Thank you sir for those encouraging words. You saved me from quitting this wonderful hobby. I was about to quit out of frustration. I got my novice license 2 months ago (HJ3CRG) and I´m teaching myself Morse code. I love CW QRP. I have a Youkits EK-1A transceiver, a homemade dipole for the 40M band with an "ugly balun" (RF choke) and a single paddle key I made from junk parts. That´s all I can afford at the moment. So far I haven´t made my first contact because I get very nervous like you said. Now that I´ve watched your video I feel more confident. I don´t know any hams here or clubs or anything and all I hear at night are CW operators from the United States fading in and out in the 40M band. I don´t know whether there are other people doing CW here (maybe I´m the only one?) but I will persist until I make my first contact. I have subscribed to your channel and I´ll be watching your videos. Thank you and God Bless you!
Nice video, I have owned a FT-817ND for 5 years now and love it. I bought it used. If I had to do it over again I think I would still go with the FT-817ND because of the all modes plus 6,2,and 440. On CW with a wire antenna this summer I worked portable from Narragansett, RI into Europe on 17m and 20m with 5 watts. Several 40m U.S. contacts . The local repeaters from 6-440 no problems. Your right on the internal battery. The voltage doesn't support 5 watts and dies quickly. I use a portable battery or D.C. supply. I take the FT-817ND to Aruba every year. With a 12 foot MFJ adjustable whip and magmount on top of the rental car parked near the California Lighthouse, I have worked on 10, 12 and 15m SSB back to Hams in RI.
The FT-817ND is a very good radio and super-versatile, for sure. It's a keeper. I'm glad to hear you take it portable. I love working portable and I encourage people to get out of the shack and have some fun with radio. Keep doing what you're doing, Ken. You're setting a good example for the rest of us! - Cliff
I am a new ham (still waiting for FCC to issue my license -- passed all three levels). I am learning code because I want to be able to operate in that mode without a computer. On the amateur radio subreddit, someone mentioned the Elecraft line of radios. I started researching them and noticed that they build some of the best receivers in the craft. I found a used KX3 and saved myself a few hundred bucks on a like-new radio. It's sitting on my desk monitoring the local 2m repeater as I write. I like the idea of QRP operations and am looking forward to taking my radio out in the field to spend a weekend camping remotely, listening to the radio, playing with my dog, and being away from town and out in the wilderness. This will be fun. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and expertise. I have a lot to learn. I'm looking forward to watching your other lessons.
Glad to hear that, Andrew! Taking small, battery-powered radios into the field and talking to people with a wire antenna is a bunch of fun. Hope to talk to you on the air before long... - Cliff
Years ago I had a Tentec Argonaut with a 2 Watt output that I would take on my bicycle, along with a motorcycle battery, a roll of wire and a small antenna tuner. I'd bicycle up into the Berkeley hills, throw the wire up into a tree, turn on the radio and tune it. I had quite a few SSB QSOs that way. Admittedly many were more-or-less local, but it was fun. Now that I'm living in a tiny condo I might start doing that again -- but with a car rather than a bicycle. BTW, my call sign is WA6YAG. We met on field day in Alameda where I was taking photos.
I've played QRP since I was first licensed in 1970--first radio was a TenTec PM-1, I finally arrived at my ideal radio. My Elecraft K2 is a 300 serial number, but has been updated. It still has the best receiver I have ever had in any radio. Bill WB4TJH
+Bill A. Hello, Bill. I recently sold my Elecraft K2 to a local ham. The K2 is a top-notch radio, for sure. Great receiver... CW signals seem to jump out of the speaker. For me, I just felt like I wasn't using it enough and that it was too good a radio to be collecting dust at my house. I love how expandable it is. You can start with the bare-bones CW-only QRP rig and and, later, add SSB, DSP, computer control, and even replace the stock lid with a 100 watt amp lid! Great radio. Thanks for contributing your thoughts. - cliff
I bought the Elecraft KX3 in early 2012. A fantastic radio! When the KX2 came out the in 2016, the KX3, with amp and panadapter became my base station rig. Cannot say enough about the KX2, it's my goto radio all the time. Started working on improving my Morse (really needed to) and came across a KX1. Elecraft stopped producing them in 2018, but this is a great Morse only QRP radio. '73 KJ6KYQ
I'm with you. KX1 is a blast to use. I wish you could still buy them as a kit. If I could only have ONE QRP radio, it would be my KX2 (with internal tuner and battery). My KX2 is my favorite QRP radio. My KX3 is now shack-bound because of the KX2. Still love my KX3 but, since I don't care about 160m or 6m, the KX2 is the one to take to the field. '72 - Cliff
I looked up the prices of some of this gear.... I have new motivation to follow through on my home build. I'll save hundreds if I DIY, and learn more along the way.
