Every now and then a small change in equipment forces a rethink of how you carry and organise your gear. That’s exactly what happened recently when I added a Uniden BCD160DN to my radio lineup.
With more and more local services moving to DMR and NXDN, my older analogue-only radios were starting to see less use. While they still have their place, carrying several of them around every day was adding unnecessary weight for very limited monitoring capability. The BCD160DN covers far more of what I want to listen to in one radio, so it made sense to rethink my Daily Carry Radio Case (DCRC).
Repurposing an Old Case
The case I’m now using for my DCRC actually started life doing something completely different. It had been sitting in the shed holding various bits of hardware. The moment I picked it up again, I realised it was actually perfect for portable radio gear.
It’s:
- Compact
- Waterproof
- Durable
That combination makes it ideal for taking out into the field or throwing into a backpack without worrying about the weather or accidental bumps.
Designed for Portable Monitoring
One of the biggest advantages of this case is its smaller size. Instead of carrying a large radio case everywhere, this one fits easily into my backpack. That makes it perfect for those times when I want to do a bit of “up close” monitoring while out and about.
Whether it’s sitting somewhere interesting or just listening while travelling, having a lightweight portable setup makes a big difference.
A Small Modification
The case originally had a plastic divider that prevented the radio from fitting with the antenna attached. Since I prefer to keep things ready to go, I made a simple modification. I drilled a hole through the divider, allowing the antenna on the BCD160DN to remain attached during transport. It’s a small change, but it saves time and avoids constantly screwing the antenna on and off.
Sometimes the simplest modifications make the biggest improvements.
Padding and Protection
The final step was protecting the gear inside the case.
I added:
- Padding in the bottom
- Bubble wrap in the lid
- A bit of extra support around the radio
This keeps everything snug and stops gear from moving around while the case is being carried.
What the DCRC Carries
The current setup includes:
- BCD160DN handheld scanner
- Spare batteries and charger
- Antennas and small accessories
- Cables and connectors
- A few small parts for quick aerial experiments
Everything has its own place in the compartments, which keeps the setup organised and easy to access.
The Bigger Picture
This case now carries everything I need for portable monitoring sessions. My other radios still travel with me in the car in my safe radio case, but they stay there unless I actually need them. The DCRC is about keeping things simple, lightweight, and ready to go.
In many ways, this setup reflects how radio monitoring has changed for me. Instead of carrying a lot of equipment “just in case,” it’s now about carrying the right equipment for the signals that are actually out there, and right now, that means digital.
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