A very clever radio go-box using the Gator GR6S shallow rack case

(Source: Southgate ARC)

Young radio amateurs Zechariah WX4TVJFaith Hannah AE4FHHope KM4IPF and Grace KM4TXT have released a video about their Go Box

Many people have asked us to make a detailed video about our Go Box, so we decided to make one. We show you what is in the Go Box and how we installed all of the equipment. There is also some funny stuff in the video, too!

The case we used was a Gator 6 rack unit shallow case:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/252763-REG/Gator_Cases_GR_6S_GR6S_Shallow_Rack_Case.html

The shelves are simply vented rack mount shelves. Here is a link to where you can get them:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/RkShelfU1

Watch A Close Look at Our Ham Radio Go Box and How We Put it Together:

Click here to view on YouTube.

Lea Family
http://hamradio.world/

These girls do an amazing job with the video–bravo!

I love this setup. While I typically pack very lightly for portable radio work, building a system like this makes for very quick deployment when you require a full 100 watt system with multiple radios and multiple accessories. Radio clubs could easily put systems like this together for events like Field Day or Emergency Comms. It’s grab-and-go at its best!

Of course, a field DXpedition/SWLing station could also be easily built into this portable system. In fact, I bet an SDR with computer, keyboard, and monitor could be mounted and accommodated in this space.

Spread the radio love

5 thoughts on “A very clever radio go-box using the Gator GR6S shallow rack case

  1. Bill Grammenos

    I am a ham KJ6ZLL I would like to build a go box for my radio equipment . Where did you get the the box? Do you know someone who could help me build a go box. Or call my cell phone 1(909)380-3422, giving me the information I need or someone who could build it for me.

    Reply
  2. Paul

    Great concept and an ever greater presentation. You “kids” exhibit a good deal of technical knowledge and understanding at such a young age – maybe you had a good teacher (thanks Dad…). Congratulations to all of you.

    Did you have any concerns about equipment cooling inside the cabinet ?

    It is open to the front and back(?) while in operation, but did you take any temperature measurements to be sure everything stayed cool enough ?

    Any thoughts about adding a muffin fan ?

    I might be inclined to tilt the case up at a slight angle for easier access to knobs and better visualization of the screen. Does this case configuration work “as is” or do you prop up the bottom front of the case ?

    And finally, after all is put together, how much did this fully stocked case weigh ?
    (I was looking at one of those rolling toolboxes as a “go box” but they lack the shelves and two sided access to the equipment – let us know if you design a “rolling” version)

    Again, a fine piece of work and presentation you all have done here.

    73s
    Paul

    Reply
  3. Mario

    Beautiful, a radio work of art. All self-contained, well constructed, laid out nicely. Reminds me of the older IFR service monitors. Nice work, well done!

    Reply
  4. Edward

    A well thought out design. Good grounding concept. One thing to consider is if it tips forward or back, are the knobs recessed sufficiently to prevent damage? Sometimes things like this happens when transporting. My suggestion is adding front rack handles vertically as both handles and “roll bars” to protect the knobs

    Reply
  5. Ken Hansen n2vip

    When it comes to go boxes, there are two basic philosophies: disposable and valuable.

    This particular go box is of the valuable variety – it has multiple radios, seemingly does everything one would presumably want it to, and represents a significant investment by the builder. That’s great, and it’s perfect for certain types of deployments – field day, pubic/special event station, extended field operation, etc. These are typically very heavy and require two people to safely transport it should the need arise.

    The other type of go box is the the disposable one, one designed to be used in emergency settings, where the operator may be forced to leave at a moment’s notice and without giving the radio a second thought. These are typically older radios, maybe just one radio, and a power source. If need be, it’s small size and light weight allow for quick removal by one person.

    Both go boxes have their uses, it may serve an individual or club to have both.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.