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Off-the-Grid Blog Ham Radio Off-the-Grid "Go Box" and Solar Charging System
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  • Author Author: rsc
  • Date Created: 3 May 2023 1:53 PM Date Created
  • Views 14391 views
  • Likes 12 likes
  • Comments 7 comments
  • offthegridch
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Ham Radio Off-the-Grid "Go Box" and Solar Charging System

rsc
rsc
3 May 2023

For off-the-grid communications, a radio "Go Box" is sometimes a good option.

In places with no cellular coverage, your only options for communication are radio or satellite.

I chose to build a Go Box using an ICOM IC-2730A mobile transceiver since it can be used as a dual cross band repeater, or a full duplex satellite communications radio.

image

I also have a 100W solar panel that came with a couple of 12V lamps and a battery charger interface that works well with the Go Box.

image

I have 2 batteries for the system, a 12V 7.5AH sealed lead battery for most days, and a 12V 20AH LiFePO4 for extended use.

I've used the system for Ham radio winter and summer Field Days for the past two years.

http://www.arrl.org/field-day

I've even talked to the International Space Station using the Go Box with an Arrow II Dual Band Yagi antenna.

image

The Go Box still needs some work - I have a few accessories to add, some USB charging ports, and some other 12V charging ports. Stay tuned for updates....

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Top Comments

  • dang74
    dang74 over 2 years ago +1
    I love the way the radio looks in its case... so cool that you communicated with the International Space Station.
  • DAB
    DAB over 2 years ago +1
    Nice build. You can now pick up and go to a remote location with a backup plan when the batteries get low.
  • rsc
    rsc over 2 years ago in reply to DAB +1
    Yes, and I also have an even smaller setup that fits in a backpack using a dual band handheld transceiver, a 30W linear amp and the Arrow yagi antenna. I think I need to make something cool that will fit…
  • dang74
    dang74 over 2 years ago in reply to robogary

    That's a nice looking heavy duty case as well.

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  • robogary
    robogary over 2 years ago

    Nice job chatting with ISS.  

    Your go box is a nice pelican case, all protected and cozy. 

    My vision was to build a go box that could be used as a base station, and with a quick unplug of an outlet and antenna, close the covers, I could be on my way, including the station PC. 

    I was thinking a Multicomp pro flight case could be a start to that concept https://www.newark.com/multicomp-pro/555-19502/shallow-abs-19-rackmount-flight/dp/48Y8204

    but need to engineer shelves and a way to bolt down the equipment to those shelves. 

    Have you seen others use that approach ? 

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  • dang74
    dang74 over 2 years ago in reply to rsc

    Incredible.  And I just scanned through his bio.  He accomplished quite a bit even before going to space.

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  • rsc
    rsc over 2 years ago in reply to dang74

    I was only expecting to talk via the ISS repeater, then one of the crew (Kjeil Lindgren) came back to me on the radio - that was fun.

    www.nasa.gov/.../biography

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  • rsc
    rsc over 2 years ago in reply to DAB

    Yes, and I also have an even smaller setup that fits in a backpack using a dual band handheld transceiver, a 30W linear amp and the Arrow yagi antenna.  I think I need to make something cool that will fit on the kayak this summer.

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