by hand would've taken me a long time (especially the 144 perfectly-spaced vent holes).
I do! There's still a lot of space under the panel for stuff. I want to put a solar charge controller in there, add a couple of power pole and banana connector sockets...maybe make the tri-band radio swappable with a little HF radio even.
Yeah...and it's not great. On hot days, every once in awhile, it slips off as the adhesive on the back of the Velcro stuck to the lid warms up. Using epoxy between the plastic back of the monitor and the plastic lid would likely yield a more permanent solution, but I'm still not 100% certain I'll keep the monitor in its current position, so I'm holding off for now.
Some cheap no-name brand from Ali Express. They’re TERRIBLE! One died and the other loses about 39 seconds per day. I’ve since purchased a Casio wristwatch that shows UTC and two other time zones simultaneously.
Thanks for your question! Aliexpress.com has many vendors that provide them. A word of caution: the plug isn't "waterproof" so much as water resistant. It is simply a socket with a tightly-fitting lid...but I would never submerge it and assume it would prevent all water from entering. I use it to reduce the chances of water and dust from entering if there's rain or dust present when the lid is open. And if it does begin to rain while the lid is open, I quickly close it. Here's just one vendor: www.aliexpress.com/item/32845137744.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.6f73578ffll9XJ&algo_pvid=189e1488-20e4-453e-9626-ee969af94086&algo_expid=189e1488-20e4-453e-9626-ee969af94086-4&btsid=0ab50a5715983199100212567e35c2&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_
I could, but really it's because I know there are a lot of great ham applications I can install and use in the near-term future (most of which I still have to learn).
"Cheapest Possible"...ok, just kidding. Seriously, I source a lot of my parts from vendors on aliexpress.com. It's hit and miss quality on that site, but there are sooooo many vendors that sell the same things coming out of the same factories. I usually get good products by making sure the products I order have at least a 4.8 star rating and have sold at least 100 units. For the LCD screen, just search for "Raspberry Pi 7 inch screen." I got the non-touchscreen version. For the keyboard, search for "Small Wireless Keyboard." Seriously, that's all I did. Neither item has an actual brand name :-)
Great Video.... It motivated me to make a go box.... I have the same dual band radio and I would like to replicate the go box you made.... I would greatly appreciate a list of materials and where purchased to make an identical box as yours.... also where did you get the white metal plate that you inserted into your box or that you make that yourself...? Thank you... Alex Kd8nzx@gmail.com
I don't but I've been a Cubs fan since I was about 12 years old. It just seemed like the most classic all-American baseball team ever, and I've been in love ever since. I've lived in Texas my whole life, but I go to Cubs games whenever I can.
![[[OFFICIAL MV]] เอิ้นขวัญให้อ้าย- อ๊ะอาย สกุณาพร | ค่ายเพลงเป็นหนึ่ง](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/83x6L3X3qh0/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey folks! Check the video description. I've (finally) created a parts list for this project.
Nice setup. Would have loved to see the underside and get a description from you on how you architected the electronics, connections, etc. A list of your materials would be helpful too...like the case you mentioned the name, and maybe some other helpful tips on the power supply etc. I been making my own go boxes out of ammo cans and now wish to do a brief case style like what you've done here. I love the fact that you can get a pi and use winlink too. That's one of my goals also. Thanks for sharing. Cheers and 73! Oh and btw, i am a Cubs fan as well. Lived in Chicago for 40 years, now I'm in Annapolis MD cheering the Nationals. Go Cubbies!
Lambert, KK6WOW
ARES/RACES
You built the super upgraded version of what I want to build! Seeing stuff like this is so cool!
Nice build. I like how clean it looks and love the PI monitor as well. As noted by many others, I would love to see under the top plate how you have everything positioned and connected.
Nice rig. Just a suggestion, I would get a label maker and label everything... You never know when another person might need to use or deploy your go box.
FYI - I finally did label everything :-)
@@k5hrv605 New video time!
