QRP Rig avice ?
Submitted by NX2D on March 13, 2007 - 12:49.
General Discussion
Well, I am back after a long bout with illness and am ready to get back into QRP again. Unfortunately I had to sell most of my stuff during my illnes so I am looking for some advise.
What QRP Kit would you recommend ? First of all, I can not afford a $500 dollar rig so be kind. I would like something with 5 watt of power output. I would like a multiband if at all possible, let's say 40m,30m,&20m would be just about all the bands that I would need. A kit can consist of only a PCB board and instructions or a kit can contain all parts and chassis. My main objective is to have a homebuilt unit and all homebuilt accessories.
All advise is welcome. I you prefer you may contact me at scottjge@gmail.com.
73's de NX2D
Do you want a multimode rig
Submitted by N1AIA on March 13, 2007 - 20:24.
Do you want a multimode rig or would you be happy with just CW? If CW is your thing, I'd recommend the Elecraft K1. Building, (troubleshooting), and operating that rig has been a wonderful experience for me. Start out with the 4-band board and add options (antenna tuner first) as you can afford them. The kit's not hard to put together, it's a joy to use in the shack or in the field, and support is first class.
Of course if you're looking for an SSB rig or "other" digital modes, you'll need to look beyond the K1.
If a monoband CW rig will suit you, Bruce has made some good suggestions.
A 5w transceiver for 40m (CW & SSB!) shipping soon...
Submitted by Tim Ikeda on March 13, 2007 - 20:32.
Hendricks QRP Kits will be distributing a 40m CW & SSB kit around the end of March 2007. This is the MMR-40 transceiver, another rig designed by Steve Weber. According to the description, the rig should be capable of up to 6w output. The PTO tuning range is: SSB - 7.280 to 7.150 MHz, CW - 7.100 to 6.700 MHz. Price is $105 shipped in the US.
http://www.qrpkits.com/mmr40.html
Neat-o!
- Tim KA1OS
QRP rig advice...
Hi Scott.
Allow me to welcome you back to the world of QRP and home-built equipment.
In your search for what gear to (re)obtain, you will need to try to determine your priorities and limitations.
First, the priorities. You have said that 5 watts output is wanted, and multiband (40,30 and 20) capabilities are desirable. That's a good start to help you figure out what to get. These two factors will greatly narrow your search.
Then, there is the limitations part. You've said that $500 is not doable. OK. That also helps to narrow things down a bit more. No Elecraft K2 (right now). Another factor to consider is your ability and the availability of tools to build with small parts.
If you are willing to consider a rig that uses surface-mount components, then consider the AT-series from Steve Weber, KD1JV. His latest version (now sold out) The ATS-3A, had up to 4-5W output (2.5-3W at 9 volts in), and swappable band modules for 80, 40, 30 and 20. He is currently designing a new version that will also include 17 and 15M. (ATS-3B?) The '3A sold for $165 in kit form, without case. It is small enough to fit into an altoids tin. The '3B will probably sell for $20-40 more, I expect. You can read more about this rig (to get some background) at Steve's page: http://kd1jv.qrpradio.com/
If the thought of trying to work with SMT parts makes your skin crawl, then the Elecraft K1 (4 band version - $369+ s/h) is another great rig. The 2 band 20/40M version sells for $299. The OHR-500 from Oak Hills Research ($359+ s/h) covers 150 KHz of each: 80,40,30 20 and 15M, and is another choice.
You can reduce the cost somewhat by considering used (already built) equipment, and forgo the building experience.
Of course, if you decide go a monoband route for now, then I would suggest a 40M transceiver as the most useful. In the fun per unit dollar expended category, it's hard to beat Dave Benson's SW+ series of rigs. The Small Wonder labs monoband rigs are a lot of fun. Dave no longer sells the cases. But, deciding what to mount a radio in is a big part of the fun (I think...)
In any event, I hope you get lot's of advice, and plenty of choices to mull over...
72,
Bruce N1RX