Original thread:
Anybody know a source for a travel case suitable for an 87A ? Inside dimensions approx 22x22x10 inches. Need something before ARRL SSB. I've seen some in the $200 range but am looking to spend much less! Tnx es 73 de Tom K2TW tjwall@worldnet.att.net
Replies:
hi trey et al.,
> Rather than drilling holes in the suitcase, I made a plywood insert the size of the internal height and width of the suitcase and mounted the transformer onto it.
good idea. i found that out when i discovered the truth of your next statement.
> It's not the transformer "rattling around" that causes the problem so much as it's the rattling transformer pulverizing the "other bits and pieces of equipment you need for your contest station." :-)
i also tries ever so hard to get *out* of the suitcase, (through one
of the sides) unless it's firmly constrained.
73,
George T. Daughters, K6GT
----------------------------------
On Mon, 5 Jan 1998, T. Wall wrote:
> Anybody know a source for a travel case suitable for an 87A ? Inside
> dimensions approx 22x22x10 inches. Need something before ARRL SSB. I've
> seen some in the $200 range but am looking to spend much less! Tnx es 73
> de Tom K2TW tjwall@worldnet.att.net
>
Do you already have something for the transformer? I wouldn't try to move
the 87A without removing the transformer.
Cabbage Cases make a large variety of sizes of excellent travel cases. If
you don't want to spend the $$$ to protect the amplifier, may as well put
it in cardboard boxes from Alpha Power, which will protect it better than
other cheap alternatives.
73,
Jeff Maass (jmaass@freenet.columbus.oh.us) Amateur Radio K8ND
USPSA/IPSC # L-1192 NROI/CRO NW of Columbus Ohio
25000 Members in 2000!
---------------------------------------
n a message dated 98-01-06 01:44:05 EST, tjwall@postoffice.worldnet.att.net
writes:
<< Anybody know a source for a travel case suitable for an 87A ? Inside
dimensions approx 22x22x10 inches. Need something before ARRL SSB. I've
seen some in the $200 range but am looking to spend much less! Tnx es 73
de Tom K2TW tjwall@worldnet.att.net
>>
Tom....
If memory serves, the 87A is about the same dimensions as an Alpha 76 series.
I've hauled 76's all over the world for various contest operations.
You MUST remove the transformer before transporting this rascal. If you
don't, you run the risk of the transformer tearing itself loose from the
chassis and hurting your amp in a most profound manner.
The best way I've found to carry an Alpha that has had its transformer removed
is by using a couple of the hard-sided Samsonite suitcases. I think it's the
29-inch version that is the maximum size accepted by airlines as checked
baggage. Put the chassis in one, and the transformer in the other. I've
drilled holes in the suitcase used to transport the transformer, so that I can
bolt the transformer into the case so it doesn't rattle around. Use your
clothes as packing material in both suitcases...you'll still have room for the
other bits and pieces of equipment you need for your contest station.
Other advantages: By using ordinary-looking suitcases, you look like an
ordinary tourist, which minimizes the possibility of being singled out for
customs inspection at some foreign airport. Also, these suitcases have wheels
on one end....makes hauling them around MUCH easier. I can pull two suitcases
that are loaded to the 70-pound U.S. checked-baggage maximum and carry a
40-pound carry-on bag over my shoulder, and I don't even pump iron!
Samsonite has several models that can be used in this rather unique
application, but some of the pulling mechanisms make them weigh more, which
reduces the amount of payload (consisting of important radio stuff) that you
can pack into them. The Samsonite suitcases that are most appropriate for
this operation are called 29 Cartwheels. They run about $100 each at discount
stores.
And I have no affiliation with Samsonite, although I should get a commission
from them for the number of times I've recommended their use for hauling
electric radios around the world.
73 - Phil, N6ZZ
------------------------------------------------------
From:
John Downing <jdowning@intelenet.net>
Tue 13:25
Subject:
Re: [CQ-Contest] Alpha Travel Case
To:
"cq-contest@contesting.com" <cq-contest@contesting.com>
We have been using Tundra cases from Sea King for all of our travels to
V31DX. We've carted down Alpha 76s, ICOM 781s, FT-1000s, and all sorts
of bits and pieces in these things without any damage to the contents.
Note that the Alpha 76 and one of these cases weighs nearly 80 pounds so
you might want to remove the transformer and pack it in a different
case. That's one of the reasons we sold the Alphas and bought a pair of
Ten Tec Titans - the power supply is separate and can be easily packed.
