Radio in a Can

Version 1.0 - original upload

Known issues - The cutout for the radio mount piece is a little too small lengthwise.

Printables - https://www.printables.com/model/963473-radio-in-a-can

Forward -

This is the first ever 3D print model that I have made. I want to shout out to the two main models and their makers for being the start of this project.

@SwiftyTheFox - https://www.printables.com/model/138415-ham-chest

@AxelCo - https://www.printables.com/model/249859-ftm-300-mount-for-ham-chest-radio-go-box

Their work on these projects was a huge inspiration for me. They deserve the bulk of the praise and credit to anyone using this idea.

Smaller, but also notable contributions:

cerberus06660 - https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4617921

@dihy_731303 - https://www.printables.com/model/470268-spdt-rocker-switch-support-faceplate

@mrusk - https://www.printables.com/model/553786-50mm-hex-mesh-fan-cover

Materials:

I'm providing links to what I bought. I haven't done a lot of iterations of this, and I don't have many other radios so substitute equipment at your own risk.

Yaesu FTM-300 - https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=71-003327

50cal Ammo can - https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/cabelas-50-caliber-m2a2-ammo-box

8 3mm magnets (optional glue to keep them in place, but friction fit is decent)

10ah 12v LiFEPO4 Battery - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XQDMMJ5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Battery Status Indicator - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XQDMMJ5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Banana Plug Terminal - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09LSTMJJ6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s05?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Rocker switches x2 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B097438SJ7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For the rocker switches, I used 2 of the 3 in this panel after some disassembly. You could likely purchase two individual rocker switches.

Wiring 12ga - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BRB1M6M3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1

After completion, I realized 12ga is overkill. 16ga is likely ok, but please make sure you do your own research.

Optional - Cooling fans - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XQDMMJ5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I only installed one, as the one on the faceplate is a pain to wire. The model will take mounting screws, but the fit is tight enough without it.

Extra - 42.5in Foldable Antenna - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07STB8BD6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Extra - SMA - SO239 Adaptor - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C26RKPXR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Why this model?

If you look at the two main reference projects, you can see I'm not really reinventing the wheel here, but there were some points of improvement I want to make.

1. I didn't want to have a large, vertical screw holding everything together. It seemed unnecessary.
2. I wanted to minimize the screws and other hardware needed to assemble everything.
3. I didn't make one of the reference models, but I want to make sure the battery wasn't moving around, so the print has bulges that fit around the battery to keep it from moving, and when assembled, don't allow for any unreasonable movement.

4. As a more prepared-minded individual, I wanted the ability to make this EMP-proof after seeing the idea to make A Faraday cage from the channel City Prepping. 

   I thought it would be a good project to make this model one where nothing touches the metal of the ammo can. Replacing the rubber seal as seen in his video would allow this kit to be, theoretically, a complete communications kit in an emergency. (Until the battery runs out)

    

Future goals

I have a couple of ideas I'm mulling over and planned improvements.

1. A removable hand mic clip that rests over the edge of the ammo can.
2. Battery charger - I have an external battery charger for this that I wired with banana plug connectors. After doing some research, it seems Anderson power poles are more ubiquitous, so I might change the charging connection.
3. Additionally, I'm debating trying to include The battery charging unit into the kit, so all that would be needed is a power cord 3-prong 120v Outlet. I might go in the direction of making a solar battery backup ammo can that could also be EMP proof, that could quickly jack into this.
4. I need to find a way to make sure to metal isn't touching the lid Of the ammo can. As is, I think I'm OK. the easy solution seems to be cardboard, but I'm still workshopping a solution
5. Finding The right mix of accessory ports. 2 fans aren't necessary, and to be honest, neither of them are. I had originally had a USB and USB-C charging port on the control panel, but it was a little difficult to fit in.