general_amateur_info:go_kits:every_day_mobile

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.



 Distribution Box

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 Box

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.



The extra ammo cans could hold batteries, cables, radio accessories, and solar charging equipment.

  • general_amateur_info/go_kits/every_day_mobile.txt
  • Last modified: 2024/02/08 12:08
  • by Jack Parks - KQ4JP