Stealth Radio Sling Bag – A Practical Portable Setup

I recently picked up this understated little sling bag on clearance for $19 (down from $30), and it’s quickly become one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner?” upgrades to my portable radio setup.

Why I Needed It
With me doing more portable sessions lately, I needed something simple and practical to carry a couple of radios, antennas, and a few accessories. Previously, it was a mix of cases and juggling gear in my hands, not ideal, especially when moving around.

The big driver here is mobility. My knees haven’t been great, and having both hands free while walking, whether it’s for balance, climbing, or just managing uneven ground, is genuinely important. A sling bag keeps everything close, accessible, and out of the way.

The Setup Inside
Inside, I added a plastic container to give the radios some structure and protection. Without it, everything would just knock around, not great for gear that isn’t exactly cheap.

That said, this part didn’t go smoothly…

The “Modification Phase” (a.k.a. making it fit)
Because the bag and the container came from different shops, they didn’t exactly agree with each other. The container was just a bit too thick, and the zip wouldn’t close.

So… out came the hacksaw.

I cut the container down and reassembled it to about two-thirds of its original thickness. A few screws anchor it to the middle timber divider, and some tape holds the structure together. It’s not pretty, but it’s solid, nobody will see it once it is in the bag and most importantly, it works.

This little DIY hack turned what could have been a failed idea into a really functional setup.

How It Performs
After using it, I can say it’s ticking all the boxes:

• Hands-free carry: huge win for mobility and stability
• Low profile: doesn’t scream “expensive gear inside”
• Compact but practical: fits radios, antennas, and accessories
• Extra space: room for a snack, phone, and keys
• Encourages use: makes it easy to just grab and go

And that last point is probably the biggest one. Because it’s so easy to carry, I’m taking my radios out more often, which naturally leads to discovering new signals and monitoring opportunities.

Final Thoughts
This wasn’t about buying the perfect bag, it was about building something that works for how I actually operate. A cheap sling bag, a modified container, and a bit of problem-solving has resulted in a setup that’s practical, discreet, and genuinely useful.

Sometimes the best solutions aren’t off-the-shelf, they’re the ones you tweak to fit your own way of doing things.

The start of the build process.

About the point where I had worked out that it was too think and the hacksaw came out.

Added some bubblewrap and testing the fit for both radios. I needed it to be snug but not too tight.

With the middle divider in and getting the bubblewrap in place.

After adding the tape to help hold it all together. I did have to add some more tape inside to stop the bubblewrap moving when I took the radios in and out.

Top view, with everything in place.

Just a little bit of duct tape...

The bag from the front, looking low profile.

Top access to the radios and aerials.

Middle Pocket - Wire aerial, USB cables.

Multi-tool hidden in the pocket.

Battery Charger for AA batteries.

Ear Phones in the front pocket, also space for my phone and keys.

Video - Uniden Band Scope Feature

 In this video, I demonstrate the Uniden BCD160DN band scope feature and how it can be useful for or hunting down new and interesting frequencies.

Sistema To Go Radio Case — Going Low Profile

There’s something deeply satisfying about creating a gear storage solution that’s both functional and minimal, not bulky, not overbuilt, just exactly what you need. Enter the Sistema To Go Radio Case, a humble but clever low-profile solution for radio operators, field techs, and anyone who likes to keep their communications tools tidy and ready.

Why a Low-Profile Case Matters

When you’re loading up for a field day, a commute, or even just shelf storage, bulk is the enemy. Traditional radio bags and padded gear cases are great, until you realize half the space is wasted. I wanted something that:

• Didn’t scream “expensive radio gear inside”
• Slept easily on a shelf or in a backpack
• Had modular compartments
• Was inexpensive and replaceable

The answer? A plastic Sistema To Go lunchbox style container.

---

What’s Inside the Case

Looking at the top view, the layout is simple but thoughtful:

Compartments & Layout

• Left Side:
  A dedicated compartment perfectly sized for a battery charger and a couple of AA batteries. With the divider, the charger doesn’t shift, even when the case is jostled.
• Center:
  The main radio body (My Uniden BCD160DN) sits snugly on a foam pad. The foam also doubles as protection for the radio knobs and connectors.
• Right Side:
  Two round removable containers are ideal for storing antennas, cables, adapters, or small parts like spare connectors or ear buds. 
• Top Layer/Under-lid:
  Bonus storage! A flat area under the lid can hold notes, frequency cheat sheets, or a small notebook.

---

Why This Works (and How You Can Replicate It)

1. Clean, Simple Organisation

No bulky tool bags or unnecessary pockets, everything has its place. The clear lid lets you visually confirm contents before opening.

