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Suggestion carry-on lugagge

Gert_Florida
Gert_Florida Member ✭
in Aurora
OK, little early since the Aurora is not available yet, but I would like to present the following question to you: the new Aurora seems to be a good solution for various activities outside its own shack due to its high level of integration. My ideal situation would be to take this combination as carry-on baggage when I fly to a DX destination. Does anyone have a suggestion for a decent suitcase or bag that keeps me within the carry-on limits?

Unfortunately, the Aurora does not fit in the SKB 2011-7 case that I am currently using for my Juma PA1000+ KX3 combination, so I have to look for an alternative.

Answers

  • Bill Greaves
    Bill Greaves Member ✭
    Gert,

    The Aurora dimensions exceed the carry-on limits so a checked baggage hard case, like Pelican or Nanuk with foam inserts, may be the way to go.

    Bill K9GN
  • Mike-VA3MW
    Mike-VA3MW Administrator, FlexRadio Employee, Community Manager, Super Elmer, Moderator admin

    There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: ~27" x 21" x 14"

    Aurora is about 6.74”H (17.1 cm) x 14”W (35.6 cm) x 13.25”D (33.7 cm) so there is lots of room to wrap a case around it. Same size as the 8000's and 6000's and I have carried those on many times.

    73

  • Gert_Florida
    Gert_Florida Member ✭
    I prefer not to transport valuable equipment in checked luggage. Taking the Aurora in a case like the SBK 3i 2011-7, as I currently do with my Juma PA1000+ and KX3, will not be possible due to the Aurora's dimensions. A professional carrying bag made of soft yet protective material, similar to those used for photography equipment, seems to be the most likely solution. Unfortunately, my search for a suitable bag with the right dimensions has not yet yielded a satisfactory option.
  • Mike-VA3MW
    Mike-VA3MW Administrator, FlexRadio Employee, Community Manager, Super Elmer, Moderator admin

    If you're looking for a solid case for travel, consider the Pelican Storm iM2600 or the Pelican Air 1535. For reference, an M model radio is about 14" x 14" with a height of around 7.25", which makes for a snug, rattle-free fit. If you're aiming for carry-on size, height is usually the critical dimension to watch.

    That said, with a quality hard case, you're generally fine to check it if needed—especially when flying smaller "puddle jumper" aircraft and you have to ramp check it.

    In a past life, I traveled with thousands of dollars' worth of electronics in checked Pelican cases and never had a problem. I always carry on camera gear since it's more tempting to thieves, but a black box like an HF radio doesn't usually draw attention.

    In the last five years, the only airline that ever made a fuss about carry-on size was Air Canada. Everyone else has been pretty relaxed. I even travel with a 40L backpack that clearly isn’t carry-on compliant, and I’ve never been stopped—especially when heading to hamfests.

    Just sharing some personal experience—hope it helps!

  • Gert_Florida
    Gert_Florida Member ✭
    Thanks for the suggestion, Mike. The Peli Air 1535 has the same dimensions as the SKB 2011-7 (internal dimensions 20.4 x 11.2 x 7.2") and is therefore too small for the Aurora. Since Flexradio recommends the Aurora as a transceiver for DXpeditions and operators do not want to risk arriving at their DX location without a transceiver, I would advise Flexradio to investigate whether a custom bag can be made available. SPE Expert amplifiers, also widely used in DXpeditions, provide a good example in this regard—they supply their amplifier with a travel bag as standard.

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