uBitx Go-Box

Description

This is a re-mix of DU2RK's uBitx Case, and the re-worked front panel of this case by AngelDMercedes, whom I thank for their inspiration. I wanted a different case, one I could build into a flight case I already had to create a Go-Box for HF. I remixed the ideas above to create a case which fitted my flight case perfectly, but with every control and function sitting on the top panel. In the strictest sense this is not a full case. It is a top and two vented sides. There is not a bottom, front or back panel - I really on the flight case to provide this. I sit my 'case' in the middle of the flight case. On the photos you can see a 12v 5a power supply and mic to the LHS of the 'case' and now, but not in the photo's, on the RHS, I have a home-brew EFHW multi-band antenna, SOTA Beams ATU and miscellaneous portable QRP operating items. Everything I need for portable QRP HF. Points to note: 1. I mounted the uBitx PCB on the base rails of the sides using the supplied stand-offs with the kit. You will need to drill holes in the right place. Be careful here. I found that, by CAREFULLY bending the pins on the LCD backwards 90 degrees, it can slide into the Raduino and connect fine. Then, carefully position the PCB on the rails of the sides, so that the LCD can fit into the LCD hole on the top panel. Then mark and drill the PCB holes. Next separate the LCD display and use glue to fix it firmly in the top panel aperture. Fix the PCB to the bottom rails and, when all other connections made between the top panel and the boards, you can slide the top panel backwards, ensuring the LCD pins enter the Raduino perfectly. You then need to drill through the existing holes in the top panel into the top rails and fix with small machine screws. I did not use the middle holes in the end as it was too fiddly. One machine screw in each corner is fine. 2. Note also that I discovered that I needed to 'fettle' i.e. cut, the top LHS rail of the LHS in order to accommodate the volume pot and the rear left USB port. 3. The rear LHS USB port is connected to a 5v DC regulator linked to the 12v uBitx supply. It has no other function (in my version) than to provide a charging port for a phone or tablet. 4. The rear RHS usb port is for a mini USB and is connected into the Raduino. This allows firmware updates and CAT control from outside of the rig. 5. The toggle switch at the rear LHS is for switching the fan on or off for the PA. 6. Don't forget to use supports for the top panel, as there is a cut-away underneath for jack plugs. 7. I did a filament change part way through the print to green, to allow for the highlighting of the symbols, my call-sign etc. Finally, using this layout there is plenty of space under the top panel at the front, under the LCD / VFO area. I am now in the process of adding a Raspberry Pi there, hard-wired to the Raduino and the mic / audio lines to allow digital modes operation all from within the box. I will use a tablet and VNC as the display / controls for the PI. I hope you enjoy! Daimon. G4USI.

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