Go-Box: Quick Deployable Communication

Derek Noll | January 30, 2026

Intro

Communication is one of the most critical tools during emergencies, community events, and field operations. When power is out or infrastructure is damaged, radio communication often remains one of the most dependable ways to stay connected. One popular solution for portable and resilient radio communication is the radio Go Box. 

What Is A Radio Go Box?

A Go Box is best described as a portable and self-sufficient system designed for rapid deployment. Everything needed to establish communication is self-contained. Most Go Boxes are built using durable, weather resistant and customizable cases that can contain different radios capable of VHF/UHF and HF, a radio scanner to monitor public safety frequencies, meters to monitor voltage and SWR, antenna tuner, lights, battery power system, and inputs for grid and battery power. 

Blackskye Community Radio uses a radio Go Box to support its weekly GMRS Neighborhood Readiness Net.

Benefits

• Rapid deployment - open the case, connect the antennas, and power on. 

• Power independent - LiFePO4 batteries can provided power for 24+ hours without needing recharged. A small solar panel can be incorporated to provide charging for complete off-grid resiliency. Runtime is a consideration of designing a go-box.

• Durable - most cases provide weather, dust, dirt, and impact protection. 

• Use during real-world emergencies. In the event of a power outage, severe weather, or other disruption, the Go Box can be activated to coordinate neighborhood communications, relay information, and support situational awareness.

Examples of Go Box Deployments

• Relocating to a different location where communication is non-existent or when one’s primary location is not suitable to remain occupied. 

• Relocating during a disaster situation to provide communications at temporary command posts to allow inter-agency and community information dissemination and resource sharing. 

• To support organized nets, events, and general field operations.

Personal Go Box

I built my Go Box by sourcing all of the parts and materials to customize it to my liking. For a first-time build, there were some headaches, but overall it was fun to make. One of the things I learned through this project was how to use relay switches— something that I never worked with before. 

My personal Go Box was designed with intent to serve as a home base station that can be relocated as needed. 

Load Out & Features

• ICOM F6031D - UHF radio dedicated to GMRS. Serves as a backup for 70cm amateur radio frequencies. 45W output

• Yaesu FTM-150ASP - Dual-band 2m/70cm amateur radio. 55W/50W output

• Alinco DR-MD520 - Dual-band 2m/70cm, wide-frequency coverage 400-480mhz/136-174mhz, DMR capable, 45W/50W output

• Uniden BCD996XT P25 scanner

• SO-239 antenna inputs x3

• Voltage & amp meter

• USB-C PD charging ports

• Interior and exterior lighting

• Automatic fail over to battery power

• External BNC antenna connection for scanner antenna

• 13.8V BTECH 30A power supply

• LiFePO4 battery

Antennas

Two antennas are maintained with the Go Box that allow easy deployment. The N9TAX Labs antennas are compact and offer decent gain and performance. 

• N9TAX Labs amateur dual-band rollup J-pole

• N9TAX Labs GMRS band rollup J-pole

N9TAX Labs antennas offer a no ground plane design, power handling of 100W, and gain of around 3db.

Parts List

• Gator 6u case

• Rack mount 1U shelves

• Powerwerx volt & amp meter

• Powerwerx USB-C PD charger

• Powerwerx switches

• 12V Anderson power pole distribution block

• AC power passthrough

• Relay switch

• LED lights

Closing

A radio Go Box is a great consideration for anyone who wants all of their radios contained in an organized, protected case with the advantage of mobility and quick deployment. For the project-oriented, making your own Go Box can provide a lot of satisfaction and give you peace of mind for emergency preparedness.