Frame objectives:

In 2013, I set out to build a lightweight frame to carry the Yeasu 857D portable with a tuner and Bioenno 12Ah battery. Over time I added other things, like a USB port and kill switch…

Here is what I came up with. What makes my frame unique: it includes 4 storage bins (two large, and two small). It is not a difficult or expensive build, especially if you can do it DIY

Thanks: If you build this, please give credit, especially if you use the Bin Storage idea 🙂

Width: [BLUE] 12″

Height: [RED] 18″

Depth: [YELLOW] 6″

 

 

 

Materials:

• 4 each of  1/2″PVC Elbows (for the top only)
• About 12′ 1/2″ PVC
• 12 each of 1/2″ PVC Tee Joints
• about 4 feet of 3″ PVC to make your bins
• Aluminum L brackets at about 8′, the thickness is up to you, it impacts weight!
• Aluminum flat bar about 2′ – I used lest than 1′
• Rivets (for attaching Aluminum to the PVC)
• 2 cans spray paint to your color [I liked camo-green]
• PVC glue
• 1/2″ Rubber Feet for base: LINK
• Camouflage Wrap for the edges: LINK

1/2″ PVC Cut Steps:

1. WIDTH RELATED CUTS (4 items)
   • Cut 4 each of 1/2″ PVC to a length of 10 ^1/4”
     See Figure 1: middle for width, in  [BLUE]
     • You can adjust this to your needs, 10 ^1/4“gives about 12” overall in width.
     • I choose this width to fit in my backpack
2. HEIGHT RELATED CUTS (16 items of various lengths)
   • Cut 4 each of 1/2″ PVC to a length of 3″
     See Figure 1: For top height  [RED TOP]
   • Cut 4 each of 1/2″ PVC to a length of 7″
     See Figure 1: for height,  located between the top and bottom [RED MIDDLE]
   • Cut 4 each of 1/2″ PVC to a length of 2″
     See Figure 1: for minor height adjustments  [AFTER RED MIDDLE]
     • NOTE: You can hardly see these “spacer” in this image (see Figure 2 below)!

1. • Cut 4 each of 1/2″ PVC to a length of about* 3″ (*your needs may vary)
     See Figure 1: for height  [RED BOTTOM]
2. DEPTH RELATED CUTS (4 Items)
   • Cut 4 each of 1/2″ PVC  to a length of 4 ^1/2″
     See Figure 1: 2 needed for the top width spacers, two for the bottom width spacers [YELLOW ]

 Notes:

• Do not glue the frame until you have sized it to your needs and dimensions. Once the Glue sets – you can’t adjust!
• The base battery holder is ‘L’ bracket light weight aluminum – attach with rivets
• The radio is held in place by aluminum “L” brackets  – attach with rivets
• The antennas are placed on two aluminum bars at the top – attach with rivets (see top view)
• rivet the elbows and Tee joints with one small rivet per joint – this prevents the joint from moving over time.

It was after about 2 years, I riveted all the elbow and Tee Joints in place also. This prevented the joints from coming apart.

Storage Bins:

They are both 3″ PVC with lids and knobs bought at a local home hardware store. Adjust the height to suit your needs, they are held in place by elastic ties bought at Harbor Freight for under $4

I store a great deal of items in these bins. Antennas, spare parts, tools, ear phones – Bluetooth devices, counterpoise etc.

They are 4 bins in total.

 

 

Storage Dimensions:

• Large bins are about 8 1/2″ height with 3″ diameter PVC
• Small Bins are 2″ height with 3″ diameter PVC

Final Thoughts:

Use the images below, they will show you what elbows go where, and where how I installed the Tees. Aluminum brackets and the top bar for the antennas are at your discretion to fit your rig and tuner. The entire project took me 4 – 6 hours from first cut to painting.

Ham Equipment Installed:

• Yaesu 857D
• LDG Z-100 Tuner with connection cable (self made): LINK
• Versa-Tee powerpole 4 in 1: LINK
• Bioenno 12v 12Ah  perhaps the best battery for Ham Radio on the Market!
• Watts UP Watt meter – actually I replaced the original with this cheaper version
• Bluetooth adapter from BlueCAT sold in UK
  • Device allows direct control from my smartphone
• DUAL USB 2A charger for smartphone and tablet and 12v car socket: LINK
• 12v switch for 12v battery disconnect: LINK
• SUPER ANTENNA MP1: A great antenna! Also carry endfed and dipole wire antennas

More Images: