I built 6 battery boxes for friends and family using modified Minn Kota battery boxes and 100 amp hour ToBattery lifep04 batteries that come shrink wrapped with attached BMS and without battery cases. These are very compact batteries! The 100 amp hour batteries are small enough to fit 2 of them inside your battery box with foam padding! ToBattery also makes a slightly taller and wider 200 amp hour battery which I installed in my personal Minn Kota box. Imagine having 200 amp hours capacity in that box! The other thing I do is to add a BesTek 300 watt inverter on top of the box that gets attached with Velcro strips so that it can be removed for use in the van if needed. I swap out the 10 amp circuit breaker for a 20 amp unit, add bigger wires, retain the 60 amp side terminals. The box gets a LED trouble light, battery isolation switch, USB dual port outlet, standard lighter outlet, and voltmeter. I buy Chinese voltmeters 6 at a time and maybe 2 will read accurately! The other thing I do is to add removable lugs for the side terminals so that jumper cables can be used to recharge the battery somewhat if its raining, no solar charging is available, and I need another 50 amp hours or so stuffed into the battery from the van's alternator. I started building these battery boxes in 2017 to run CPAP units so my friends could sleep thru the night after wildfires caused our outages. PORTS!

I just bought this with a 12v 100ah renogy battery. This is cheaper than a jackery for my truck frig. $300 all in parts.

I love all those PORTS and the different options these boxes have. To be honest, I didn't even know how far these things have come. I remember all the old school ones you can put on a boat, but nothing like these. Thanks for another great video, sir!!!

You can never have too many ports. I currently have the Gigaparts Explorer Box(I got it because of your video) with Buddipole Powermini 2 solar charge controller, a Eco-Worthy 20ah Batttery and Harbor Freight Thunderbolt 100w solar panel brief case. Everything works great together. I am looking into upgrading my knowledge and skills with powerpoles and 12v appliances and gadgets to start tent camping with ham radio this spring. I like the battery box from amazon and will consider it into my collection.

That is the exact box I use. I keep two 12V 24Ah batteries in it along with a LOT of Anderson Powerpole cables -- lots of room. The batteries are: TalentCell 12V 24Ah LiFePO4 Battery Pack LF4040, 12.8V 288Wh Deep Cycle Rechargeable Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery I got those because I like the battery check button on them. And, yes, I heard PORTS!

Great video! I make my own boxes because no one puts more that 1 12 volt cig plug on them. The reason I need more that one is because I have 2 live bait coolers on my boat and that is how they are wired! I would love to be able to purchase just the empty boxes in your video!

03:18 Thats a "Power delivery" port. Thats why its labeled "PD"

I'm just doing continuing research on battery boxes and DIY ideas for solar chargers with plenty of _ports_ .

Nice Ports Jason! The 75-amp Anderson connectors work best for using a DC-DC converter to charge LIFEPO4 batteries from the truck to the travel trailer as quick disconnects, works great! In ham radio, you would be QRO+ if those fuses were not just 35-amps. I have the Explorer box and have 12-AH of LIFEPO4 batteries Plus the 100-watt solar panel you recommended in a recent video, works GREAT for QRP and I am QRPppppp with my Tuna Tin Transmitters. The Explorer is overkill, but I also bring out my WA3RNC TR-35 when I feel like some 8W QRO, LOL. The Explorer box was great and would have been better if they made it group 31 like your featured box here. Cheers es 72, Dave - KU9L

I am using the Explorer box based on the video you did on it. It's got all the "PORTS" I need and holds my 30ah Bioenno battery. I also plan to add solar with a charge controller added inside. Take care!!

Ports - you need to add a shunt to get correct voltage of lifepo4 battery. They run at nearly full voltage until they are dead. I like the Victron Bluetooth version.

I always love seeing a good battery box.

i got the same box from napa on sale last month. it is still available for 15% off on the site. i do like the ports on the smaller box though. and will be looking into getting one of those for my smaller miadi battery possibly, but if you want to do some wiring you can fit 4 of the miady 20amp hour batteries in the bigger box. i like the idea of putting more power pole ports in it or adding the smaller power poles to the large ones. making it more useable for the ham users.

