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How to Build a Communications Box

Ham radio, officially known as amateur radio, is a mode of communication that uses radio transmitters and receivers to communicate via voice, radioteletype, Morse code and other forms of communication. To take their hobby on the road, "hams" store their gear in communications boxes. These specially designed boxes keep the communications components in them safe from damage. They also keep the equipment neatly stowed in one place, making them useful at home as well.

Things You'll Need

Utility dry box
Measuring tape
Plywood
Saw
Sandpaper
Varnish
Drill

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the hinged lid to the dry box to get inside more easily. Measure the inside width and length of your box.
- 2
  Cut the cardboard to the measured size to use as a template for making a shelf. Place the cardboard on top of the plywood and trace a line around it. Saw the shape out of the plywood.
- 3
  Sand the plywood shelf, then varnish it.
- 4
  Place the shelf inside the box. Measure your radio components and place them on your shelf to guarantee that they will fit before attaching the shelf.
- 5
  Screw guiderails on the side of the shelf and the corresponding location on the inside of the box. These rails will allow the shelf to slide in and out.
- 6
  Replace the hinged lid. Drill holes in the lid where any antennas need to get extended.

Ham Radio