@@kg7wbw359 UGH...i know I know! The guilt is brewing in me ;-) Soon, my friend.
one of the better builds I've seen. Very impressive. As others mentioned, seeing the undercarriage would have been great, but great build, awesome video.
Yep. I finally made an "under the control panel" video showing the devices and wiring. Check it out!
Nice build!! I would love to see a list of equipment in it.
Being a Linux/MAC OS user only I also stumbled upon the dilemma on how to run winlink and VARA modem on my go box raspberry pi using the Signalink and the KX3, well
The PI4 with 8 gigabytes of RAM can run Windows 10 flawlessy (at least for what I need to do) so I carry two SD cards in the box, one for Raspian and one for Windows, so if I need to run Winlink/VARA to send or receive email while out camping, then I insert the Windows 10 SD card into the Pi and I'm in bussines.
Nice! I hanven't made a video about this yet, but I've replaced my Pi with a very small PC (12v) running Win10 - solved a lot of problems.
For the extra switch: It is possible to use the Raspberry Pi without a monitor. For instance, you could use a table to SSH into the Raspberry over a WiFi network run by the Pi itself. Then you wouldn't need to power the display. So you could use one switch to power on the Pi and a separate switch for the monitor.
Really nice set up from a 'newbie's' view.
Hey, thanks!
nice build, one suggestion is to put an Anderson Power Pole outlet on the box. If you operate with other people you may need one.
Yeah, I think you're right. My plan was to add banana plug outlets instead of powerpoles because the whole powerpole thing seems like an expensive marketing ploy to me, but so many people use them that I may add outlets for both.
Very cool! Well planned out.
Thanks!
Repeat, nice job! One recommendation from what I learned building my first:
Use barrel nuts or (easier to find) acorn nuts. They cap off the support bolts neatly AND prevent gouges to the arm. Just use bolts that will not be more than 1/5" an inch above the the cover panel.
Also learned that using nylon locking nuts to set the height of the covering panel and to minimize the length of bolt that is exposed. They can be adjusted to get the cover panel at just the right height. The two bolts trick to lock is okay but a PITA when adjustments are needed.
AND...I learned that using a fuse panel with spade connectors with no ground post is easier. You can place a common ground wherever you like and is can help keep the King Rat from forming!
LASTLY...I prefer to have my plug-in receptacle (USBs, cigarette lighter, etc.) toward the case hinge. Keeps wires/cords out of the way.
Okay, last comment: I am still looking for a speaker to mount on the cover panel. I have a Yaesu FTM-400XDR and the control head is a PITA to position. The radio body is beneath the panel` and the built in speaker gets muffled a bit. I have a cut-out area where I mount the control head on a DIY bracket. It lowers it just enough to close the Apache 2800 case lid and not put much pressure on the control knobs. It does allow for hearing the speaker but I still want the exterior speaker option.
Very nice!!!! Like a bigger version of mine!!! I like you added the raspberry
Just what I was looking for!
Great video! You have provided me with the motivation to complete a very similar go box using a Hatbor Freight water tight case. I just ordered the Astron DeVincenzi. Genius!
73
Guy
AE6FE
Outstanding!!! Just remember, it involves a lot of trial and error. The only way I ever finished was by refusing to give up after doing something completely wrong!
I like your video. I would like to see more about how you interconnected the AC power into the system, inverter you used, etc. Do you have plans to incorporate a solar charger into your setup ? I also didn't see what you did with regards to your antenna setup and still maintain the waterproof integrity of your case.
Finally someone who understands if you have a water tight case you don't put holes to the outside of your $$ case for accessories which wrecks it's Water Proof Property's & flotation ability!!. Please List items used in build for the viewers Great build !!! Now you need a solar charger and LifePo4 Battery Build 100amh ad some Anderson connectors. Question Why a fan when QTY 25w and on top of inner cover? do you have power supply that hot? Tighten loose nuts and use lock tight in future lol.
YES! THANK YOU FOR THINKING THE SAME WAY!!! Why on earth would anyone drill a hole in a perfectly good watertight case when there are all sorts of ways to get around that?!? Clearly you and I are in the intelligent minority :-D
And your other comments...yes to all. I knew the fan would be overkill, but I operate outside in the summer in Texas and I wanted to be extra sure I didn't melt my rig.
