Finished my ground station.

[Tommygunn]

I've just finished building my first ground station and I think it has turned out rather well. Not as sophisticated as some of those out there, but not a bag of spanners either.
It holds all the necessary gear and is powered from an internal 3000mAh Nimh pack. The switch panel currently provides Video/Audio in, power out, Aux power in/charging and audio out(not wired).
As you can see I have added some screws to allow the RX to be mounted to the highest point of the case in lieu of a tripod.
Needs a new screen as this one bluescreens with even a slight loss of signal.

Tom.

[Coyote]

Looks a really nice neat job you have done ther very nice indeed well done :)

Where did you get the box from ? Looks very hard wearing ? :)

[Tommygunn]

Thanks.
I got the case from these guys http://stores.ebay.co.uk/TERMOPIU2003 and the brand is, or rather the importer here in Italy, is Valex.
I've tried to find the item elsewhere i.e. UK, Italy and World Ebay and this style is a rarity compared to others out there.

Tom.

[Coyote]

Lmoa, oh yeah forgot your over there doh :)  :P

[Jay28]

Good Job, I love the groundstation in a case concept.

Definitely a future project for me!  ;D

[Tommygunn]

Thanks.
As with all other things I think this will take on a life of it's own.
At the moment it suits my purposes, but as with all hobbies you see something and you want to get it. So, I'm sure I will add other features in the near future.

Tom.

[Jay28]

Tom,

I'm interested to know if these aluminium cases effect the VTX/antenna at all, can you let us know how you get on with it?

Cheers

Jay.

[Tommygunn]

I've no idea.
I've yet to do a proper test since I've built the case and made an inverted Vee aerial for my TX. In any case, under normal conditions, the RX will be mounted on a tripod or monopod staked into the ground, hence the 2m of cable.
I'll probably do some range tests this weekend.

Tom.

[Coyote]

You could mount your receiver inside the case with the antenna connector coming out the top ?

[Tommygunn]

Indeed, but for the best reception I'd rather have it mounted away from me and about 1 to 2m high for a good clear signal.

Tom.