Emergency Communications Trailer

[rflistner2000]

Earlier I talked about a trailer that my Fiancee and myselve were converting into an EmComm/CERT trailer. This is a follow-up to what we've done so far, and hope to do further.

When we got the 16" trailer, it had six 300 watt solar panels mounted on one side. These panels are wired into two 25 amp Solar Charge Controllers (3 panels each), which in turn charge 12 Deep Cycle Marine Batteries. The intent of the original owner was to go deep in the CA mountains, and live off the grid. During a "misunderstanding" with one of his neighbors, he was shot, and his (now) widow got the trailer.
The plans are to insulate and carpet the interior, install several Radio Operating positions, as well as storage for CERT and preparedness items. We hope to outfit the trailer to provide support to our community in the event of an "incident". As we live in North Salt Lake, Utah, we are primarily outfitting it for Earthquakes or Refinery situations.
Due to the location of the Solar Panels and the weight of the batteries, my biggest issue at the moment is weight distribution.
The attached photo shows what we are starting with.

[rflistner2000]

This is a rough idea as to what we hope to end up with.

[AZ Prepper]

Very cool!

[rflistner2000]

This shows the foam insulation getting installed. Next is to get the plywood up.

[BackBlast]

Are you using any Anderson Power Poles for connecting appliances?

[rflistner2000]

At this time, there will be 5 operating positions. Each position will have an Anderson Pole breakout box for radios and accessories. Each breakout box will be fed from a Master breaker box in the front of the trailer. I want make this as "plug-n-play" as I can, and Anderson Pole is the way to go.

[rflistner2000]

It has been awhile since I updated this thread. We have the carpet, the desktops, the shelves, the storage cabinets and most of the radio gear installed. I estimate the work is a bit more than half done. A lot left to do. I hope to have it fully operational by the end of the month.

[rflistner2000]

Close-up of Position-1. HF/VHF/UHF voice and digital capabilities.

[rflistner2000]

Close-up of Positions 2 and 3. Pos-2 will have 2mtr, 1,25 mtr and 70cm voice.
Pos-3 is D-STAR, 2mtr and 70 cm.

[rflistner2000]

Pos 4 is 2 mtr and 70 cm voice. With digital back-up. Hope to get a 6 mtr rig in here also.
Pos 5 will be 10/11 mtr, and Marine Band.
Pos 6(?) will be three or four scanners set to local/generic freqs.

[rflistner2000]

Desktop area for paperwork. Cabinet is used for water storage. I hope it will offset the weight of the toolbox on the other side.

[AZ Prepper]

Lookin' good! Keep us updated!

[DMGNUT]

This is so cool. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product.

[rflistner2000]

I don't know if this project will ever be finished. Each time I go out to work on it, I think of something else to do with it. My better-half keeps after me to finish the carpet work. I need to finish carpeting the front of the trailer, and get carpet down on the left side floor. (I really dislike the carpet glue). Since the last post I've added 8 NMO mounts on the roof, and 2 SO-239 connectors to each side. I was going to try installing an entry box for all the RF, but went this way instead. I have been using it to check into some area nets (Beehive, Noon-time, ERC, & ARES). Once I finish the carpeting I can get the tool-box, and shelving units in, then the supplies.