After participating in a multi-agency shelter communication drill this past weekend (which went quite well), I decided it was time to dust off my GoKit components. I had originally intended to make a VHF-only kit using a Yaesu FT-2900R, then thought about moving to an all-band/mode Icom IC-7000 solution. But I figure that my original plan was still the best, so I finally mounted the Rig to my Samlex SEC-1223BBM power supply — heck I had waited so long that the warranty had expired with the rig and supply still in the box, so drilling holes in the power supply cover to put on the mounting bracket for the rig was no longer an issue. Fortunately, everything worked, and now I have a nice emergency rig that can comply with my state Red Cross Shelter ICS-205 Communication Plan. And to top it off, the Samlex has an automatic battery backup transfer function and charger ideal for use with a LiFePO4 “SLA Drop-in Replacement”.
On bench-test, into a dummy load, the FT-2900R puts out 5/11/38/81 watts at 4.4/5.7/8.9/14.5 Amps (@ 13.8 VDC). RX draw with the backlight on is 0.3 Amps when squelched.
I do like the Alphanumeric display, but the traditional RX/TX Frequency Display is just a button push away.
FT-2900R and SEC-1223BBM Mated Together for GoKit
