W3GCW.net

Purpose:

The idea for a Radio Footlocker comes from two sources. One, an article in QST or 73 Amateur Radio Today that described just such a box; and Two, my dad's Camp Kitchen.

The Camp Kitchen has virtually everything necessary to cook and clean up about 6 meals for 4 people. Food and the camp stove are not included, however. And some utensils perform double duty,

Proposed Contents of the Radio Footlocker:

• Icom IC-706mkII
• Dual-band VHF/UHF radio with cross-band repeat
• Two or more 26AH batteries, spill-proof
• Antenna tuner (MFJ-949E or VC-300DLP equiv.)
• Remote balun (W9INN type)
• Spool of 18ga. copper "chandelier wire" for antenna
• Antenna bandpass filters (17m, 20m, 30m, 40m and others)
• 400ohm ladder line, 33'
• J-pole VHF antenna
• Arrow VHF/UHF antenna
• 150w power inverter or DC-DC (12v to 16v, 3Amp) converter
• Butane soldering iron
• Matches and lighter
• Various tools (screwdrivers, pliers, crimpers, leatherman, etc.)
• Assorted wire, fuses, & connectors, including PowerPole connectors
• Battery charger to charge from car ignition or 120v AC, and self disables when not in use
• Headphones
• Microphones
• Antenna switch
• Antenna jumpers
• 33' braided ground lead w/ metal stake
• Misc. cord and rope
• Duct tape (The handymans secret weapon)
• Log book, clip board, paper, pens & pencils.
• Laptop computer
• All-in-one computer to radio interface
• Noise bridge or Antenna analyzer

Features Wish List:

• Waterproof
• Marine grade plywood, sealer, and finish
• Front opens to create a desk
• Rear opens to access radio's connectors
• Front desk support cords adjustable to level the desk
• Optional free-standing legs with leveling abilities
• Dimensioned width-wise to fit inside Jeep Wrangler (so desk can open out the back of vehicle)
• Dimensioned depth-wise to sit on Jeep Wrangler wheel-well with little or no support
• Cup holders outside of radio and desk area
• Handles for carrying, each strong enough to hold the completely loaded footlocker
• Float on water option (hey, it's a wish list!)
• Weight balanced front-to-back and side-to-side
• Antenna pole storage (MFJ-1910)
• Rain resistant antenna cable pass-through (like a dryer vent, only recessed)
• Custom tarp to cover both footlocker and operator
• Adjustable radio faceplate angles, down and up
• All equipment stays connected at all times (except antenna)