FIELD EQUIPMENT / PORTABLE RADIO
Armoloq TPAs: Build Your Radio for the Field
Radio-specific aluminium protective platforms, convenient RF connections and integrated battery options for a portable station built around the way you operate.
Whether you are heading out for a POTA activation, setting up at a Field Day site or preparing a compact emergency communications station, the way your equipment is mounted makes a difference. Armoloq Tactical Protective Accessories (TPAs) create a sturdy foundation around your radio without sealing it inside an enclosure.
Instead of juggling a radio, loose interface boxes, power leads and coaxial adaptors, you can organise the station as a single practical assembly, adding the mounts and connections that suit your style of operating.
01 / THE PLATFORM
A Protective Frame, Not a Bulky Case
Armoloq's radio-specific TPAs use formed, laser-cut 5052 aluminium with a matte black powder-coated finish. The frame surrounds key areas of the transceiver, provides mounting points for accessories and keeps controls and connections accessible. Protection varies with the TPA and installation: it is not a waterproof or impact-rated enclosure.
Protect
A surrounding frame helps shield the radio from everyday knocks during transport and field use.
Organise
Keep interfaces and connection points together instead of relying on loose cables and adaptors.
Expand
Add compatible accessory mounts, relocated sockets and supported battery systems.
Deploy
Keep more of the station assembled between activations for quicker setup on site.
02 / RADIO FITMENT
Built for Specific Transceivers
Unlike a universal mounting cage, each TPA is designed around a particular radio. The Armoloq range includes platforms for models such as:
FT-817 / FT-818, FT-857, FT-891, FT-991, FT-710, FTX-1 and selected mobile transceivers.
IC-705, IC-7300, IC-7200 and IC-2730.
Selected Anytone, Xiegu and Wouxun models.
Check the exact TPA model and supplied fittings before ordering. An RF plug-and-play package is included with the ML&S TPA packages listed on our website; other accessories are product-dependent.
03 / FIELD CONFIGURATION
Keep the Station Together
The practical benefit of a TPA is modularity. Instead of plugging into hard-to-reach rear-panel sockets every time you set up, supported accessories can move common connection points onto the frame. For portable HF, SOTA, POTA, club Field Days and temporary stations, that makes equipment easier to handle and helps reduce the number of loose components.
RF Relocation
Radio-specific coaxial leads and bulkhead fittings provide an easier-to-reach antenna connection. Some radios use distinct HF and VHF/UHF configurations.
Digital Interfaces
Compatible Digirig mounting options allow a digital-mode interface to be fixed neatly to the platform.
Audio and Control
Selected accessories relocate CW key, external speaker or RJ-45 microphone connections to more convenient positions.
04 / SELF-CONTAINED POWER
Armoloq MBS-1280 Manpack Battery System
The MBS-1280 adds an enclosed battery compartment to a compatible TPA, creating a more integrated radio-and-power arrangement for use away from mains electricity. It is designed around a UB1280-size LiFePO4 battery, approximately 151 × 65 × 96 mm (length × depth × height).
Formed Kydex battery compartment and cover, retention strap and mounting hardware.
Includes an F2-to-Anderson Powerpole lead. A compatible radio DC lead is required.
Important: The battery, radio and TPA are not included with the MBS-1280. Some supported frames require separate spacers or fitment components. Check your model before ordering.
View MBS-1280ALTERNATIVE FITMENT
MBS-1280/F for FTX-1 and IC-705
The MBS-1280/F is a folding manpack system intended for the TPA-FTX1 and TPA-705F platforms. It uses an adapter and hinged mounting arrangement designed around these radio-specific frames. It is not the same fitment as the standard MBS-1280.
As with the standard version, the battery is sold separately. Check the relevant mounting hardware and power cable requirements for your radio.
View MBS-1280/F05 / SETUP NOTES
Plan the Build Before You Pack
- Choose the radio-specific TPA. Check the exact model variant and required mounting hardware.
- Check antenna access. Confirm the supplied RF package and whether you need additional relocation options.
- Decide which interfaces stay fitted. Add compatible Digirig, audio or microphone mounts where useful.
- Plan the power system. Confirm battery dimensions, connectors, DC voltage, current demand and MBS fitment before assembly.
- Test the assembled station. Confirm cable clearance, ventilation, strain relief and safe access to all controls before taking it into the field.
READY FOR THE NEXT ACTIVATION
Build Your Armoloq Field Station
Start with the protective platform for your radio, then choose the connections, mounts and battery arrangement that make sense for your operating style.