My Ham Radio Go-Box Build For Portable POTA Operations

Since getting into the Parks On The Air program a few years ago, it prompted me to build my own version of what is known in the world of Amateur Radio, a Go-Box. That is a radio station that you are able to quickly grab and go at a moment’s notice. Since Amateur Radio’s justification for our frequencies is emergency communications, or EMCOMM, it makes sense that all hams have some sort of Go-box.

There are all kinds of go-boxes out there on the internet. They all have their advantages based on the operator’s needs and requirements. Being one who likes to learn from others, I spent a lot of time searching and looking at other people’s go-boxes. I then chose various features I like and incorporated them into my own go-box.

Here is what I came up with

Go Box Requirements

• Plug and Play – That is plug in power, antenna and go.
• Operate on HF, VHF and UHF frequencies
• Compact and reasonably light
• 100 watts on HF frequencies
• Operate on SSB, CW and Digital modes
• Computer built-in
• Antenna tuner

Go Box Equipment

• Yaesu FT-857D
• LDG YT-100 Autotuner
• Raspberry Pi Computer
• Signalink Sound interface
• K1EL WinKeyer
• Powered USB hub
• Powerwerx USBbuddy 12V to 5V converter
• USB GPS Dongle for grid square / time sync

Here is a photo of my completed Go-Box:

As you can see, its not actually a Go-Box, but rather what I call a Go-Frame.

The photo above shows the Yaesu FT-857D and below it the LDG YT-100 autotuner. On the right side you can see the two antenna connections that come from the rear of the FT-857D.