Over the years, while involved in the radio scanning / amateur radio / ultralight DXing hobbies, I have used a number of different bags and cases for carrying my assorted radios and associated bits and pieces. Some of these bags and cases have worked very well, others have not for various reasons.
I have again returned to my love of portable operation, this has meant finding a suitable carry case or bag for my radios to undertaken these activities in parks and other locations.
Based on my experience in the past, I ruled out using a “hard” case due to the unwanted attention they can bring plus size and cost. Soft camera bags like I have used in the past do not offer a suitable level of protection and can also make you stand out as a photographer who might be carrying expensive equipment. With this in mind I have recently been on the lookout for ideas to make a suitable carrying system that is “low profile / stealth”.
Recently I was looking at the Reject Shop, when I noticed they had canvas bags for $15, this was a good size and had enough space for my radios and accessories plus my 10” netbook and other daily carry essentials. On the shelf nearby was a number of cheap plastic storage containers, I tried a few different ones until I found one that was a good fit for this bag. I also purchased some heavy duty black tape and two smaller plastic storage containers. Total cost was $22.
Last night I spent about an hour out in the shed setting this up. The first step was to cut the side of the plastic storage container to allow my radios to slide in and out, this is an idea in used in my original stealth ultralight DXing bag. Next I mounted some bubble wrap to the inside, rear, top and back to protect the scanners as they slide in and out. I installed some foam to the lid and then taped this shut using the heavy duty black tape. Finally I drilled two small holes in to the rear of the plastic storage container and in to the back of the bag to hold this in place. I then spent some time sorting my various radio scanning accessories and setting up space in the bag for them all. This is where the smaller plastic containers came in very handy.
Over all for less than $25 and an hour of my time I have a very low profile bag which provides a good level of protection and blends in, looking like nothing more than a man bag.
I have again returned to my love of portable operation, this has meant finding a suitable carry case or bag for my radios to undertaken these activities in parks and other locations.
Based on my experience in the past, I ruled out using a “hard” case due to the unwanted attention they can bring plus size and cost. Soft camera bags like I have used in the past do not offer a suitable level of protection and can also make you stand out as a photographer who might be carrying expensive equipment. With this in mind I have recently been on the lookout for ideas to make a suitable carrying system that is “low profile / stealth”.
Recently I was looking at the Reject Shop, when I noticed they had canvas bags for $15, this was a good size and had enough space for my radios and accessories plus my 10” netbook and other daily carry essentials. On the shelf nearby was a number of cheap plastic storage containers, I tried a few different ones until I found one that was a good fit for this bag. I also purchased some heavy duty black tape and two smaller plastic storage containers. Total cost was $22.
Last night I spent about an hour out in the shed setting this up. The first step was to cut the side of the plastic storage container to allow my radios to slide in and out, this is an idea in used in my original stealth ultralight DXing bag. Next I mounted some bubble wrap to the inside, rear, top and back to protect the scanners as they slide in and out. I installed some foam to the lid and then taped this shut using the heavy duty black tape. Finally I drilled two small holes in to the rear of the plastic storage container and in to the back of the bag to hold this in place. I then spent some time sorting my various radio scanning accessories and setting up space in the bag for them all. This is where the smaller plastic containers came in very handy.
Over all for less than $25 and an hour of my time I have a very low profile bag which provides a good level of protection and blends in, looking like nothing more than a man bag.