For me, when it comes to ports, its all about the powerpoles. A usb or 2 are useful, but they can easily be provided by an attachment plugged into a powerpole. Bonus if the box is big enough to store that inside if not in use.

Nice battery boxes, Greetings from Jamaica.

i need to see about getting the anderson PORTS, just getting into the hobby..

I currently don't have a battery box but I have a 36 amp hr Mighty Max gel battery. Works great but will definitely need to get a box sooner or later.

I also purchased a similar Box from Napa on sale. I added fuses and an AOLithium 100 ah battery. I'm a little dissatisfied with the buckle on the strap as it failed when I 1st picked up my battery Box with my battery inside. I am still working on a solution for a strap I can trust. Other than that I'm very satisfied so far. I think I will keep my PORTS unchanged for now.

I have built a HAM Radio battery box and it is pricey to buy all the components and a good box. But it was a good learning experience as I now want to build a 2.0 version. PORTS

Im wanting to make a battery box, and seeing all the variations of PORTS is a help trying to decide what i want and need out of my box.

Ports…new to the hobby. You put out great info for us new hams. Enjoy every video.

When I found the bigger setup I bought two n now I can link my batteries together at the same time hooked up to solar panels and two inverters all together and theres different types of sizes of batteries so some might not fit, I use 12.8v 100a lithium LiFeP04 in both, love it n worth getting, 808 back out

Oh man Dem Ports! Yeah i made one of these and modified it a bit. Went your route with the power poles but i replaced the volt meter with a qc3/2x usb-c socket. I have a renogy battery monitor on it as well for accurate readings (major overkill). I have my miady 100ah lifepo4 battery in it right now and it's just the perfect size. I'll post photos in the discord

Found one for you with your fav plugs. ATEM POWER Battery Box 12V - with USB/DC Port/CIG Socket/Anderson Plug/Voltage Indicator, Solar Generator Power Charging for RV Camper

That Explorer box looks like a good match for my Bioenno 20AH battery. I like the PORTS on the box over the larger one. More useful. I also have no need for the "cigarette lighter" socket either. Great video. Thanks KJ6DQ

Yes I like lots of "Ports" I built a small battery box, using a 12 volt, 6 amp Bioenno battery, but then all I run is HT's in the field. I now have a Grecell T300 Solar Charger, and the 100 watt solar panel that goes with it. Its got one 110/120 plug, with a full sine wave inverter. Three USB 3.0 and one USB C. A 12 volt plug and two 5521 plugs, that I picked up cables that end with a 12 volt plugs. So I can add more USB if I need too. It is a tad heavy, but it has the inverter and the solar charger built in. So its all good. Have a good one.

PORTS, got to love them.

Ports are important.. usb/usb-c, and one lighter style plus several power pole are what I have in my homebuilt toolbox style battery box ..

I have been using, for years, the battery and radio boxes from Hardened Power. Ports

Ports. I like them both, even at retail.

I’m using the black Powerwerks box and 20a battery to power the “Ports” on top.

Ports. I have the GigaParts box with a 30 amp battery in it. I’ve had to modify it a bit but I do like it.

PORTS, I have a diy box with 2 12amp bioenno batteries. I just purchased a 100amp lipo4 and I'm going to build a box for the new battery.

I have the same type of box from Amazon with a different name. Very neat.

I’m using the Gigaparts orange Megabox with a Bioenno 30AH right now. Plenty of PORTS for me, but, I’ve also always got plenty of typical smaller batteries around for the phone, tablets etc. I also love my rechargeable electric hand warmers which can also charge the phone in a pinch.

Ports. I use a Powerwerx battery box, the smaller one with a 35 AH AGM battery (plan to swap out for 21 to 30 AH Lifepo4) and a DIY 18AH Lifepo4 made from a 30 cal ammo box from Harbor Freight. I built it about 2 years ago and it cost me around $150. The battery pack being the largest cost, around $65 from Aliexpress.

