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1-10 of 12 messages
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RE: Wanted: Cabinet for Antenna Tuner
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by N2IK on April 3, 2009
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You might build your own from hardware store aluminum sheet and aluminum angle. It is possible to do a good job with only hand tools or hand tools and portable power tools. If you can finagle access to a sheet metal shear and brake you can make it easily. Sheet aluminum can also be cut on a table saw with appropriate blade. But you can do it in a home workshop without them. I made my first enclosure when I was 14 with only a hack saw, file and egg-beater drill. I did not even have a pop-rivet tool.
I have built enclosures with only a saber saw and a flat file and hardwood strips and c-clamps to make the bends. You need a fine tooth metal cutting blade, good layout skills and patience. Use a large flat file to straight rough edges and work down to the finish dimension.
Since you may be do it by hand, you can prevent cumulative errors by making a box from two U shaped pieces or three L shaped pieces joined with aluminum angle. Pop-rivets work well here.
If you haunt the scrap piles of metal dealers, sign shops etc. you can get good prices on the materials. Salvaged aluminum sheet can be had from old screen doors and other equipment.
I have seen flea market electronic equipment with a nice case scrapped and the enclosure/chassis re-used for a project with a new front panel also.
Go for it. Remember that laquer putty and flat paint can hide a multitude of sins and make it look very good. Oil base enamel can be thinned and sprayed with inexpensive electric sprayers and simple incandescent lights can be used to bake it hard.
73 de Walt N2IK
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RE: Wanted: Cabinet for Antenna Tuner
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by KB5ZXM on April 4, 2009
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I have salvaged an old Compaq computer tower for the box.
it's lots bigger than you wanted but well shielded with the doors on it. But then I was going for 160 mtrs and using really big components.
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RE: Wanted: Cabinet for Antenna Tuner
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by AA4PB on April 5, 2009
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There are a lot of aluminum enclosures at the electronics dealers like Digikey, Mouser, Allied, and others. They aren't cheap though.
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RE: Wanted: Cabinet for Antenna Tuner
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by K0BT on April 7, 2009
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Check out http://www.newegg.com for a computer case designed for a home theater system or for an external enclosure. They make great project cases.
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RE: Wanted: Cabinet for Antenna Tuner
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by K0IZ on April 12, 2009
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Take a look at eBay. There are always a number of electronic items for sale (test equipment, power supplies, etc, etc) that won't sell for much, but the box can be used for other purposes. I have purchased several items just for the enclosure. Good quality for almost nothing.
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RE: Wanted: Cabinet for Antenna Tuner
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by ACARSNUT on April 13, 2009
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I have some empty rack mount cabinets.I dissected them for parts and have the cabinets saved for projects.Can send pic's if interested.
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RE: Wanted: Cabinet for Antenna Tuner
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by 5R8GQ on June 15, 2009
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Ditto on the Ten Tec enclosures. I have bought several. Outstanding quality and selection, tilt bales optional, etc. Not cheap, but worth the price. Enclosures aren't usually cheap anyway.
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