x5105 Based Portable Go Kit for 80-6 meters....

2020-04-15 Perhaps it never ends, but I've repackaged my go kit again! Digging around under my bench I came across this really neat semi-hard-sided case that came along with something I bought a long time ago. I remembered using it once before to pack up the x5105 so decided to give it another try as it is a bit neater case than the bag I was using.
Above is the Go kit using only the x5105 internal battery. It weighs 5-1/5 lbs. the other items are mic and ear buds, clipboard and pencils with key, cable and mini paddle; the EFHW antenna using the QRPguys transformer and 25 ft of RG-174 coax; tent pegs, guy line and the 14-1/2 ft fishing pole. These are the same items as shown below for the kit I assembled on April 10th with the case rather than the bag and not including the 29 ft end fed antenna being the only differences.
Below is the same kit but with an added 4.5AH Bioenno external battery and power cable. That increases the weight to 6-1/2 lbs.
I'm anxious to get out and test this kit to see if I really do have everything needed. It's easy to imagine what you need, but until you actually set it up and use it a few times you can't be sure. It probably would be a good idea to take a few other items along such as a VOM, a small pair of pliers, perhaps an extra length of feedline, a knife or other tool to cut and strip wire in case the antenna get's broken, etc. Perhaps a second small bag or case could be assembled for those things.
2020-04-10 Updated xiegu x5105 based portable go kit.
The above three photos show my current portable go-kit based on my x5105 QRP rig. Photo A shows the packed bag and 14-1/2 foot push up fiberglass fishing pole. Photo B shows the contents removed from the bag but with the rig and miscellaneous items in their respective protective folders. Photo C is a full display of all contents.
Here is a detailed description of the photos and contents.
​​Photo A. The packed bag and 14-1/2 foot push up fiberglass fishing pole used for the supporting mast. Total weight is 5-3/4 lbs. as shown.
Photo B. The contents removed from the bag but with the rig and miscellaneous items in their respective protective folders.
  • Item 1 is the bag itself. I found this one at a local thrift store for a couple dollars. It just the right size.
  • Item 2 is my QRPguys based EFHW 40-10 antenna. I attached the QRPguys transformer to a DIY wire winder made from a retired political sign and the 59.5 foot radiator and ground wire are wound on the the winder. Makes a nice, compact package that is easy to store and deploy.
  • Item 3 is a 29ft end fed antenna based on the QRPguys 9:1 unun kit. The radiator is 29 ft long and I have a 17 ft radial. The unun board is attached to a DIY wire winder cut from a retired political sign. As with the EFHW it packs up nicely and easily deploys.
  • Item 4 is a clip board I modified by attaching a DIY CW straight key. It holds my note paper and pencil as well making an easy to pack and use notepad/key combination. 
  • Item 5 is my xiegu x5105 inside a DIY protective envelop made from Reflectix, a nifty bubble wrap with aluminum foil on both sides. It is easy to work with and provides excellent padding with near zero weight. I used duck tape to hold it together.
  • Item 6 is a second reflectix folder that contains the mic, ear buds, key cable and various other cords and things needed. It simply keeps things neat instead of loose inside the bag.
  • Item 7 is the 14-1/2 foot push up fiberglass fishing pole I use for a mast to attach the end of the 29 ft radiator or support the middle of the EFHW set up as an inverted vee.
Photo C shows all items in the go-kit spread out.
  • Item 4a is the DIY CW straight key attached to the notepad.
  • Shown next to the CW key are six tent pegs which may or may not be needed depending on how the antenna is deployed.
  • Item 4b is my  Whiterook MK-44 Mini CW key giving me a backup key option. I've modified the key be mounting the paddles inside the box making it easier to pack and use.
  • Item 8 is a 25 ft length of RG174 BNC terminated coax used as feedline for whichever antenna I use.
  • Item 9 is a 50 ft length of cord for use in stringing an antenna in a tree if available.
  • Items 10 are two lengths of 1/8 inch bungee cord with cord locks used to tie off the antennas. They make it easy to keep tension on the antenna with flexibility in the wind or whatever.
  • Item 11. Ear buds.
  • Item 12. x5105 microphone.
  • Item 13. xiegu x5105 5 watt, 160-6 meters transceiver with reasonable sized built in battery, antenna tuner and SWR sweep feature.
Additional or backup items that might be considered are such as an extra battery and power cable, extra key cable, extra feedline and simple tools to make repairs if needed. A VOM and signal strength meter might also be useful. If, unlike the xt105 your rig does not have an SWR capability, you might want to take something along, like a nanoVNA. You may also want to have a cell phone with a logging app or at least a way to know the time for logging  contacts.
The above has only had limited use in a real or remote location. I have used it in my back yard several times and a couple other nearby locations with happy results. ​Experience will help you know what you really need vs. what just makes the kit heavier and bulkier!
2019-03-24 After a number of days playing with my end fed half wave antenna cut for 40 meters but usable on 20 meters, I decided to put together a go kit (again!). The primary pieces are the x5105 including mic and key, a 4.5ah bioenno battery, my efhw antenna and a 35 ft end fed antenna. That should provide many hours of operation with good coverage on 40 and 20 meters with and perhaps less efficient coverage on all bands from 80 through 6 meters with the 35 ft antenna. The mast is a 14-1/2 foot push up fiberglass fishing pole. 
Top left, kit packed up. Top center, contents packed. Top right, radio, mic, key & Key cable.
Bottom left, Bioenno 4.5ah extra batter & cable. Bottom Center, 35' EF, 40 meter EFHW Antennas, Coax, ground stake, 14.5' mast with guy lines & shock cord. Bottom right, note pad and pens.
The kit includes
Total weight including the case and mast is 7 lbs. I got the semi-hard sided case as part of an order of GOPRO Accessories on Amazon several years ago. Its outside dimensions are 13" x 9" x3". Wish it we an inch longer and wider but everything fits snugly! If I've planned it well, everything I need is in the package! If not, I'll find out.... I do keep thinking about the statement, "One is none and two is one!"