I wanted to build a custom rugged battery box on a budget for amateur radio communications and emergency charging. The ammo can was found in poor condition at an army surplus and was restored by sanding to remove rust, re-painting, and lubricating the rubber seal. I’m not yet satisfied with the internal fabrication and will continue to improve upon its design later. Future improvements to include: led switch, solar charge controller, improved mounting panel, volt/amp meter.
more photos below and materials list below…
Materials used:
- 1x – .50 cal ammo box
- 4x – 12v 7.1 ah SLA batteries
- 1x – led strip
- 1x – cut up black mouse pad
- 1x – 1 foot strip of heavy duty velcro
- 3x – 2″ pieces of aluminum angle (velcro used on both exterior sides for panel mounting)
- 1x – SPST 12VDC Lighted Automotive safety switch
- 1x – Banana plug jack
- 1x – 12V automotive cigarette lighter fused socket (installed adjacent to banana plug)
- 1x – Banana plug to Anderson Power Poles adapter
- 1x – 12V Battery Tender Junior Battery Charger
- misc wire and connectors…
Photos:
![20140102-213246.jpg](https://i0.wp.com/fiquett.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/20140102-213246.jpg?resize=377%2C502&ssl=1)
![20140102-213320.jpg](https://i0.wp.com/fiquett.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/20140102-213320.jpg?resize=538%2C717&ssl=1)
![IMG_5306](https://i0.wp.com/fiquett.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_5306.jpg?resize=550%2C412&ssl=1)
![20140103-173125.jpg](https://i0.wp.com/fiquett.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/20140103-173125.jpg?resize=538%2C717&ssl=1)
![20140104-101613.jpg](https://i0.wp.com/fiquett.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/20140104-101613.jpg?resize=538%2C717&ssl=1)
![20140104-101622.jpg](https://i0.wp.com/fiquett.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/20140104-101622.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
![20140104-101627.jpg](https://i0.wp.com/fiquett.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/20140104-101627.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
![rough wire diagram](https://i0.wp.com/fiquett.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Screen-Shot-2014-01-23-at-4.35.38-PM.png?resize=550%2C89&ssl=1)
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