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Outdoor communications cabinet for translator at TX site?

R

radiofish

Does anybody have a suggestion as to where to start looking for a durable yet economical cabinet enclosure for a 50 watt rack mount FM translator at a site where no shelter space is available? Thanks.

Is there a company that makes these? Probably similar to what the cell phone companies use outdoors.
 
Hello,

I have been using these when I put in translators for my clients.

http://www.ddbunlimited.com/OD-30DX-outdoor-nema-enclosures.htm

I added in a thermostat controlled fan and heater. They also have a smaller one, but I like the larger units that have a front and rear door. I also made a custom mount to keep the unit about 4 feet off the ground (makes working easier and keeps snow from drifting and covering vents).
 
I've thought a bit about building a "site in a box"... In many ways it makes sense to take a hint from the cell phone guys and use an enclosure like this for sub-1kW broadcast applications. It would be a great solution for a 1-kW Omni AM station using one of the Nautel J1000 or similar transmitters.

Given that as a contractor, *you're* probably the guy who'll be servicing the thing, I'd think twice about climate concerns at the tower site. Blowing sand, Blowing snow, rain, cold and hot... can turn even a simple swap into a painful project. Working in northern michigan, I saw the SprintPCS techs pull out their little tent that hooks onto a cabinet more than once... They'd usually wander over to the building if they saw me to warm up their hands and stretch their legs. I've since relocated to the deserts of southern california, and assume that the reason i don't see many "cabinet only sites" is due to the 120 degree days we have in the summer. In any case, if it's the only option, it's the only option.

P.S. Beware that Kintronics prices have gone way up recently due to the cost of aluminum stock. A quote for a generator shelter from them *quadrupled* in three years time. The do make an excellent product, though..
 
I've heard of stations using the type of enclosure commonly using in the outdoor "Porta-Potty" style, although I don't know if you need any sort of cooling/heating requirements for your 50 watter during weather extremes. I'm told they're pretty durable and if your site is otherwise secure I would imagine it would do a decent job.

It's probably big enough for a small rack with gear and perhaps some fans to move the air. Other than that I've only seen pictures of them.
 
I'd be sure to add a rackmount air conditioner. They aren;t inexpensive to buy, but they're reasonably cheeep to run, because there's not a lot of space to cool. We had a little obne rack shelter full of microwaves at a repeat site which did fine. Paint it white.
 
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