We found the large Pelican case just right for packing the Ten Tec RF
deck and an FT-1000mp.
To read more about the Sea King check out:
http://www.bhvideo.com/photo/bags/tundra/specs.html
And to find out more about the Pelican case check out:
http://www.bhvideo.com/photo/bags/pelican/intro.html
Bon Voyage!
John W2NA / V31DX
----------------------------------------
In my travels for the past 11 years most of the time I've had to carry
not only an Alpha but a TS930 and lots of other bits/pieces as well
which in most cases puts me WAY OVER the baggage limits allowed by
the airlines - had 300 pounds of checked/hand carry stuff last year!
I use the Alpha factory box for the RF deck - however I cover the
printing on the box with tape so it's not easily identified as a
piece of electronic gear. You can put lots of bits and pieces inside
the box too and the weight will still be nominal. The XFMR goes inside
of a ladies cosmetic case or most recently a Haliburton case of about
the same size. Holes are drilled in the bottom for mounting. I can
also put more bits and pieces inside that case. It's heavy - yes - but
can be carried onboard and doesn't look heavy - your arms just stretch
a bit over the years. I also carry the 930 onboard along with a small
handcarry unless they stop me at the gate for having 3 handcarries at
which time I let them check the xfmr but don't have to pay excess
baggage charges if it's done that way. I also have a suitcase checked
with my clothing and more bits/pieces. A luggage cart with large
wheels is real handy to have for hauling the xfmr/930 thru airports
but is just something else to deal with so I normally use one of the
carts that are provided. Have had to pay excess baggage charges only
one time in about 20 trips and that was only about $50 in Cyprus so
the system works!
Maybe a little off the subject but info FWIW to all that travel outside
the country for contests.
Tony N7BG
--------------------------------
An alternative to two suitcases is just to pack the Alpha (without the
transformer) in it's original box (and packing material) as checked
luggage and take the transformer as carry-on in a sports bag. A
suitcase for the amp might be better for some customs situations
(Aruba, Switzerland, eh, Steve?). This method is especially useful if
overweight is a problem (and the Airline isn't weighing carry-on
stuff). It isn't much fun to carry the transformer this way, though,
but it frees up one suitcase slot.
Wayne, N7NG
Boy this thread sure beats the heck out of deleting QSL requests and
Playing...eh...working yourself threads. Simple but meaningfull to those that
partake of the DXpedition craze.
Perhaps its me but I just make double sure the transformer is locked down
solid where it was designed to go...add a few drops of Loc-tight (TM) thread
glue so it doesn't back off enroute, pull the tube(s), rewrap it in its
original shipping boxes (1 inside the other) and fill all spaces with the
LARGE bubble wrap, then check it as luggage. I have ruptured disks at L4-L5
and L5-S1 and if I want to operate the contest I have to check everything
heavy. Thats why its always best to bring the YL along...4 checked pieces
allowed :-) she has two pieces that contain the clothing plus 1 carry on
(tubes) and you have 2 check in pieces of radio gear (rig/amp) and 1 carry on
(Laptop)...Sometimes you can get away with 2 carry-ons each..just depends on
if the attendant is in a good mood or not....
BTW...antennas can be checked pretty easy. I use a DOUBLE alpine ski bag (2
pair of skis - $48.00 USD for a good one)....A TH-6 fits very nicely... tho
you do have to cut and sleeve the reflecter element (no problem).... After
taping the aluminum together to prevent rattle I add several Antiguan Olympic
Ski Team lazer printed tags to the outside of each bag and get no hassles at
all. Thank goodness for the Jamaican Olympic Bobsled Team :-)
73 es DX
Doug W3CF
FRC
V26DX @ V26B / WP2Z CQ Phone 97
A non-disgruntled Postal Employee
"Don't push your luck" {$-(
-----------------------------------
Fair Radio Sales (419-223-2196) and sometimes Surplus Sales of Nebraska
(1-800-244-4567) list surplus electronics transport cases (with or without
foam) that can be adapted for use. Surplus Center, (800-488-3407) is worth
a try, too. Also, the fall catalog of C&H Sales Company (1-800-325-9465)
had a carry-on instrument case WITH retractable handle and wheels for
$49.95. . .
FWIW
Steve Zettel KJ7CH
near Libby, MT USA