This article will detail how to build a portable battery box to use for amateur radio, camping, or emergency power for just about any situation.
As-Built parts and links
| Qty | Part Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | MTM AC11 50-Caliber Ammo Can |
| 1 | Redodo Bluetooth 12V 50Ah LiFePO4 Battery |
| 1 | 12 Volt 6-Way Fuse Block with fuses |
| 1 | 12V Cigarette Lighter Socket (2-Pack) |
| 1 | 12V USB Outlet, Quick Charge 3.0 (2-Pack) |
| 1 | Terminal Binding Post (Banana Plug Jack) |
| 1 | 12V 30A Lighted Rocker Switch 4 Pin Red LED |
| 1 | Powerwerx PanelPole2 – Not what I used, but recommended based on my experience with the kind I used. |
| 1 | Anderson Powerpole Connectors (12 complete sets) |
| 1 | 100 Pcs Nylon Spade Quick Disconnect Connectors Kit |
| 1 | Plank Foam (polyethylene) to keep battery from moving |
| 1 | 12 AWG Zip Line (power wire) |
| 1 | Heat Shrink Tubing |
| 1 | Marine Grade Heat Shrink Ring Terminals |
| 1 | Dual Lock Tape used to attach fuse block for easy removal |
I did not include the Smart Battery Monitor that is mounted on the lid because I don’t actually like the one I used. If I find one I can recommend, I will update the list above and take some new pictures of it installed.
Accessories that may be of interest
Solar Panel Kit 30W 12V
AP-8 8 Port 40A Connector Power Splitter Distributor
Chunzehui F-1008 Horizontal 9 Port Power Distributor
GS Power 10 Gauge Wire (for long runs, other gauges at same link)
12V Fused Cigarette Lighter Male Plug with Leads (great for making adapters)
150W DC-DC Step Up Converter 12-32V in, 12-35V out (convert 12V to higher voltages for things like laptops)
8 bay battery charger (12V input)
Eneloop Panasonic AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries
Eneloop Panasonic AAA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries
200A High Precision Watt Meter
Multi Charging Cable, (3Pack 1FT)
Some of the pages on this site are currently a work in progress. These pages are not hidden in case some of the information on them is useful as a starting point to someone. Keep checking back for more information as I have time to update and author more pages.