We all know how hard I can be in companies, but this time Hardened Power Systems has something which looks pretty special. So, I’m not calling them out, but sharing something which I believe will be very interesting, for the emcomm and preparedness communities. HPS calls it the Commander. It’s a turnkey go box for the Yaesu ft-857d. I’m also hoping it will be compatible with the Yaesu ft-891.
My only gripe is that it probably isn’t sold as a kit, for those of us outside of the United States. I would certainly take the frame, faceplate, internals and most of the electronics (minus the AC port), adding batteries on this side of the pond. Still, it looks like a pretty awesome idea.
The following text is from Hardened Power Systems YouTube description.
The Commander is a turnkey go box for the 857D. Designed, manufactured, and sold in the USA by Hardened Power Systems.
- 20 AH lifepo4 battery bank, composed of two Dakota 10 AH batteries.
- Real-time power usage meter, shows & records voltage and min/max amps & watts of power draw.
- Two 3 watt full-range speakers, with defeat switch.
- Front mounted headphone jack. Run silent or run both speakers and headphones.
- Internal 3 stage AC charge controller, worldwide voltage.
- Internal 3 stage solar controller, accepts up to 60 watts of solar power.
- Two panel mounted antenna extensions, mil spec, shielded RG400, made in the USA.
- Two 3 amp USB drivers, switched, for charging or powering other devices.
- Front mounted stainless steel grounding lug, connected via a tinned & braided cable to copper lug.
- Two power poles on front, switched, for accessories. 20A distributed.
- Head unit swivels into the machine for stowage, swivels out to operate. Head unit is secured or removed with silicone straps, no tools needed.
- Fits in a fat 50 can. Waterproof when closed.
- Integrated power connection for radio with factory disconnect and two inline fuses.
- Tool-free installation and removal of radio.
- Ability to run the radio with the machine ‘dark’.
- Total weight of machine, with 857 installed is just 18 pounds.
Let them know who showed it to you. Hardened Power Systems
73
Julian oh8stn