2. Custom Fit Keeps Gear Safe

Foam padding under the main radio section and the dividers stop items from clanging together. Whether it’s a portable handheld or spare batteries, it all stays protected.

3. Inexpensive & Replaceable

If this case gets bumped around or left out in the field, it’s no big loss. You can replace it for under $10, compared to $100+ rugged cases.

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Perfect For:

• Daily carry setups
• Field days and quick deploy bags
• Backpack insert for comms gear
• Minimalists who hate bulky cases
• Radio ops on a budget

---

Tips if You Want to Build One

• Use craft foam or shelf liner: Adds padding without bulk.
• Measure twice: Small variations in handheld sizes can mean the difference between a snug fit and a loose one.
• Label compartments: A small label makes finding what you need quicker.
• Add velcro strips: To secure loose cables or accessories.

---

Final Thoughts

The Sistema To Go Radio Case isn’t flashy. It doesn’t have foam-cut inserts straight from a factory. But that’s the point. It’s low-profile, practical, customizable, and most importantly functional.

Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones.

Uniden BCD160DN - Key Press Codes

These work by pressing and holding the listed keys, while you turn on the Uniden BCD160DN.

2 + 9 + HOLD = Factory Reset
HOLD + 3 = Set Contrast
HOLD + 5 = GPS Test
HOLD + 6 = Screen / Keypad Test. Screen shows what keys are pressed
E + 2 = Screen / Keypad Test. Screen shows what keys are pressed
Scan + 2 = GPS test

Scan + 3 = Screen / Keypad Test. Screen shows what keys are pressed
Scan + 4 = SRC Test - 144MHz
Scan + 5 = Band Scope Test - 40.43MHz
Scan + 6 = Tone Out Test
Scan + 8 = NWR-SAME Test - 162.400MHz
Scan + 9 = Backlight Test
Scan + ./No = Load Scan Test Data - Channels 1 - 25
L/O + 5 = NWR-SAME Test - 162.400MHz
L/O + 6 = Backlight Test
L/O + 7 = Air Search - 25KHz
L/O + 8 = Public Safety Search - VHF Low

Video - Being a Frequency Detective

 https://www.tiktok.com/@vk7aal/video/7626158589257796871?lang=en-GB

Video - Clipboard Carry Case - Update April 2026

 https://www.tiktok.com/@vk7aal/video/7626906849136217351?lang=en-GB

Video - Amateur Radio DMR Example

 VK7RJG DMR Repeater

Video - Amateur Radio and Emergency Use

 https://www.tiktok.com/@vk7aal/video/7622075041227754770?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7601001350143100423

Video - Uniden BCD160DN Programming and Setup

https://www.tiktok.com/@vk7aal/video/7626183120210971922?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7601001350143100423

Video - Being a Frequency Detective

 https://www.tiktok.com/@vk7aal/video/7626158589257796871?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7601001350143100423

Video - Use of the Uniden Band Scope for Hunting Out Frequencies.

https://www.tiktok.com/@vk7aal/video/7626154589384871175?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7601001350143100423

Loggings - 07/04/02026

 

frequency	callsign	service	mode
118.7	TOWER-LTON	Airband	AM
120.7	FIA-DEVONPORT	Airband	AM
122.6	ATC BURNIE	Airband	AM
123.8	ATC-LTON APPROACH	Airband	AM
123.95	FIA-NW	Airband
125.55	ATC HOBART	Airband
126.5	ATC-NORTH	Airband	AM
126.7	CTAF	Airband	AM
126.9	CTAF NW	Airband
127.3	CTAF-GT	Airband	AM
129.5	QANTAS	Airband	AM
130.125	JETSTAR-HOBART	Airband
130.225	JETSTAR-LTON	Airband
130.35	VELOCITY	Airband
145.025	2M HAM SIMPLEX	Amateur Radio	FM
146.4	VK7RAA INPUT	Amateur Radio	FM
147	VK7RAA 2M Repeater	Amateur Radio	FM
156.4	MARINE VHF 8	Marine
156.425	MARINE WEATHER	Marine	FM
156.7	MARINE VHF 14	Marine	FM
156.8	MARINE VHF 16	Marine	FM
161.075	ARTEC	Business	FM
162.15	TASRAIL	TasRail	FM
162.375	TASRAIL-MILLERS BLUFF	TasRail	FM
162.5	BORAL	Business	FM
162.525	TASRAIL	TasRail	FM
162.6	TASRAIL-DAZZLER	TasRail	FM
162.6125	TASRAIL MT ARTHUR	TasRail	FM
163.075	LCC FREELANDS	Councils	DMR
163.575	LCC MT ARTHUR	Councils	DMR
464.275	METRO ABLES	Business	FM
464.375	METRO FREELANDS	Business	FM
476.425	UHF CB CH 1	UHF CB	FM
476.45	UHF CB 02	UHF CB	FM
476.5	UHF CB CH 4	UHF CB	FM
476.575	UHF CB CH 7	UHF CB
476.5875	UHF CB CH 47	UHF CB
476.625	UHF CB CH 9	UHF CB
476.675	UHF CB CH 11	UHF CB
476.725	UHF CB CH 13	UHF CB
476.775	UHF CB CH 15	UHF CB	FM
476.825	UHF CB CH 17	UHF CB	FM
476.85	UHF CB 18 (TIP)	UHF CB	FM
476.875	UHF CB CH 19	UHF CB
476.975	UHF CB CH 23	UHF CB
477.025	UHF CB CH 25	UHF CB	FM
477.1	UHF CB CH 28	UHF CB	FM
477.175	UHF CB CH 31	UHF CB
477.225	UHF CB CH 33	UHF CB	FM
477.25	UHF CB CH 34	UHF CB	FM
477.3	UHF CB CH 36	UHF CB
477.3375	UHF CB CH 77	UHF CB
477.35	UHF CB CH 38	UHF CB	FM
477.3625	UHF CB CH 78	UHF CB
477.4	UHF CB CH 40	UHF CB	FM
477.4125	UHF CB CH 80	UHF CB	FM
494.925	LCC AQUATIC CENTRE	Councils	FM

Looking Back - It Happened Next Door - 2004

In 2004 I was living in what most people would call a lower-class suburb of Launceston. The houses were mostly old Housing Commission places, weatherboards that had seen better decades, patchy lawns, mismatched cars in driveways, and the occasional couch sitting out on the verge waiting for council cleanup.

It wasn’t glamorous, but it was home.

One afternoon I was sitting in my radio room, doing what I often did, monitoring the radio networks around town. At the time Tasmania Police were still operating their EDACS network, and if you spent enough time listening you started to recognise the different talkgroups and unit types.

The scanner stopped on one of the police talkgroups.

“Tango 55, can you meet Juliet 19 at [my street name] with some tools.”

That immediately caught my attention.

“Tango” units were traffic.
“Juliet” units were the Special Operations Group.

Traffic cops don’t normally meet tactical teams with tools.

I rolled my chair back from the desk and looked out the front window.

Nothing.

The street looked exactly the same as it always did. A couple of parked cars. Someone’s dog barking down the road. Kids’ bikes lying on a lawn.

The radio stayed quiet.

No updates. No chatter. Just silence.

A few minutes passed.

Then suddenly two unmarked police 4WDs came flying up the street. They didn’t slow down much either, they turned hard off the road and drove straight into the front yard of the house next door. Gravel and dirt sprayed as they stopped.

Before the engines had even fully died, doors flew open.

Six SOG officers piled out in full tactical gear and moved fast toward the house. No hesitation. Straight to the front door.

Within seconds they forced entry and disappeared inside.

The whole thing happened so quickly it barely felt real.

At that point I might have been checking a few of the SACPAV UHF High Band frequencies as well. I might have caught a few signal bursts on those frequencies.

But everything there was encrypted. Nothing readable.

Less than two minutes later the scanner stopped again on the main talkgroup.

“Juliet 13, offender secured. House cleared. Charlie units can come up.”

That was it.

Just like that.

Then the rest of the circus arrived.

Marked and unmarked police cars started turning into the street one after another. Detectives. Uniforms. More vehicles than our quiet little street had probably seen in years.

By this point people had come out of their houses to see what was going on. Neighbours stood on their lawns watching. Some were whispering. Others were openly staring.

Meanwhile I was sitting ten metres away in my radio room, having listened to the whole thing unfold before anyone else even knew something was happening.

Later it came out that the guy next door had been dealing in stolen property. Police also had information that he might have firearms in the house, which explained why the tactical team had been sent in.

But the part that stuck with me was just how close it all was.

All of it, the planning, the entry, the arrest, happened less than ten metres from where I was sitting at my desk with a scanner.

One quiet radio transmission. A few minutes of waiting. And suddenly, it was happening next door.

