An amateur radio go-box is a compact, portable setup designed for quick deployment of essential radio equipment in the field. Typically, a go-box contains radios, antennas, power sources, and necessary accessories, all housed in a single, easy-to-carry case. Whether you're testing repeaters, providing communication during emergencies, or setting up at public service events, a go-box is the solution when traditional infrastructure is unavailable or compromised. Here's how we built ours to test repeaters away from the home shack.

Why Build a Go-Box?

At home in Oregon, I can access around 80% of the repeaters along the I-5 corridor from Longview, Washington to Eugene, Oregon, thanks to my base station antennas. This covers nearly 70% of the state's repeaters. However, for field operations—especially testing repeaters away from my home—I needed a portable setup that could offer similar capabilities to my home station.

Having a go-box also makes field operations easier, allowing me to quickly deploy, set up in a park, or even transport my radio gear between vehicles. Since I lease my truck and want to avoid drilling holes, a go-box provides a lease-friendly solution, eliminating messy cable setups and allowing easy switching between vehicles.

Building the Go-Box

The Radios

Our setup includes multiple VHF/UHF radios to cover various bands and digital modes:

• Yaesu FTM-300D: FM and C4FM on 2m/70cm
• Connect Systems CS800D: FM and DMR on 2m/70cm
• TYT TH-9000D: FM on 1.25m
• Motorola 4580: FM and DMR on 33cm
• Uniden Bearcat BCD536HP: A scanner capable of monitoring all VHF/UHF channels, including DMR, NXDN, and P-25.

This variety ensures we're equipped for different communication scenarios. While there isn’t much P-25 or NXDN activity in my area, I have several handheld radios, like the Kenwood TH-D74A and Icom ID-52A, to cover additional modes such as FM and D-Star.

Choosing the Box

After researching different setups, I decided to separate the communications and power components into two boxes. This keeps the weight manageable and allows flexibility in power sourcing. I used a Gator Cases 4U Rack Case with a shallow 13-inch depth to house the radios. This size was perfect for mounting four VHF/UHF radios and allowed easy access to all ports and connections.

Mounting the Radios

• Yaesu FTM-300D: Mounted on the lower left, leaving space for easy access to the SD card slot and mic port.
• TYT 9000D: Installed using the included mobile bracket.
• Icom IC-5100A: As a remote-mount radio, this posed some challenges. The control head and transceiver body needed separate mounting. I fabricated a custom solution using corner braces and magnets to easily attach and detach the control head.
• Motorola 4580: Purchased used on eBay, this radio also came with a mounting bracket that fit perfectly.

Antenna Switching

Using a tri-band mobile antenna, I installed an Alpha-Delta Delta-4B coaxial switch to allow three of the four radios to share the same antenna. This switch was mounted for easy access, enabling quick switching between radios while seated at the operating position.

Power Setup

The power system includes a PowerWerx 30-amp power supply and a 10 Ah Bio Enno battery, providing flexibility to run the box on AC power, vehicle power, or solar. All connections use Anderson Power Poles, ensuring quick and easy hook-ups. The power box is separate, making the entire setup lighter and more portable.

Field Testing

The true test of the go-box came during a trip from Portland, Oregon, to eastern Idaho. Along the way, I tested repeaters from rest stops and eateries, with pre-configured memories for quick access. The box performed flawlessly, and the lightweight design made it easy to transport from the truck to the tailgate for field operations.

Using a tri-band mag-mount antenna, I was able to easily switch between radios and test their performance on various repeaters, some as far as 60 miles away. The built-in speakers on each radio were more than sufficient, and I didn’t need to add external speakers, keeping the setup compact and efficient.

Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

Overall, the go-box build was a huge success. It’s portable, quick to deploy, and versatile. I can easily switch power sources, making it ideal for road trips, field day events, or emergency operations. The Anderson Power Pole system makes it easy to power the box from any 12-volt source, whether it's a vehicle, battery, or generator.

As I continue to use the go-box, I plan to add an antenna with its own ground plane for deployments away from the truck. The current setup is an excellent balance of portability, capability, and ease of use.

Stay tuned for future updates and a full report on repeater coverage along Interstate 84 from Portland to Idaho!

Complete Parts List: