Everyday Mobile Go Kit
I've been messing around with cheap(er) mobile go kits when I need a little more power, and I'm set up in a relatively fixed position. In the past, I would repurpose the radio installed in my truck so that I could operate it from outside the vehicle. I could relocate the radio's head unit and extend the speaker to the truck's tailgate for operation. The main downside was that I could be stranded if I drained my truck battery and could not start the truck. I explored solar charging solutions for the truck battery, but the main problem is that I had to operate close to wherever I could park.
I can operate from a picnic table, golf cart, pavilion, or cabin with this little kit.
While not as convenient as a go box build, I opted for flexibility and modularity over a single box kit. I'll probably build a box kit sometime in the future, but this is what I'm currently working with.
The Modular Kit
Power Distribution
I chose a modular, small ammo can build for my mobile/portable station. I designed this kit around a central power distribution box. I wanted to be able to use any battery, power any radio, and charge multiple devices.
This box is limited to 30A output (limited by battery choice & power pole connectors). It offers:
- 4 - 15A fused Andersen power pole
- 2 - USB-A QC 3.0 ports
- 2 - USB-C 65W PD ports
- 1 - Automotive power port
Radio
To save money with my mobile/portable concept build, I chose the Anytone AT-779UV 20W radio. Most locations I operate from do not require much more power than 20W to reach the repeaters.
It has a small footprint that easily fits into the ammo can, and you cannot beat the $100 price point. It's Chirp compatible and simple to program with over 500 memory channels.