Loggings - 3/4/2026 - 4/4/2026

Frequency: 73.13

Name: B W MANION

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 118.1

Name: TOWER-HOBART

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 118.7

Name: TOWER-LTON

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 121.5

Name: AIR EMERGENCY

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 123.45

Name: AIR SIMP

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 123.8

Name: ATC-LTON APPROACH

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 123.95

Name: FIA-NW

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 125.55

Name: ATC HOBART

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 126.5

Name: ATC-NORTH

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 126.7

Name: CTAF

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 126.9

Name: CTAF NW

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 127.3

Name: CTAF-GT

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 129.5

Name: QANTAS

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 130.125

Name: JETSTAR-HOBART

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 130.225

Name: JETSTAR-LTON

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 130.35

Name: VELOCITY

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 131.65

Name: QANTAS DEVONPORT

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 145.025

Name: 2M HAM SIMPLEX

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 146.4

Name: VK7RAA INPUT

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 146.5

Name: 2M HAM Simplex

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 146.625

Name: VK7RMD 2M HAM NW

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 147

Name: VK7RAA 2M Repeater

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 156.4

Name: MARINE VHF 8

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 156.425

Name: MARINE WEATHER

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 156.6

Name: MARINE VHF 12

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 156.7

Name: MARINE VHF 14

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 156.8

Name: MARINE VHF 16

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 157.5375

Name: RAILSHUNT3

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 157.575

Name: RAILSHUNT4

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 157.9

Name: BORAL - INPUT

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 158

Name: TASRAIL SIMP VHF

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 161.075

Name: ARTEC

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 162.15

Name: TASRAIL

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 162.375

Name: TASRAIL-MILLERS BLUFF

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 162.5

Name: BORAL

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 162.525

Name: TASRAIL

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 162.6

Name: TASRAIL-DAZZLER

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 162.6125

Name: TASRAIL MT ARTHUR

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 162.675

Name: TASRAIL-MILLERS2

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 163.025

Name: LCC MT ARTHUR

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 163.075

Name: LCC FREELANDS

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 163.475

Name: LCC FREELANDS

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 163.575

Name: LCC MT ARTHUR

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 413.1

Name: LTON COLLEGE

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 413.35

Name: LGH SECURITY

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 438.05

Name: VK7RBH 70CM Repeater

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 438.55

Name: VK7RJG 70CM Repeater

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 454.275

Name: METRO (TX)

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 462.05

Name: BUNNINGS LAUNCESTON

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 463.025

Name: LCC QVMAG(D)

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 464.275

Name: METRO ABLES

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 464.375

Name: METRO FREELANDS

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 471.7

Name: PFEIFFER CRANES

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 473.5

Name: TASRAIL UHF

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 474.125

Name: WARREN J SPEERS

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 474.775

Name: UNI SECURITY

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 476.425

Name: UHF CB CH 1

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 476.4375

Name: UHF CB CH 41

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 476.45

Name: UHF CB 02

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 476.5375

Name: UHF CB CH 45

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 476.575

Name: UHF CB CH 7

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 476.6

Name: UHF CB CH 8

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 476.65

Name: UHF CB CH 10

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 476.6625

Name: UHF CB CH 50

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 476.775

Name: UHF CB CH 15

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 476.8

Name: UHF CB CH 16

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 476.825

Name: UHF CB CH 17

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 476.8375

Name: UHF CB CH 57

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 476.85

Name: UHF CB 18 (TIP)

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 476.9

Name: UHF CB CH 20

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.025

Name: UHF CB CH 25

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.05

Name: UHF CB CH 26

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.0625

Name: UHF CB CH 66

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.075

Name: UHF CB CH 27

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.0875

Name: UHF CB CH 67

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.1

Name: UHF CB CH 28

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.125

Name: UHF CB CH 29

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.15

Name: UHF CB CH 30

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.1625

Name: UHF CB CH 70

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.175

Name: UHF CB CH 31

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.2125

Name: UHF CB CH 72

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.225

Name: UHF CB CH 33

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.2375

Name: UHF CB CH 73

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.275

Name: UHF CB CH 35

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.3125

Name: UHF CB CH 76

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.325

Name: UHF CB CH 37

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.35

Name: UHF CB CH 38

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.375

Name: UHF CB CH 39

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.3875

Name: UHF CB CH 79

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.4

Name: UHF CB CH 40

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 477.4125

Name: UHF CB CH 80

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 485.25

Name: CSE CROSS COM

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 488.55

Name: CSE CROSS COM

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 494.925

Name: LCC AQUATIC CENTRE

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 495.0625

Name: VIZPIX

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 509.875

Name: OFFICE OF RACING INTEGRITY

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 509.8875

Name: UHF SIMPLEX

Service:

Notes:

Frequency: 509.9375

Name: RECYCAL PTY LTD

Service:

Notes: