3D Printed Powerpole Distribution Box

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In my never-ending effort to upgrade my home and portable stations, I directed some effort toward improving my power connections. After some research, I decided to use Anderson Powerpole connectors. These are the standard ARES power connector and they have been thoroughly tested and used by Amateur Radio operators around the world. After crimping and installing the connectors on all my radio power cables, I ran into an issue. How do I power more than one radio from a single power source? Looking around online, I found a couple of companies that sold Powerpole distribution panels, but most of them did not fit the bill. They were all too expensive or too large for my application.

After looking around some more, I decided to explore some homemade options. I ran across this design, freely available on the popular 3D model sharing site, Thingiverse. I downloaded the files and had a friend print the box on his Makerbot Replicator 2 3D printer. The print turned out quite nicely, and all the components that I ordered from Mouser fit perfectly. Each side of the box snapped together cleanly and after a few weeks of everyday use at my home station, I can confidently say it works like a charm and will be a convenient piece of equipment for years to come! Total cost: $7.63 + S/H.

The following is a time-lapse and build log of the distribution box for those of you that might want to build one of your own!

 

Time-lapse –

In real time, the building portion of the project only took around 30 minutes.

Click below to continue reading.

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Need Operators For Ventura Marathon & Bike Ride.

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Our friend Stewart – KG6BOV is still looking for volunteers for the 100 mile event they have scheduled for the weekend of September 10-11.
The Bike Ride, like last year, is primarily in Santa Barbara. If you could check your calendars and get permission from the significant others (or bring them along for the day!), please let me know your preferences and availabilities.
People are needed for the following locations:

AID STATION A Casitas Pass Rd 100M / 100K (25.2)  34°23’19.48″N 119°24’49.30″W

AID STATION B Ortega Ridge Rd 100M / 100K (38)  34°26’9.55″N 119°35’27.96″W

AID STATION C Dos Pueblos HS  100M (53.2 / 63.2)  34°26’6.52″N 119°48’8.67″W — Riders pass here twice

AID STATION D  Shoreline Park — 100M (72)  34°23’48.52″N 119°42’25.04″W

AID STATION E  Rincon Beach Park — 50K Turn-Around (15)/100K(49.3)/100M (88.2)  34°22’35.55″N 119°28’46.94″W

If you can help, contact Stewart KG6BOV at stewart.stone@verizon.net.

Post expires at 5:29am on Sunday September 11th, 2016 but will still be available in the archives.

For Free – Coax, Mast Clamp, Antenna Mount Kit

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For free are a few miscellaneous items.

1. There are two sections of RG8U, one is 26′ long (with a connector at one end) and the other is 11′.
There is one 10′ piece of RG58. All three are old but operational.

2. Heavy duty all aluminum double mast clamp. Brand new, can fit a mast up to 3.5″ in diameter.

3. Hatchback/Hoodmount kit for an antenna. Radioshack brand.

Contact – Paul – 805.696.6470

Memorial for Eric George Lemmon WB6FLY – SK Saturday, August 6th

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Via Tim Woolever KJ6OIL -President of the Satellite Amateur Radio (SARC) Club.

I would like to invite all in remembering and celebrating the life of Eric George Lemmon WB6FLY.

244cdd05A memorial will be held at the Satellite Amateur Radio Club W6AB, Vandenberg AFB on the afternoon of Aug 6, 2016 at 2:00 pm.  This is on Vandenberg AFB property but base gate access is not required.  Excellent directions can be found at   http://satellitearc.com/directions.html.  Ham Operators: Talk-in on 145.360 -131.8, one of Eric’s repeaters.

The Satellite ARC will be holding a meeting at this facility the hour before the memorial from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.  Everyone is invited to participate in the meeting and presentation.  SARC was one of the favorite passions of Eric’s.  For information about the club, please contact any of the officers or myself.

The memorial will be outside in the paved parking lot.  Parking will be on the fields.  These fields have not been maintained and have gopher and ground squirrel holes, some holes are large.  So please take care while driving and walking at the facility.  No designated handicap parking or facilities are available.  Minimal restroom facilities, please plan accordingly.

Current plans have a sound system, 2 – 10×30 foot awnings and lots of chairs. Vandenberg’s Honor Guard will perform a ceremony and playing of taps.

Tim KJ6OIL

Post expires at 8:35pm on Saturday August 6th, 2016 but will still be available in the archives.