The Ultimate Portable Ham Radio Station: Karl-Heinz's Tripod Go-Box

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The Ultimate Portable Ham Radio Station: Karl-Heinz's Tripod Go-Box


A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Karl-Heinz Krawczyk has crafted a masterpiece in portable ham radio design with his ingenious Tripod Go-Box setup. Combining the versatility of a Raspberry Pi 4 with powerful radio hardware like the Icom IC-705 and Yaesu FT-70D, this compact station is a marvel of modern ham ingenuity. Whether you're new to ham radio or a Raspberry Pi enthusiast, Karl-Heinz’s project is a perfect example of how to build a flexible, field-ready communication system.


Multi-Mode Operation Made Simple

At its core, the Tripod Go-Box blends traditional amateur radio with cutting-edge technology. The Raspberry Pi 4 serves as the control hub, enabling the use of FT8 for shortwave digital communication and Xastir software for APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System). By attaching multiple devices to the tripod—including an SDR receiver for wideband listening—Karl-Heinz can seamlessly operate on VHF/UHF while also experimenting with advanced modes like weather satellite reception and ADS-B tracking. This level of functionality makes the setup a Swiss Army knife for portable radio enthusiasts.




Portable Power and Practicality

One of the most striking features of the Go-Box is its portability and efficiency. The entire system, including antennas, power supplies, and accessories, fits into a single backpack. A lightweight 12V LiFePO4 battery powers the setup for an entire day of QRP (low-power) operations, while a step-down converter ensures stable power for the Raspberry Pi. The tripod itself is not just a mount but also a foundation for modular components, such as aluminum-cased devices and ferrite-protected cables, which eliminate interference and overheating issues.


An Inspiring Setup for Beginners

For beginners in ham radio or Raspberry Pi projects, this build is an inspiring example of how to create a robust yet portable setup. Karl-Heinz’s attention to detail—like using a Bluetooth microphone for wireless communication and ensuring compatibility with multiple modes—shows that ham radio is not just about tradition but innovation. His use of a tripod-mounted design is a reminder that even complex systems can be made modular and easy to transport, making amateur radio more accessible than ever.


Take the First Step Toward Your Own Go-Box

If you’re looking to explore ham radio, experiment with Raspberry Pi, or build your own portable station, Karl-Heinz’s Tripod Go-Box offers an excellent blueprint to get started. With a little tinkering, you could be on your way to crafting a station that’s as versatile as it is portable. 🚀📡



Source:  Pimp up my Tripod-Go-Box

Images: Karl-Heinz Krawczyk

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