[TowerTalk] Weatherproof Remote Antenna Switch Box Plus

[jimlux]

On 3/8/19 3:11 PM, Grant Saviers wrote:
> Hoffman boxes are great but very expensive.  Their competitors are a bit 
> cheaper.  Here is a much cheaper alternative from Harbor Freight
> https://www.harborfreight.com/3800-weatherproof-protective-case-16-516-in-63927.html 
> 
> 
> Basically knock offs of Pelican watertight cases but at a fraction of 
> the price.  I use the smallest one for an HT, extra battery, charger. 
> Another for my truck tool kit. The larger ones will handle a compact all 
> band radio, my K3 will fit.  All the foam is precut and removable.
> 
> Often on sale as shown.
> 
> One other solution for large boxes is to use a steel office cabinet with 
> doors. Throw away the shelves.  Really cheap at auctions or used 
> dealers.  $199 for this one:
> 
> https://www.officedepot.com/a/products/945923/Realspace-42-Steel-Storage-Cabinet-With/;jsessionid=0000OXyY69cxI1dd1RzSOoXc0Fm:17h4h7b45 
> 
> 
> I needed one this size for my entry panel & conduit terminations (4 in 
> the bottom/side x 2 out the back conduits).  A Hoffman box this size 
> (42h x 36w x 18d) is over $1.5k.  A couple of coats of paint, a glued on 
> drip edge over the door and all is well inside and out after 5 years in 
> Seattle rains.
> 
>

All excellent suggestions..
Ikea is also a potential source of "boxes", although more of their stuff 
is wood.

A metal tool box also works - they're pretty deep, but tend to be narrow 
and long. Good for an open frame high current DC power supply for instance.


One aspect to the "purpose intended" products (Hoffman boxes, NEMA 
enclosures) is that back panel. Jim k9yc's picture is a case in point. 
It's much easier to assemble all the stuff on the bench on that panel, 
mount the box, then lift the panel into the box.  There are all manner 
of ways to improvise this aspect with breadboxes, office cabinets, 
toolboxes, etc., but the whole "chassis or panel in a box" is a great 
way to manage it.