QRP rigs

Kd5txx

Kd5txx

Super Member
What are y?all running?  I use a KX2 as my main rig at home.  For portable stuff like POTA and backpacking I use a MTX3.  The KX2 is such a joy to use.  It is small but does more than many larger rigs.  And if I can hear them, I can usually work them.
 
Today I was charging the battery in my KX2 so I hooked up my HB1B.  Made contacts with Florida, New York and Colorado.  All off 4 watts.
 
Went camping this weekend and took my MTR3B.  Hooked up to an end fed 40m antenna and worked 6 states.  All off a 9 volt battery. 
 
My main home rig is a K2.  It's the basic model.  I've got several upgrades for it but it works so well on CW I'm afraid to touch it. 

In the field I usually use my ATS3B.  Greatest rig ever put in an Altoids can in my opinion.  I typically run ut on 20m with a HB EFHW (single band version).  I'm thinking of going to an inverted vee though. 

Home keys are varied.  Field keys are either a straight key on a leg clamp or a little paddle I 3D printed.

Mark
KC4GIA
 
I want a K2.  Hey I want a lot..I've never even seen one in person..but my KX2 has me convinced that I love elecraft.  I just got a QCX mini in 20m in the mail today.  Honestly I'm wondering if I should have gotten the 40m.  I have better QRP luck on 40.
 
The K2 is great.  I like the old school form factor.  But a KX2 is pretty awesome.  Much better for taking out hiking, etc. 

I have an original QCX 20m rig and is a great little rig. I never got more than 2W out of it but that is not a huge limitation.  The RX is hard to beat.  The QCX is hands down the best phasing rig I have played with.  And they are not expensive so get a 40m next time.  I'm in the process of trying to homebrew a phasing cw rig on 40m.  The RX is great but the phasing is fighting with me.  The more I work on it the more I am amazed at the QCX.  I'm going to buy more QCX rigs but not until I complete this journey. I'm torn between the mini and the new larger format.  The mini is great in that I could throw 2 or 3 in my bag, but the other offers more in terms of base use and experimenting.    Life is full of challenging decisions.

73,

Mark
KC4GIA
 
Hooked up the QCX today.  Had a QSO with Utah.  That's 1400 miles.  Not bad for a tiny QRP rig.  You are correct.  It hears great.  Gonna be picking up a 40m one sometime soon.
 
I got the desire to build something after many years, so I purchased a Penntek TR-25 kit.  I do not profess to be a QRP guru, but this is a great little radio and fun to use.  It is produced by WA3RNC (wa3rnc.com).  Ron K4DS
 
Hey Ron.
Just had a look around WA3RNC's website. That's not a bad looking kit at all. I noticed it produces quite high power levels for its size when fed with 14V.

I noticed a number of YouTube videos featuring the rig too. Seems very popular and yet I had never heard of them before your post! :(

Never too old to learn something new. :giggle:

73, Mark..
 
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