Waterproof containers can be expensive, but you can make one for yourself for your SG-239 Smartuner without breaking your budget. The secret is at your local grocery store. Tim, N9PUZ did such a nice job that we asked him for permission to show everyone what he's done.

"I've been thinking of how I wanted to configure my SG-239 tuner for field operation. My goals were to provide flexibility to use it with a variety of antenna types and have it serviceable for emergency communications needs should the need arise.

"The enclosure shown in Photo #1 is intentionally oversized so there is room to pack wires for a vertical antenna, counterpoises, power cords, etc.; Sort of a "tuner to go" system that is always ready for fun in the field.

"All internal connections were made with ring terminals. This makes removal of the tuner easy if needed but keeps all the connections secure.

"Photo #2 shows the antenna attachment point. The dual binding post provides a lot of flexibility for connecting wires or ladder line feeders. Either single or dual banana plugs can be used. A dual banana plug is almost the perfect width to mate up 450-Ohm ladder line. The style binding posts shown also easily accept bare wires.

"Photo #3 shows the input side of things. A regular SO-239 is used for RF and a pair of panel mounted Anderson Powerpoles provide power.

"I gave myself two options for power: I can either sit a small battery right next to the tuner (it draws about 250 mA while tuning, about 75 mA while idling) or I can use a long extension cable to reach back to the 12 VDC power for my other station equipment.

"The small metal plates around the Powerpoles let you mount the standard connectors in nearly any type of panel. I allowed enough room to the left of them so I can add connections for a remote reset switch and a remote signal that indicates a match less than 2:1 has been found.

"This has been a fun project so far. I tested it out towards the end of March 2003 and have been happy with the results."

Thanks to Tim for sharing his very interesting project with us.