I had an FT-857-D and absolutely LOVED IT! I gave it to a friend, on the condition that He got his Ticket, but he has Yet do do that...at some point, I’ll either get it back from him, or purchase Another one, it’s a GREAT, Full Featured Rig!
+mnpd3 I used to have an HW-8 and it was a fun radio. The Elecraft K1 is a much better radio than my old HW-8 could ever have been. The K1 is $380 for the four band version and it has RIT, XIT, memory keyer, three crystal filter bandwidths, a digital display - and it's a single conversion superhet receiver - not a direct conversion like the HW-8. If you like the HW-8, you'll love the K1. - Cliff
An Elecraft is a very low production radio. Anything that is not made by the thousands is going to be expensive. Elecrafts are also designed to be built by people who don't have experience in constructing radios. This ads a little expense. An Elecraft costs what it costs. It will always be cheaper to use a radio you already own than to buy another one.
0:30 transmitters are the same. Indeed they are. You know your stuff. Transmitted is just an alternating current. So true. Finally someone who gets it!;-)
Agreed! I read/heard this some time ago (perhaps my pre-Cliff days) and it really struck me how true it is. Therefore, we are buying receivers and the receiver quality should be the balancing point when faced with the cost of a unit. Good comment!
All "well made" transmitters are more or less the same... crappy ones may spit all over the band and drift like crazy. But sure, as a general rule, you pay the money for the receiver. I really want to see how the new IC-705 behaves, it looks like a game-changer... and, I'm a Yaesu guy ; )
Cliff, All your videos are a wealth of information for us new guys as well as the seasoned guys. It would be so helpful if you would put links to the products you talk about.
Well done! I will say that with the optional filter installed, my FT817 (non-ND) still holds its own pretty well compared to my KX3! I love them both equally!
Awesome video presentation, i Love and enjoy qrp myself and qrp rigs bec its a lot safe to experiment , design and play with different antennas...rf burns are not as bad as full size rigs 😆😂😆 ...73s and happy QRP-ing
I have to agree, the KX3 is top of the line for QRP. BUT.....now I have the KX2 and my KX3 sits in the shack. My Go To radio for portable is now my KX2. Either way, both radios are top of the line. You have a nice collection of low power radios. I love my Elecraft QRP radios but still like my Icom IC703+ and just can't part with it. It does a fine job. Barry, KU3X/QRP
Terrific rundown, thanks! Actually, the KX3 is the radio (in kit form) that I'm about to buy. It feels like a big investment for me, so it's very comforting to hear you wax poetic about it. Truth be told, I'm feeling a bit like a kid at Christmas! :-)
You're going to love that KX3... I still love mine! However, I find myself using my KX2 more than the KX3 these days. The KX3 is a better rig in many respects, no doubt. But I do appreciate the smaller size and the internal battery of my KX2. I set up my KX3 today on my desk and was reminded of what a smooth, amazing rig it is. Enjoy! - Cliff
I got an FT817ND because my homebrew rig was too big too carry on my motorbike, 4" x 6" x 9", all HF, with 6 external low pass filters and internal audio c.w. filter. At an amateur radio demonstration at our local agricultural show I compared it with the other amateur's old 817, on all bands they both worked equally well, only on 10m did his pick up a very weak beacon which I couldn't hear but mine had no pre-amp. It uses Plessey i.c.'s and had originally one VN66AF driver and two VN66AF in the P.A. giving 4 W out but I blew one and replaced them all with cheap IRF510 but power dropped off on higher freqs. so I put in RD06HHF1. I have plans to put it on 70 MHz now and maybe 50 MHz using RD06HVF1, and thinking of trying 472 kHz and 137 kHz because I don't need two radios covering the same freqs. FT817ND is great for putting into a rucksack or panniers. I'm very pleased with it and it's got the VHF freqs., and the c.w. filter would be a good idea as most of my QSO's are c.w. I'd love to go hiking with it but my feet ache and sometimes hurt if I do too much. I don't want an SDR radio because I don't want to be tied to a computer or laptop. I looked at the Elecraft but too expensive. Bill, G4GHB.
nice and worth comparison, wattage and price indicators are clear. i am not so fun of build kits, so i would go for a line-assembled one ! thanks for info
Now that it is 2019, the "bucks / watt" debate and the unbelievable receiver in the Icom IC-7300 makes IT the "go to" rig for only a $1,000. Truly, unbelievable in concept and execution. Pair it with a new power supply by Astron (a model RS35M is perfect), and it will do everything you ever wanted from a ham rig. de KQ2E
Hey, Bruce. I think the 7300 is a very cool radio - and, honestly, it's the first ICOM radio that I could see myself using. That said, I wouldn't consider the 7300 to be a "QRP Radio" so it wouldn't appear on this list of QRP radios. You can certainly turn the power down to 5 watts but it's big(ish) and draws more current than most hams would like for use in a portable QRP situation. Not to bash the 7300 at all so please don't take this as negative. I think it's an awesome rig and I drove an hour-and-a-half one day to go play with one! Thanks for watching and commenting... - Cliff
@@QRPSchool, Well stated... the fact that it so easily can accurately reduce its output to QRP level makes it a smallish box with QRP possibilities, which will be "out there" in the ham universe. Just the way the new K3 is a go to rig with a HUGE and heavy amplifier for someone who only needs an IC-7300. LOL Bruce
QRP is either : a) Please turn your power down, or, b) I have turned by power down. Usually refers to ships coming into port talking to harbour control. Also done with radar.
+Ade Larsen For many amateur radio enthusiasts, QRP is shorthand for the aspect of the hobby that deals with the challenge (and fun) of making contacts with reduced power. - Cliff
Bought a kx1 after watching your nice video. Great rig but I have one question:the rig has lower transmit and audio output on 20 meters. Is that normal? John, k4qq
the receiver in the K1 is the right stuff......I had a K1 a few years ago, and regret selling it, but paid some of my taxes......I will again have a K1......finished a contest with the lil rig.....just plumbed it into my al-84 low-budget linear, and 70-100 watts on 40 and 30, and about 55-60w on 20, and about 40 watts on 15..almost like a regular barefoot rig then...excellent cw filtering.....contest or trail capable.....I'm always broke when one comes up on eBay....can't say anything bad about the Elecraft line.....some of their stuff is high, but well-made/thought out.....and a K3 waaaaaay cheaper than some of the yaesu and icoms.....I like tubes, straight keys, carburetors, etc.....but the Elecraft is kinda the way to go......decent video......de AB5ZA/7....dn36.....cw forever.....dit dit.....
Sir, I'm thinking about getting a KX1 but I can't find any tutorials on how to use it. I have a tech license and I've never been on the air. I see you've done a great video on the MTR 3B. Would you ever consider doing a "how to" video on the Elecraft KX1?
Yes, do it Landeros. I have an FT817ND and love it, and an H.F. 6 Watt homebrew rig. I use QRP c.w. frequencies. Even something as simple as the Pixie works. I put mine on 5.262 MHz and QSO'd 180 miles with 350 mW RF out and a SWL report from 220 miles away in Holland.
Yes, the FT-817 does have a IPO menu setting. Turn on IPO to turn off the radio's pre-amp. Google "Sherwood receiver test chart" and you'll find his list of ham radios and how they rank. -Cliff
If you're into radios, then the Rob Sherwood/Sherwood Engineering ranking of radios is an excellent resource. If you, like me, are still learning the receiver specs, you'll have to do some reading to understand the evaluations and evaluation procedures. But the site has a lot of results from tests of receivers (not just the published specs) that can help you understand the difference between radios. I found the site very informative. I also like the fact that they make measurements and take actual data to produce the results.
+Orlando Monaco You're going to have a lot of fun with that FT-817nd, Orlando! If you're a CW guy, please consider the CW filter accessory as, without it, the FT-817's receive bandwidth is too wide... you'll hear multiple CW conversations going on at the same time. As an alternative, this little digital filter seems to be a fantastic value - although you'd have to put it into the radio or into a stand-alone little project box. www.sotabeams.co.uk/digital-audio-filter-modules/
+berkmanyt I'm sorry... my thoughts on these QRP radios weren't scripted and I didn't try to list all of the features. All of the radios have a headphone/earphone jack. The KX1 and Flex 1500 radios DO NOT have an internal speaker. (The other radios do.) - Thanks - Cliff
Cliff, on the Flex. I keep reading about a latency problem on CW, which I think means you hear your tx delayed a tiny bit. This would drive me nuts. Have you found that to be true? Thx again, Scott kw4jm
I honestly don't recall having that problem with my Flex-1500. I donated it to a Boy Scout troop a couple of years ago. My Flex-6300 is my best radio and the software for it is superb... although they don't have a Spot button implemented. To be reminded of your sidetone pitch for zero-beating, you have to turn off "Break-in", generate a few dits, then turn Break-in back on. Strange.
+Matt McBlair I'm sorry, Matt.. I don't have any experience with the FX-4A. LNR is using my video on the Mountain Topper on the home page of their website... which is perfectly fine with me. I may talk to them about doing videos of their other rigs. Sorry to dissapoint but thanks for asking! - Cliff
No worries. I watched the video of the MTR. I saw an article of CQ on QRP and the SOTA activator was using a FX-4. I'm not a licensed HAM yet, but am working towards that. I've enjoyed your channel and have watched nearly every one. Very well done! I am really intrigued by SOTA and, by SOTA nature, QRP. So I appreciate the info you have presented on QRP.
+Matt McBlair Congrats on working toward your license, Matt! It's a great hobby and there are so many facets of the hobby to explore. For some of us, taking small radios into the great outdoors and making contacts with a simple wire in a tree is pretty addictive! I hope you give it a try when you can. Best regards - Cliff
Have you seen the HAck RF one? it is a SDR radio half duplex but only about $100 - $200 I think the max is something like 500 mw maybe more You would would have to use SDR Angel with it to get it to work ... but if you thew a small amp on this and ran it any where from 1 watt to 30 - Realy any thing under 50 watts should be QRP anyway the gain is 0 it is software that pushing the Transmit not the radip Hack RF one that is just the internal for the channels that hooks up to a computer....KG5CUO
When I'm at home, I love using my Flex Radio 6300 with the power turned down. The software/display is fantastic. When I'm outside or on a trip, at this time, I'm using my Elecraft KX2 the most. I like the small size, many bands, SSB/CW/Digital, DSP, and the internal battery. I've been enjoying my YouKits HB1B Mk III with the internal battery, too. The MTR5B is a great little radio but I like the internal batteries of the KX2 and HB1B... keeps me from having to carry an external battery and power cable. - Cliff
The problem with QRP is that you usually need that golden combination ... very low standby current draw, lightweight, rugged and capable. I'm currently using FT-857ND + FT-817D, not too rugged but ticks all the other boxes. I'm thinking of getting the new IC-705 SDR QRP radio if the draw is low... I'm just worried that an SDRs signal processor is going to be hungry beast, especially coupled that big screen. Anyone got any idea of the 705's likely standby current?
It may turn out to not be much of an issue, Gary. I find that I almost never spend more than a couple of hours in the field so I don't need to power the rig all day. The 705 will operate @ 5 watts using a clip-on battery pack, like an HT. An extra battery (or two) will probably be enough to get you through a long QRP session in the field. I'm looking forward to seeing the 705 when it becomes available. In the meantime, I'm still loving my Elecraft KX2... small, light, internal battery, low current draw. It ticks all of my boxes. - Cliff
I always laugh when I hear talk about putting the Qrp hf radio in a backpack and going hiking......most of the hams I know can barely get out of their cars/trucks or make it up stairs to "play" radio without a pack of Twinkies to keep them well fed!
While very clearly this video talks about some of the best QRP transceivers currently available, I was curious if there was anything you could recommend to a new ham who is just starting out in HF who really doesn't have a whole lot of money? - You called that least expensive SWR rig "inexpensive" at $500, however, if I told the YL that I spent $500 on a radio to upgrade from or compliment my current rig (a $40 baofeng uv-5r), I might need to hire a divorce lawyer :D - Is there anything in the $100 used range that works well for voice but is still reasonably modern and mobile? (something I can optionally operate from my vehicle)? Thanks for the video, it certainly has me thinking. 73, Josh, KC1DVE
+Josh Hardin Hello, Josh. A $40 Baofeng radio is quite a bargain, isn't it?! The thing is, that is a hand-held radio for the VHF and UHF ham bands. It's limited to contacting local hams via simplex (very local!) or through area repeaters. That $40 marvel cannot be used for the HF bands which allow you to contact hams in the U.S. and other countries. So, we're spoiled by the low price tag of our Chinese 2m/70cm handy-talkies but, sadly, there is simply no equivalent for the HF bands. You're looking for a rig "that works well for voice". The least expensive new radio for voice mode would be the ICOM-718 @ $600. That radio has been on the market for a number of years so it's easy to find a used one... but it will still cost you $400 or more. If you're open to getting a used radio, you might be able to find a local ham who has a good, working HF radio that you can BORROW or even HAVE (if the rig is old and/or if the ham is generous). I wouldn't recommend a morse code-only QRP radio for any new ham. They're highly specialized and limited in what they can do. It would be best (in my opinion) for a new ham to have more options as they enter the world of HF radio. You're wise to look for a radio that can do voice mode... but you're going to have to open that wallet a little wider if you want an HF radio. My advice is that you tell your wife that you are thinking about buying a used boat that only costs $5,000. After she freaks out, tell her, "Just kidding. I'm buying a used radio for $500 that I can turn around and sell again for $500. Oh, and, I love you for being such a supportive and understanding spouse!" I don't know if that would work or not but it sounded good in my head... -Cliff
+CatKuza ß I don't know much about the FDM-DUO. I have an Elecraft KX3 and it is a great radio. From looking at the front panel of both radios, the KX3 has more options and buttons - which might make it easier to use and easier to change settings. I don't know. I am very happy with my KX3 and I know many people who love their KX3 radios. Both radios have SDR architecture. I wish I could be more helpful. I highly recommend the KX3. The FDM-DUO may be as good or better... I'm sorry, I just am not familiar with it. - Cliff
+QRP School Thank you Cliff. Elecraft is my dreamer like you said easy to use front panel, superb receiver and high output power but I am not sure about receiver quality and wider spectrum monitor compare to pure DDC/DDS SDR.
The IC-718 is a capable little rig. I think Yaesu the FT-450D deserves consideration as a great first radio, too. One thing to keep in mind is that your first radio will almost certainly not be your only radio. With time and experience, you will probably want to get a different radio in the future. So, don't obsess about it too much. Just jump in knowing that your tastes will change over time and that you'll likely sell this first radio and get something better/different later. - Cliff
The Windcamp battery worked great, Steven. For anyone who is using a FT-817ND, I'd recommend they turn ON "IPO" in order to turn off the pre-amp. (It's counter-intuitive and I think a lot of people misunderstand it.) Also, for anyone who's going to use the 817 for CW, in installed mechanical (Collins) filter will tighten up the passband. Have fun with that classic radio, Steven! - Cliff
Does the Pope wear a funny hat? Yes! I bought the KX2.within 5 minutes of it becoming available for purchase! I know... I don't need yet another QRP rig but you have to see this thing! It's too hard to resist! They got me (again) and I am powerless to resist any QRP radio made by Elecraft. Once you see one, you will want one, I promise. - Cliff
+QRP School Yes, I already know that I want one of them, as soon as they are available here in Italy I will buy one. Cliff, make one of your wounderful review about the KX2 ASAP HI. Thanks for the reply.
About a month ago I purchased a Youkits HB-1B 4 band QRP transceiver. It's super simple to use and the internal battery is great. I think it's one of the best values in CW-only, multi-band QRP radios. I should make a video about it... - Cliff
I'm working my CW skills back into shape and am planning to explore this QRP world-the Low Buck QRP world that is. You make good videos, keep up the fine bidness. Also, I planted the FlexRadio notion into my buddy's head yesterday. I'll water it soon. He has a little more disposable income than I and also a computer programming/security/analysis background. And a Tech License. See how that goes. 73 de W1ADE
do any QRP radios come with a keypad to allow you to type a message then send it in morse code in a burst transmission so another capable radio can decode it
Not exactly, Paul. You can hook up a computer to your radio and send CW from the keyboard using software. You'll need a circuit that interfaces to your radio, closing contacts with a transistor to emulate a straight key. If you have an Elecraft KX2/KX3, you could get a little interface box with a small keyboard from QRPWorks: www.qrpworks.com/ But, if you really want to type to someone, you might want to check out the digital modes, particularly PSK31. That mode lets hams type to each other and software decodes the sender's message on your screen. - Cliff
I would like know if there a way to get something cheap . Because is really overprice and they take people for idiot . Well there any model with price less than 50$?
For $50 you can get the QRP Labs transceiver kit called QCX. It's Morse code only, though. You can build it in about 8 hours. My advice is to buy something used at a reasonable price and then sell it for the same price when you're tired of it. Free radio!
@@QRPSchool thank you for the model reference ! Edit :do you know some model without build ? Like "plug and play" is maybe better to put more money and spend less time on , maybe you know some cheap model and some other more count , i have 100$ of budget ..
have enjoyed building OzQrp 40M with dds, KNQ7A and MKARS80, check them out :) plenty of scope to homebrew, add your own custom s meter, design your own case etc, Softrock SDR is neat too - fun-fun-fun
+Robert Reed Thanks, Robert. At 09:30 into the video when I misspoke and said that the Flex 1500 was CW-only, I put a "speech bubble" in the video to correct myself. The longer I ramble on, the more likely I am to say something stupid! :-) Thanks for catching it and thanks for watching! - Cliff
PFR-3A is not a bad choice either, for those on a budget who would like to build at kit and work portable: it is fully self-contained including p/s and ATU. But another kit that is an absolute hoot to make and use is the MFJ Cub. It has all the SMD factory installed so all one has to do is solder in the thru-hole parts and align it. It is a tiny little wonder with well designed circuit and precision manufactured hardware. For further study www.eham.net/reviews/products/22 has a list of over 200 different QRP radios with reviews written by users. Great video, wonderful subject! 73 Lynn/NG9D
+NG9D Thanks for taking the time to respond! The PFR-3A has been on my radar for a while. Since I love the KX1, I think I'd love the PFR-3A. I'm also interested in the (KD1JV-designed) Mountain Topper. I should have bought one at Dayton when I had the chance... they've been out of stock for a long time at LNR Precision where they're being sold. I hadn't thought about the MFJ Cub but you've caused me to take a look. Only $99! Hard to beat that. I may have to order one. You can't have too many QRP radios, right?!
+QRP School The PFR-3A has been replaced with the 3B version. Gone are 3 of the 4 push buttons below the display, replaced with a rotary knob. There some other minor changes. The PFR series and the Mountain Topper series are basically very similar as they all come from KD1JV, Steven Weber.
+SandhillGuitar Thanks for the info on the PFR-3B. By the way, I purchased a Mountain Topper from LNR Precision and it shipped Friday. I should have it tomorrow. Can't wait to play with it! - Cliff
+SandhillGuitar As a follow-up... yesterday I took delivery on a new LNR Precision "Mountain Topper" which is an KD1JV designed radio, as you know. I've had 3 QSO's on it so far and it's a sweet little radio. I'll do a video on it soon. - Cliff
The first radio you showed I would have to call that the perfect rainy day radio let's say you were on a adventure and everything goes wrong do you still got communication and that is what makes CW radios in general so much better than voice because CW can reach through where voice can't I'm sorry I don't know CW but does that mean that I don't appreciate it no because if it wasn't for the older generation of amateur radio operators we would not have the radios we have today my personal opinion 73 for now n0spw
KX3 is a dream for life... sadly government here destroyed economy, making the conversion from dollar to brazilian real go from U$1 = R$1,55 to U$1 = R$4,40... so right now its price here would be something around $4400... yup, as expensive as a cheap car or a motorcycle... not happening!! Not for now!!
+Andre Nomad Wow, Andre! $4,400 for the KX3?! I'd go for the motorcycle!!! :-) I hope the conversion changes for you soon. The KX3 is the finest QRP radio ever made... so far. However, it's still a lot of fun to use any QRP radio. So, I hope you are able to get an inexpensive radio for QRP. There are a lot of Yaesu FT-817 radios on the used market, for example. Best regards - cliff
I don't have a Cub but, from reading the manual, I would expect it to work just fine. That said, for LESS MONEY you can build a MUCH BETTER radio... the QCX: www.qrp-labs.com/qcx.html
I don't know, but for me, QRP = mobile. An SDR that requires a computer is not mobile. The Flex-1500 belongs in a shack, not on a mountain top. Just my 2 cents.
The Flex 1500 weighs only 1.5 lbs (which is less than an FT-817) and measures 2.4" x 4" x 7". If someone wants to carry a lightweight laptop with them (like a Microsoft Surface Pro) and do a SOTA activation with it, who am I to judge them? - Cliff
Great videos!! I'm considering selling off my other HF rigs and going with just the KX3......I'm not a contester, but typical ham that gets on the air a couple of times a week to "play" mostly CW, but SSB as well.My other radios: ICOM 746pro, K2 build 1999 and Yaesu FT100dWhat sez U? Many tnx and 73 ......... k6sdw
I say, "Go for it! But, be careful about selling that K2." (You WILL want it back someday. I speak from experience!) But, yes, the KX3 can be someone's only radio. If you ever yearn for 100 watts, the 100 watt Elecraft amp is only a credit card away... - Cliff
Good point about the K2.......as far an Elecraft amp.......its not a credit card away.....it's an xyl review of my spending that's in the way! Amp, what's an amp, do we need an amp, can "I" live without an amp, where's the money coming from, how much do they cost! Doesn't WalMart sell them?......LOL!
+Ulterior1980 There are a lot of tech-savvy people (like me) who enjoy small cw-only radios. I believe there is room for all of us in this great hobby. - Cliff
+Ulterior1980 ....A transceiver does NOT have to have SSB. A transceiver is a radio that has both a receiver and a transmitter built into one box, instead of a separate transmitter and a separate receiver. It could be an FM transceiver, a CW transceiver, an SSB transceiver, an AM transceiver, or an all mode transceiver. I'm a licensed amateur op for 45 years. You need to learn a bit about radio.
+Bill A. forgive me for my irony, sheeesh... I am a HAM myself and the lack of affordable SSB QRP transceivers is what holds HAM radio from taking off in a big way. You are either bound to CW which is slowly dying off, or must buy an expensive rig. There are a couple of good concepts, but they somehow struggle a lot to be available for wider range of users
I would like to know how much money you have layed out there ! I know that it is thousands ! likely well over 5 grand and that is not counting all the other little necessary bits ! That elecraft is at least a couple of thousand dollar kit ! How many can you operate at one time ????
Hello, Frank. I've sold 3 radios and I've given away 2 radios. The two portable radios I'm using the most these days are the Elecraft KX2 and the YouKits HB1B Mk III. Both have an internal lithium-ion battery which is very handy... no external battery or power cable to take with you (or forget to take with you!). - Cliff