Never knock a messy work bench. A clean work bench is a sign of a sick mind. Professional help should be sought.
I tink I could afford one of the wing nuts that holds it down.
I hear you - I collected the parts slowly over time saving my pennies.
Nice setup!! I did something similar with a 50 caliber plastic ammo storage box from MTM. I have a video of it and it's Construction on my TH-cam channel. That extra switch could be used for a TNC or a Signalink sound card interface. You could do digital on VHF or UHF on simplex. Use to do that a lot 12 years ago. Did PSK and even slowscan tv on 2 meter fm simplex. Juddie WD8WV
I think that's a good idea for the extra switch...and probably what I'll end up doing. I'll go take a look at your 50 cal video this week. 73!
Could you on your next video, think about opening up the case and showing us what inside?? I know you got a Raspberry Pi due to the monitor in the case lid. I want to do the same thing with the FT-817ND I have and the Signalink USB interface that I have. I would love to see what all you have behind the control panel. I am always looking at ideas to incorporated into a portable setup. As I mentioned in my earlier comment, I have my VHF/UHF camp radio that I did in the 50 caliber ammo storage box, but I want to do a HF setup as well and with the Yaesu FT-817ND it is all band and all mode, covering 1 MHz to 30 MHz and then 6 Meters, VHF and UHF. So I would have it all in one box. Again, great video and great setup!! Juddie WD8WV
Ok buddy! I posted a video on the guts of my ham box last night. Enjoy!
@@k5hrv605 thanks!! I have already watched it and posted a thank you. I really want to do something like that maybe for my Yaesu FT-817ND. I love seeing peoples inventions and how they are assembled. Juddie WD8WV
Very nice build 👍. Consider bringing Pi's micro SD card out to the faceplate. You can get extender cables with bulkheads and covers. Looks like you have the space for it.
I hadn't considered that. Not a bad idea, and wouldn't take much effort.
Nice video. Hello from Texas.
What a beautiful product. You should sell these kits!
Thanks Again For Sharing
This is awesome man.
Thanks man! It was a lot of fun to make, and it's a TON of fun to use.
I’d put some sort of led light on it and run it to that unused switch.
You're thinking is right on the money in my opinion. Unfortunately, one of those switches does already control an LED strip at the top of the open case.
Great setup and neat frontplate! Would love to see how you mounted it into the case.
It's done! Check out my channel.
you funny man !nice build
Oh, also, look at the Apache case sold through Harbor Freight. Looks like about half the price of Nanuk or Pelican.
Make that extra button play Freebird?
There's an idea!
I added a rocker switch that controls nothing. Like yours, it leaves some options to add a couple more items!
I'm in the process of building a go box. How do you secure the battery and the charging device to the case?
For nice build for hobby/ rec use!
I don’t see it being used for any kind of redundant or emergency communications as the size and setup( radio/ software) dosent seem practical.
In the time since I built that rig, I've come to agree. I tried to make it "cool" instead of practical. It's too heavy, too big, needs a higher quality/more capable radio, LiFePo batt, and a small headless PC instead of an RPi. I'm thinking of making a video about precisely that, along with a more practical build. I'm always open to suggestions!
Hello, how did you find or make the frame to mount all the items. Thanks Robert
Sorry for the late reply! Here's the inside of my rig: th-cam.com/video/DNbwSHlS9jU/w-d-xo.html
Very cool. Next time include space for papers and a notepad :)
Oh how I wanted to do that! I may still figure out a way.
Helpful videl
EZ KIBASZOTT JÓ!
Would you mind sharing what the top surface of the box is? It looks like white acrylic but I'm not sure.
Hi! I'm fortunate to work for an employer who uses this material for one of its products and allowed me to have a scrap for free. It's excellent for a control panel. It's called ValuMetal by a company called Nudo. www.nudo.com/p_valumetal.php?crumb=%3Ca+href%3D%27l_sign_panels.php%3Fitem%3Dproduct%27%3ESign+Panels%3C%2Fa%3E
Where did you get your mounting panel?
th-cam.com/video/DNbwSHlS9jU/w-d-xo.html
Nice setup. What is the material used to mount everything and how did you cut the holes needed?
