ANNOUNCEMENT...
Release Date: August 1, 2016

WHAT: The Great 2016 “GO BOX” Competition
(3 Groups / 10 Categories)

DATE: Sunday, October 16, 2016

Hours: 8:30 am – 10 am

WHERE: NUTMEG HAMFEST
Sheraton Four-Points Hotel
275 Research Parkway, Meriden, CT

Get organized to “Go Portable”!
- Eliminate the last minute hunting for gear before leaving.
- Banish the frustration of not having what you need at the operating site… because it is still back at the home QTH.

The “Go Box” is probably the best way to organize your radio equipment for those times when you want to (or need to) “Grab-‘n-Go” for Portable Operations such as:
- Day Trips
- Weekend Get-Aways
- Vacations
- Public Service Events
- ARES Drills/Exercises
- Real World Disasters

For many hams on a budget, their “Go Box” does double duty as their Home Station.

Don't Have a "Go Box"?
BUILD ONE!
You can build/assemble your own “Go Box” in less than one day, and it will probably better than my Proof of Concept example.
Learn more at:
www.ctaresregion2.org/forum/prepared-to-go-go-go

It is now August 1st, and you have 2 1/2 months to put one together.
BE CREATIVE
BRING your “Go Box” to the Nutmeg Hamfest for Display, Judging, and Awards

1: The Basic “Go Box” (Voice)
1A: VHF/UHF – Voice Only
1B: HF – Voice/CW
1C: Combination (V/U/H)

2: The Intermediate “Go Box” (Voice and Data)
2A: VHF/UHF – Voice, Data (RMS Express, “Classic” Packet Radio)
2B: HF – Voice, CW, Data (RMS Express "Winmor")
2C: Combination (V/U/H)

3: Advanced “Go Box” (Mesh)
3A Data
3B Video
3C Phone
3D Combination (D, V, P)

... ENTRY CRITERIA ...

Open to ALL Hams (not just ARES members)

- VHF/UHF radios must be capable of a range of 5-25 watts (or more) output.

- VHF/UHF “Go Boxes” with an HT must have a 20-30 watt amplifier. (2m or dual band)

- HF radios must be capable of 5-100 watts output

- Must use Anderson Powerpoles for 12v D.C. power connections.

- Must have provision for Battery AND Commercial Power

- Batteries need not be fitted inside the “Go Box” itself.
A separate Battery Box is perfectly acceptable.

- Battery Capacity Requirement:
Must be sized for a full day shift (13 Hours: 12 hour shift + 1 hr. for late relief operator).
May use multiple Batteries to achieve goal.
see: www.ctaresregion2.org/forum/the-go-box/1...e-right-size-battery


Judges will be looking specifically for:

- "Go Box" weather resistance

- "Go Box" portability (weight, dimensions, carrying handles, wheels)

- Ease of access to console controls

- Clear identification labeling

- Access to component connections/replacement

- ARES standard antenna connections: SO-239/PL-259.

- SMA to SO-239 adapters/jumpers (as appropriate)

- Multiple headset jacks

- Use of Bluetooth / remote i/o devices

- Presence of User Manuals
Option: Need not be in “Go Box” itself.
Can be in a “Office” Bag/Case which is Part of “Go Kit”

- Storage for adapters and spare fuses
Option: Can be included as part of the “Go Kit”

- RF Safety
We recommend that antennas NOT be mounted on “Go Boxes”.
see: hintlink.com/power_density.htm

Accordingly, we suggest that, as a rule of thumb…
- - VHF/UHF Antennas be installed away from the “Go Box” at a minimum of 17 feet.
- - HF Antennas be installed away from the “Go Box” at a minimum of 14 feet.


AWARDS
The Decisions of the Judges are FINAL!
- There will be no appeals.

Special Note:
The Judges can be bribed. LOL!

:END