I love Pelican cases, however
Harbor Tool & Freight is selling three different sizes of “Apache” cases that are very durable, and great “bang for the buck”.
This 3800, (the largest), was $29.99 and I had a 20% off coupon on top of that, making it an even better deal. I am certain I will be returning, (armed with coupon), to buy another of these.
Inside you have the same kind of “pluck-able” foam that you get with the Pelican cases. Here I have “plucked” out a shape the right size for our ICOM AT-180 Auto Tuner.
I have installed our ICOM IC-706MkIIG radio in the F-250 for mobile operation on VHF & UHF – however, can easily stop and set up an HF antenna, using the same radio and this tuner for Portable operations. (I don’t do HF and drive at the same time – draws away too much attention at this age).
Perfectly protected, (underneath the AT-180 is the Coaxial patch cord and the digital cord that go between the Radio and the auto-tuner). In just a few minutes, will be plucking out more spots for a spare microphone, and a couple of Anderson Powerpole equipped power cables and adapters for the radio itself. Especially a spare remote speaker.
Added a West Mountain CLRspkr and backup microphone for the IC-706MkIIG. Necessary cables/connectors are underneath devices. Also not shown is a little PowerWorx DC distribution strip based upon Anderson Powerpoles.
I am already planning the contents of the second case this size, including a set of headphones, CW key, plus the USB Signalink and necessary cables for portable operation with digital modes, especially Winlink.
Apache 3800 interior dimensions:
Inside Length (in.) 14-15/16 in.
Inside Height (in.) 6-11/16 in.
Inside Width (in.) 10-9/16 in.
I will be very comfortable with tossing these cases in the truck-bed toolbox when we go out camping or just driving up to the Lagunas for some remote HF radio operation.