Yeah, I should have addressed that in the video, but forgot. The 1/4" plywood platform on the bottom of the case is attached to the inside of the case using "industrial" Velcro, available from Home Depot, Lowe's, etc... I'm also using industrial velcro to keep my components attached to the plywood. The holes cut into the control panel were made suing my employer's very large computer-controlled router (I got a lucky break). To replicate that kind of precision by hand would've taken me a long time (especially the 144 perfectly-spaced vent holes).
Do you have plans for solar power to recharge battery?
I do! There's still a lot of space under the panel for stuff. I want to put a solar charge controller in there, add a couple of power pole and banana connector sockets...maybe make the tri-band radio swappable with a little HF radio even.
How did you mount the monitor to the lid? Heavy duty Velcro? Gerald KG0VA
Yeah...and it's not great. On hot days, every once in awhile, it slips off as the adhesive on the back of the Velcro stuck to the lid warms up. Using epoxy between the plastic back of the monitor and the plastic lid would likely yield a more permanent solution, but I'm still not 100% certain I'll keep the monitor in its current position, so I'm holding off for now.
@@k5hrv605 Thanks. I was hoping for a better result for a project I'm planning.
Where did you get the little clocks? What brand are they?
Some cheap no-name brand from Ali Express. They’re TERRIBLE! One died and the other loses about 39 seconds per day. I’ve since purchased a Casio wristwatch that shows UTC and two other time zones simultaneously.
Where did you buy your AC waterproof plug? I've scoured the internet and I can't find one.
Thanks for your question! Aliexpress.com has many vendors that provide them. A word of caution: the plug isn't "waterproof" so much as water resistant. It is simply a socket with a tightly-fitting lid...but I would never submerge it and assume it would prevent all water from entering. I use it to reduce the chances of water and dust from entering if there's rain or dust present when the lid is open. And if it does begin to rain while the lid is open, I quickly close it. Here's just one vendor:
www.aliexpress.com/item/32845137744.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.6f73578ffll9XJ&algo_pvid=189e1488-20e4-453e-9626-ee969af94086&algo_expid=189e1488-20e4-453e-9626-ee969af94086-4&btsid=0ab50a5715983199100212567e35c2&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_
A build and schematic diagram would have been awesome.
Yeah, I should probably do that. You're not the first to ask for that. My "schematics" are pretty basic tho.
Very nice....73's de Rudy yb7use
What are the benefits for the raspberry pi in the box?
I could, but really it's because I know there are a lot of great ham applications I can install and use in the near-term future (most of which I still have to learn).
What product name LCD screen and keypad?
"Cheapest Possible"...ok, just kidding. Seriously, I source a lot of my parts from vendors on aliexpress.com. It's hit and miss quality on that site, but there are sooooo many vendors that sell the same things coming out of the same factories. I usually get good products by making sure the products I order have at least a 4.8 star rating and have sold at least 100 units. For the LCD screen, just search for "Raspberry Pi 7 inch screen." I got the non-touchscreen version. For the keyboard, search for "Small Wireless Keyboard." Seriously, that's all I did. Neither item has an actual brand name :-)
You should put links to all the items.
I should, but I'm lazy. I suppose I should do that soon anyway, despite my laziness.
Great Video....
It motivated me to make a go box....
I have the same dual band radio and I would like to replicate the go box you made.... I would greatly appreciate a list of materials and where purchased to make an identical box as yours.... also where did you get the white metal plate that you inserted into your box or that you make that yourself...?
Thank you...
Alex
Kd8nzx@gmail.com
You live in Chicago?
I don't but I've been a Cubs fan since I was about 12 years old. It just seemed like the most classic all-American baseball team ever, and I've been in love ever since. I've lived in Texas my whole life, but I go to Cubs games whenever I can.
thank you, KG7TUZ