NF1J NF1J Ham Radio November Foxtrot One Juliet

Portable / POTA Field Station

Build a clean portable station you can carry, power, deploy, and trust.

A practical DIY guide for field radio work: battery boxes, solar charging, go-box layout, roll-up wire kits, mast mounts, radial plates, coax chokes, and a pack checklist.

View field projects Battery helper
POTA Ready POWER 12 V DC PACK Checklist
Field Rule

Simple gear wins outdoors.

The best portable station is easy to pack, quick to deploy, fused for safety, labeled clearly, and tested at home before the activation.

  • Fuse close to every battery positive terminal.
  • Use Powerpole or clearly labeled DC connectors.
  • Keep antenna, feed line, logging, and weather gear in repeatable kits.

Battery Runtime Helper

Estimate field operating time

This helper estimates battery runtime from receive current, transmit current, duty cycle, and battery amp-hours. It is a planning estimate only; cold weather, battery age, voltage sag, and radio efficiency will change the real result.

Portable System Plan

Build the station as small modules

Instead of one oversized box, make repeatable modules. Each module can be tested, repaired, upgraded, and packed by itself.

Power

Battery box + fused DC panel

Safe 12 V distribution with a main fuse, voltmeter, USB outlet, and Powerpole outputs.

Antenna

Roll-up antenna and choke kit

Pre-cut wire, throw line, small winder, center support, coax, and ferrite choke in one pouch.

Deploy

Tripod / PVC mast mount

A small field mast support makes repeatable height and safer wire routing much easier.

Operate

Go-box and logging desk

Radio, mic, key, notebook, clock, headset, adapters, pencil, and weather cover stay together.

Build Guides

Portable and POTA DIY projects

These project cards are designed as safe starting points. Confirm current ratings, fuse sizes, battery chemistry settings, local rules, and RF exposure before using the station in the field.

PORTABLE BATTERY BOX fused 12 V field power module LiFePO₄ FUSE 12.8 V Main fuse close to battery positive. Use wire sized for expected current.
Power module

Portable Battery Box

Build a safe field battery box with one main fuse, a master switch, voltage display, and clearly labeled DC outputs.

BatteryLiFePO₄ or AGM 12 V pack
Main fuseClose to positive terminal
OutputsPowerpole, USB, voltmeter
  1. Mount the battery securely in a ventilated project box.
  2. Install the main fuse as close to the positive terminal as possible.
  3. Add a master switch, voltmeter, and fused accessory outputs.
  4. Label current limits and test with a dummy load before field use.
SOLAR CHARGING FIELD BOX panel → charge controller → battery MPPT or PWM Use the correct charge profile for your exact battery chemistry.
Recharge module

Solar Charging Field Box

A small solar kit can extend activations, but the charge controller must match the battery chemistry and panel voltage.

Panel30–100 W portable folding panel
ControllerLiFePO₄/AGM compatible
ProtectionInput and output fuses
  1. Mount the controller in a small case with strain relief.
  2. Add fused solar input and fused battery output leads.
  3. Use keyed connectors so panel and battery cannot be reversed.
  4. Test charging at home before taking it to a park.
POTA RADIO GO-BOX radio + audio + logging + adapters RADIO MIC KEY LOG ADAPTERS Keep the operating kit repeatable: radio, mic/key, headset, adapters, clock, notebook, pencil.
Operate module

Radio Go-Box

A go-box does not have to be heavy. A small organized case with radio, audio gear, adapters, and logging supplies prevents forgotten items.

RadioHF/VHF rig with power lead
AudioMic, key, headset, PTT
LoggingNotebook, clock, phone/tablet
  1. Choose a case that protects gear but stays easy to carry.
  2. Give the radio airflow; do not seal heat inside foam.
  3. Bundle adapters in labeled pouches.
  4. Do a full backyard test before relying on it at a park.
ROLL-UP WIRE KIT wire, winder, line, choke, and coax CHOKE Pre-cut wire and wind it the same way every time. Add labels for band and feed point.
Antenna module

Roll-up Wire Antenna Kit

Make one pouch for the antenna system: wire, winder, throw line, coax, choke, stakes, and quick notes.

WirePre-cut for target bands
FeedBalun/UNUN or center insulator
SupportThrow line, stakes, winder
  1. Cut the wire long, then tune and label the final length.
  2. Use a winder that avoids kinks and tangles.
  3. Add a small coax choke near the feed point when useful.
  4. Pack a repair bag with tape, clips, cord, and spare adapters.
PVC / TRIPOD MAST MOUNT repeatable support for wire or VHF antennas Use guy lines, sandbags, or stakes. Keep people clear of wires and trip hazards.
Deployment module

Tripod / PVC Mast Mount

A simple mast support speeds up setup and keeps antennas away from the operating table, people, and feed-line tangles.

MastPVC, fiberglass, or painter pole
BaseTripod, drive-on plate, or stakes
SafetyGuy lines and bright markers
  1. Choose a base that fits your normal operating surface.
  2. Mark guy lines with bright tape or flags.
  3. Route coax down the mast and away from walking paths.
  4. Never deploy near overhead power lines.
GROUND SPIKE / RADIAL PLATE fast radial connection for verticals Radials help many portable verticals. Keep connections clean and easy to inspect.
Vertical helper

Ground Spike and Radial Plate

A small metal plate or ground spike with wing nuts makes portable vertical radials faster and cleaner to deploy.

PlateAluminum or stainless tab plate
Radials4+ wires as practical
ConnectorsRing terminals or banana posts
  1. Drill one center mount and several radial terminals.
  2. Label radial lengths by band if they are tuned.
  3. Use strain relief so wires do not tear off connectors.
  4. Clean corrosion before each field season.

Activation Checklist

Pack list for portable radio

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