Word of the video - Ports! Thanks for the video, but I was hoping to get more information on this battery box, which I just ordered on Amazon. I plan to put an old car battery in it, and if this works, buy another box and have a dual setup for my RV. Does it have a charge controller for solar, and how do you charge the battery (I assume with the outside connectors)? Are the Anderson plugs for energy output or can they be used as inputs to charge the battery as well? Sorry if the questions are dumb, and I probably should have waited to get my box, but I wanted to acknowledge your video! Cheers

When Walmart closes out 12V game feeder batteries in the spring, I buy and install in my boxes.

Ports - While I agree that to build either battery box would be almost just as expensive when compared to buying them, I am a DIY guy and so I will be constructing my own battery box when I have the necessary components. I think either option would be a winner, but I really like K8MRD's box and if I were to buy one pre-made, I would purchase from him.

The smaller box has plenty ports. I have the Explorer ZXP-EXP-PBB box with a LIPO PO4 battery. Mine doesn't have a Car Jack in the corner like yours. It has 2 sets of Anderson plugs. Otherwise it is the same as yours. I use this to power the 705 when we lose power. Thanks for another great video.

Just found the channel...loving it. Like that box. Need that for my camper

I am not a ham radio person,but I am intrigued by this video on these boxes!! THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT!

I think there need to be used the Peltier elements in case off solar panels, battery.

Great PORTS... 🙂 Well connections would I like (USB A QC 3.0, USB C, USB A 1.5A, dual Anderson Power Poles and a direct connection for my Bluetti 200W solar panel....

Port this!!!!! :)) Good timing on the video - just bought a 50ah lifpo that doesn't fit in my old homemade simple box with anderson PP's, meter and switch. The new batt is too tall so I'm looking at converting the old box to new box reusing my power poles and stuff. Looking at "NOCO Snap-Top HM306BKS Battery Box, 6V Outdoor Waterproof Battery Box" or the "Camco Heavy Duty Battery Box with Straps and Hardware - Group 24" on Amazon. I have the parts so I didn't want to buy the $80 box.

The PORTS are very cool. I'm just getting started with this, so to me, the GigaPORTS box looks better. I'll be looking for that sale.

Power works makes a Lighter plug with Anderson power poles FYI very handy Attachment Jason.

Ports!! I am going to build a "primitive" box using either a 275AMP lawnmower battery or a 1000 amp car battery I salvaged from a car that was totaled by a hit and run driver. It was my primary vehicle. The box I have in mind will have room for an EFHW HF antenna for field use. If I can work it out, there will be a mount for a QRP radio. If I can see how to build a line of boxes, I may get into the high dollar HAM radio accessory line. Yes, I can be delusional from time to time.

PORTS. I dont have a battery box yet, looking at ideas. Both boxes are great but the smaller one looks good to me.

Ordered. Thanks for the heads up Jason.

I got one of those for a 100ah gel battery

in my box i built i do not have any usb ports. i have cigarettes ports instead and if i need a usb i just put a usb adapter into the cig port. i saw a guy do that on his box it seamed pretty smart.

Ports, great info! Love the channel, thanks.

Larger cables prevents voltage drop. If you replace the cables on the back of Chinese radio's with thicker cables you can get more wattage out of the radio.

Interesting comparison! Thanks!

Porks!

Very nice box. It would be nice if they made an LED light with a cigarette lighter plug for a base where it could just plug in without wiring and be able to swivel. They do have some pretty nice corded ones.

Great ports selection

Any port(s) in a storm! I built my own battery box. I have a RigRunner 4005 for multiple powerpole options, additional powerpoles for radio input and solar panel charging (with built in solar charge controller), dual usb, 12v (for utilizing an inverter for AC) and mini LEDs on 3 sides. Everything is fused and switched. It's overengineered, and built in a Pelican case. It cost me well over what either of yours did, and it's not for everyone, but it has everything I need, and nothing I don't need.

Ports. Great info.

Ports. Nice box!

That's a really big battery box. Would probably be good for QRO work. My battery box is just a standard orange waterproof "ammo can" with a 12aH Bioenno battery and all of my FT-897D accessories (antennas, microphone, DigiRig, etc.). I haven't wired any ports but may do that this winter to add some USB charging capabilities. Oh and before I forget PORTS.

