When I do any portable operations with my FT-817, I found that a plastic 50 cal. ammo case works great. These are inexpensive and can be easily bought on line. The ones I have are water proof and can be locked with up to two locks. I can put the FT-817 in its cloth case in, assorted support items such as a couple of gallon zip bags containing power cables, antenna adapters, computer cable and rolled up dipoles, etc. Also, I can include the Elecraft T1 auto antenna tuner, a Kenwood AT-130 manual tuner and my Bencher paddles.
Now for satellites, it won't hold antennas, but I found it to be good, reasonably secure and safe, and resistant of water/rain. You can buy these easily on line from Sportsman Guide and other places.
Hope this helps, Sounds like a lot of good ideas here. Reid, W4UPD
On 5/6/2017 9:13 AM, Sean K. via AMSAT-BB wrote:
If you're looking for simple protection for the 817, the Yaesu soft case does a good job. It will keep the dirt off, but won't offer any protection if you drop it. If you want a bag to carry your entire portable station in, I took Paul N8HM's advice and bought the Amazon Basics camera bag.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CF5OHZ2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?i...
It holds two 817's, a battery pack, several gadgets, and puts it all at your fingertips. a Grab-n-go solution for a full duplex satellite station. I also bought this shoulder strap designed for two SLR cameras, again at N8HM's suggestion. It holds the bag above in place over both shoulders and keep the bag right in front of you. A simple, effective solution. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00508ZURU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?i...
Sean Kutzko Amateur Radio KX9X
From: B J <va6bmj@gmail.com>To: Ken M va7kbm@outlook.com Cc: amsat-bb amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Saturday, May 6, 2017 8:43 AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Field case recommendations for FT-817ND?
On 5/5/17, Ken M va7kbm@outlook.com wrote:
Hello all,
Any thoughts on field cases for FT-817ND radios?
- Protective but slim. I'd rather have a slimmer case, and put the whole
thing in the pack of my choice, than have a manpack specifically designed for the FT-817ND.
- Because I will have two FT-817ND's at times, I want two cases, so I
can easily bring just one radio if I'm doing QRP, or two radios if I'm doing satellite.
- It might be convenient if the case will hold a second device like an
auto-tuner for HF, or a tablet or small device for digital modes.
- Able to operate the radio while it's in the case.
I've looked at a few:
- The Yaesu vinyl case looks a bit flimsy and is expensive for what it
is (but not bulky, so might be the best choice I've seen).
- The products from PortableZero are too heavy-duty and bulky for my needs.
- The HamSource pack is too bulky and overkill (if I were to carry two
of them).
I suppose I'd like something that resembles the Yaesu case, possibly with a second tuner/device pocket, but made from a heavier duty nylon pack-cloth, or padded in some way.
<snip>
A few years ago, I bought one from here:
http://www.powerportstore.com/amateur.htm
I wasn't pleased with the belt clip, so I later bought a tool belt and pouch from a home improvement store and I use that for holding my '817 and the case. One advantage for doing that is that I can use my radio outside during winter as the case helps the rig stay warm.
73s
Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb