A portable communications center featuring a 2 meter, 50 watt transceiver (Kenwood TM-261).
A built-in 13 amp switching power supply runs off 120 VAC. Box can also be powered from external DC.
Enclosed 36 amp/hour, 12 volt gel-cells, can power the unit at low (5 watts), intermediate (10 watts) or high power.
The gel-cells are charged when connected to line voltage and external DC. Four voltage LED's provide battery status.
A cooling fan with two speeds circulates air around hot components and exhausts at the rear.
A 4 inch, front mounted speaker, can be switched off. Two top mounted jacks are provided for headphones or audio out for packet operation.
Basic needs are stored in the top, such as pens, flashlight, spare fuses, adapters and the microphone.
This project was built by WX2NJ in approximately 12 hours. Schematic diagrams are available below.
MAJOR PARTS LIST
Yellow Tool Box from Home Depot
Switching Power Supply, Mean Well S-150-12, Jameco # 123422
2 - Radio Shack 275-710 DPDT 20A Switch
2 - Radio Shack 275-711 SPDT 20A Switch
2 - Radio Shack 275-603 SPST 5A Switch
1 - Radio Shack 275-609 SPST Momentary PB Switch
Voltage Monitor Board from FAR Circuits, Sept. 1998 QST, Pg 33, Board # 2
Exhaust Fan, 3.63 x 3.63 x 1.00 inch, 12 vdc, 80 ma
3 - 3.63 inch Metal Grill Guards, Jameco # 123511
Communications Speaker, Radio Shack 21-549
Chassis Mount Binding Post, Radio Shack 274-718
120 VAC Input Socket, CEE-22, From an old computer power supply
(You can also use the exhaust fan and grill from an old PS)
Thanks WX2NJ for showing us your creative station.