We boought several bottles of port. Guess that's ports!

Ports. I use a commercial 750ah power station for portable operation. 100 watt solar panel to charge.

power pole and usb ports are more flexible

Built something like this for my trolling motor on my kayak.

I have several AGM batteries with 45A power pole connectors to run my QRP rigs and ac inverter for the fridge. I'm in the process of selecting boxes and matching lithium batteries. I don't smoke. No need for a cigarette lighter port. I prefer dual 45A Anderson power pole. 73 DE WA4OSH

Ports I like both boxes

Great video thanks !!!! Ports !!!

really like the video ports

Cool boxes Jason. Ports

Always need more Ports.

yes that battery box has plenty of Ports!

Harbor! I put a cig lighter port on my build in case I need to run a portable air compressor.

Ports: I don’t have a battery box yet. As I am just a new ham and only have the AT-D878UVii+.

The accessory plug sections are powered through the rocker switch... but since it has "reset" written on it, it's probably actually a 16A circuit breaker.

The "Ports" I want on my battery box are of course powerpoles, with specially colored (yellow positive/black negative) for my solar panels. I also want a cigarette lighter so I can plug in my laptop power adapter that steps up voltage. I built one of these boxes back at the beginning of COVID, but I wish that I had put my solar charge controller in the box and put a shunted meter like Mike has on Big Geek.

My box is not that big, but Screaming O batteries fit well. As for Ports, I like mine in paper bags.

Good information. Ports😊

The More Ports the better I say, you know "Ports" "PORTS", haha. Anderson Power Pole stuff has gotten pretty expensive, especially the accessory port type stuff. Must be a lot of people buying them. Thanks for the video. 73.

Ports. Another option for a battery box. Now to decide which one to get some day.

I just checked the prices on this box, Napa has one for $72.99 locally, called Max Trac has 2 regular usb ports, Autodunk may be better depending on what type of usb ports you need, Amazon $89.97 called All Top with 2 regular usb ports, get it from napa. Autodunk on amazon is $84.99 with 1 QC usb and usb c port, May be the best choice depending on usb ports needed. all look identical. Nice box, definitely useful, but the Dr prepare 100 ah battery with the 12-volt module may be better since it has a 100-watt charge controller in it.

Ports!

PORTS. I made my own box since nothing was available at the time to use my 35 Ah Miady battery.

Yes you can make it cheaper yourself, all sourced from Amazon & Harbor freight. In all with the 18AH LIPO4 battery cost me just a little over $100. The part that was enjoyable was building it myself.

My Kenwood TH-D72A has a car charger pulse you can power the radio with it as well Thats the only thing that I would use a cigarette lighter/ power port type socket for. I like the heavy-duty wiring that they put into it. I have a 80 APH AGM battery that I obtained free. Heavy battery, my plan is to use it for my home station. Living in northern California, I have to deal with PG&E turning power off due to potential fire hazard on windy days in the summer. Nice idea and video. PORTS 73's Gary KF6EWO

I bought one of these at Napa too. Just be careful carrying it cause the handle pops out. Could easily break your foot.

I don’t care for the large Amazon box because it just doesn’t have enough ports. I want to build my own version so it has the amount of ports and connections that I want to have. Should be a fairly easy and fun project. 73s WB5NOE

Yup need plenty of ports.

So whats the best way of changing this box up? Ports!

Not sure if you'll see this or not, but the new "mini" 100AH batteries would very likely fit inside that larger case.

Ports. I'm still trying to figure it out. Not sure if I should get the battery first then try to fine a box or get a box and try to fine a battery. USB and power poles . Seem to be the standard so that's what I probably would like on my battery box

Ports !!!!

FYI..those are 50A Anderson connectors

ports, from Kf5orm

The connectors on the battery box are SB-50, not the 75 amp powerpole.

Ports Jason.

code word is icom, like the hat says or ports for the baofang users

Ports!! Love the larger box. The small one has too many ports. I would use it for POTA and only need a couple of ports for the radio and phone. Great video,keep up the great work. De KM4WII

*As they say Any PORT(S) in a storm.*