Earlier this year, I found a nice weatherproof hard case for my Yaesu FT-991A from Monoprice.com that was on sale for a decent price. This is similar to the classic Pelican cases, but is a less-expensive “knock-off” like the Apache cases from Harbor Freight. The one I got is about 19″ x 16″ x 8″ external dimensions, and about 17.5″ x 13.5″ x 7.25″ inside, which I thought would be plenty of space for the radio, power supply and cables.
From the Monoprice website:
Provide IP67 level dust and water protection for drones, audio mixers, or small desktop computers using this customizable Weatherproof Hard Case from Monoprice™!
The IP, or Ingress Protection, rating is a two digit value that indicates the level of protection provided by the cases. The IP67 rating of this case means that it provides complete protection against dust and other solid particles and that it can withstand up to 30 minutes of submersion in water at up to 1 meter depth.
The case is constructed of impact and ultraviolet resistant polypropylene and has a fully customizable foam interior for superior shock protection. A pressure relief valve allows you to slowly and safely equalize the pressure inside and out.
Features:
- Designed and developed to the comply with the highest safety protection standards
- Waterproof up to 1 meter depth for 30 minutes
- Shockproof design with fully customizable foam interior
- Total protection against dust and other solid material
- Ultraviolet and impact resistant material
- Pressure relief valve allows for gradual pressure equalization
- Seal design provides IP67 level protection
- Ergonomic, rubber covered handle
- ‑4 ~ +194°F (‑20 ~ +90°C) operating temperature
- 1739 cu in (28.5 liter) internal volume
- 73.9 lbs. (33.52 kg) maximum buoyancy
- 18.9″ x 16.3″ x 8.5″ (479 x 415 x 217 mm) external dimensions
- 17.64″ x 13.58″ x 7.32″ (448 x 345 x 186 mm) internal dimensions
- Weighs only 12.8 lbs. (5.81 kg)
Customizing the Interior
The “pick-and-pull” foam inserts are pre-cut and “perforated” so that you can easily customize the compartment. I made a space for the radio, with notches for the knobs and connectors, a smaller space for the power supply to fit on its side, and a space for the radio’s power cable. There is enough space, about an inch and a half, on top of the radio to fit other cables, including a 12v extension cable with PowerPoles, the AC cord for the MFJ-4230MVP power supply, and a couple of USB cables. The loose foam blocks in the center will press against the lid to help hold the radio in place.
My daughter got a Cricut craft cutting machine at Christmas, and was able to cut out letters for my callsign in vinyl, which we applied to top of the case. The Cricut has its own design application, but can also cut based on any Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG) file, so I was able to produce the files in Inkscape, Graphic or Affinity Designer to send to her.
I think that this turned out quite well. It will protect the radio when I go to Field Day, camping this summer, or on ARES deployments.