I'm having a hard time deciding which ways to go between various rigs. Limited finances being a hurdle that prevents me from simply buying them all, let alone one or more. So I'm looking for feedback and hopefully this helps others in the same position of not yet having, or having inadequate, QRP equipment that will be useful at TEOTWAWKI. I have no ability to understand circuits properly nor the likely durability and repair options of the various circuits, so those with good electronics insight please comment on that if you can compare.
PFR-3b: pros: 20/30/40m (fine for tropics, high latitudes may want an 80m set too). Very low power 35mA on RX. 5W (740mA) on TX. Rugged enough. Internal Balanced Line Tuner also for end feds, also coax/unbalanced input. SWR tune. Repairable, many discrete components. Internal keyer. CONS: no wide filter, cannot receive SSB. No general coverage RX. No way to reduce power (I think) from 5W TX. $275 USD. http://www.qrpkits.com/pfr3.html
YouKits EK1C: pros: 20/30/40m (fine for tropics, high latitudes may want an 80m set too). Fairly low RX current 70mA (twice as much as PFR-3b). 5W on TX (900mA). Rugged enough. Internal keyer. Auto scan function. Can turn LCD on/off. Weight 280g. 16 Memories. General coverage RX 5.9-16 MHz. CONS: no built in tuner. No balanced line connector. No SWR indication. Not optimized for 30m. $189 ($239 after adding tuner) USD. https://youkits.com/products/youkits-ek1c-3-band-cw-transceiver-coming-soon
YouKits HB1B: pros: 15/17/20/30/40m (fine for tropics, high latitudes may want an 80m set too). RX current 80-90mA. 4-5W on TX (800mA). IF filter 400Hz-3kHz. General coverage RX 5.9-22 MHz. Forward and reflected power. Built in keyer with auto CQ. Variable filter width can listen SSB and AM. CONS: No balanced line tuner. Ready assembled (could be PRO or CON depending on who you are). $270 ($320 after adding tuner) https://youkits.com/products/youkits-hb-1b-mk3-4-band-qrp-cw-transceiver
LNRprecision MTR3B-5B: pros: 15/17/20/30/40m or 20/30/40 or 80/40/30/20. RX current 20mA, 4W TX (600mA). Very small size could be a pro or a con. Can listen to freq in dark sent as CW, can key in frequency using paddle. CON: no general coverage RX. Non-adjustable narrow filter. Push button tuning, not easy to scan bands. Not more than 12V or damage. $260 ($310 after adding tuner) 3 bands, or $380 for 4 or 5 bands ($430 after adding tuner). https://www.lnrprecision.com/mountain-toppers/
LNRprecision LD-5: pros: 7-22MHz RX AND TX, TX 10.5-15 VDC 3.5-8W (1.5-2A). Voltage on display. Modes: USB, LSB, CW, CW-R, DIGITAL DATA:CAT –USB jack : CW, PSK, RTTY, SSTV. CW offset/tone variable. VOX 0.1-5s. 100 memory storage per band Memorize frequency, mode, VFOs. Built-in speaker 0.2W. 8 Different filters (incl): 4 of 4 for CW/SSB - 1-3 factory presets – No.4 adjustable for CW/50-1000Hz/ and SSB/250-3.6KHz. SWR/PWR. Compressor SSB: 0-20dB. Cons: max 350mA receive (10 times PFR3b, MTR) and 1.5 to 2A typical in transmit. No built-in tuner. 0.54kg. $575. https://www.lnrprecision.com/store/LD-5-p3988547
LNRprecision LD-11: pros: 10.5-15V, 1.8-30MHz+50-54MHz, all bands, all modes incl AM/FM, gen coverage RX (350mA) and TX 5W (11.5V)-8W (14.8V) (1.5-2A), CW offset/tone variable. Effective noise reduction and noise blanker. Sensitivity 0.15uV w/o preamp. 100 memory storage per band Memorize frequency, mode, VFOs. Built-in speaker 8Ohms 0.5W. Vox/bk-in delay 0.1-5s.8 Different filters (incl): 4 of 4 for CW/SSB - 1-3 factory presets – No.4 adjustable for CW/50-1000Hz/ and SSB/250-3.6KHz. SWR/PWR. PAN mode: Easy to Find quiet point +/- 24kHz from main frequencyCons: max 350mA receive, 1.5-2A TX. No built in tuner. 0.54kg. Digital Direct Conversion, SDR type, build-in CPU (SM32a) DSP radio in which RF signals are directly converted to a digital data via differential and balanced A/D converters. This enables direct sampling with extremely low phase and floor noise. $790. https://www.lnrprecision.com/store/LD-11-p64137743
KD1JV Tri-Bander: pros any 3 bands of 80, 60, 40, 30, 20, 17m. TX 5W (600-800mA) at 14V. 2 keyer memories. 600 Hz audio filter. Audio derived AGC. Easy to repair. Built in keyer. Cons: 90mA receive current. No gen coverage TX. No SWR meter, no internal tuner. $225 USD ($275 after adding tuner). Thus don't see advantage over PFR-3B other than if three bands other than 20/30/40 are wanted. http://www.qrpkits.com/tribander.html
QRPLabs QCX: pros: 17/20/30/40/60/80m (separate units for each band). RX current 150mA. 5W (550mA) on TX at 16V. Double sided through plated silk screen printed PCB. (others above MAY also have this). 200Hz CW filter with no ringing. Keyer, memories and beacon mode. VFO A/B, split. Configurable side tone freq and volume and CW offset. On board micro switch can be used as CW key. Built in sig gen and alignment tools, voltmeter, RF pwr meter, freq counter. Cons: no case included, high current consumption. Single band is not a CON, see below. NO general coverage RX. No wide filter? No balanced line tuner. $150 ($200 after adding tuner) for any three bands (cf to $189/$239 EK1C or $275 PFR3b) or $250 ($300 after adding tuner) for 5 bands (cf to $270/$320 for HB1B). http://qrp-labs.com/qcx.html
YouKits TJ5A: pros: 12/15/17/20/30/40/60/80 -- 8 bands. Adjustable power 300mW to 20W. SSB AND CW. Large built-in speaker. 40 memories. Dual VFOs. Low power (10mW) tune up mode. General coverage RX 2-30MHz. LSB/USB/CW/TUNE. Cons: 200mA on RX. Up to 3.5A on TX. Weight 1.5kg. $380 https://youkits.com/products/youkits-tj5a-hf-20w-ssb-cw-transceiver-8-band-version-new
If we factor in that all those above except the PFR3b don't have a BLT Balanced Line Tuner, but we can buy one for $50 or so from http://ea3gcy.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/ilertenna-end-fed-qrp-antenna-tuner.html or single bands MEF-1 for $15 each http://ea3gcy.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/mef-1-monoband-qrp-enfed-tuner.html then the absence in the other rigs isn't a problem, just an extra cost.
Looking at the above, what would you consider reasons for buying any particular one of the above, instead of discrete QCXs and MEF-1 tuners?
I don't know the cost of a general coverage RX or if available as a kit. But we can assume at very least $50 for such. IN this case if we factor in unit cost(s), tuner ($50), gen coverage RX (assuming $50 minimum) then we arrive at:
PFR-3B $275 (+$50 min): $325 min.
EK-1C $239
HB-1B $320
MTR3 $310 (+$50 min): $360 min.
MTR5 $430 (+$50 min): $480 min
QCX+ $200 (3 bands) (+$50 min): $250 min.
TJ5A (8 bands): $430
The QCX multiple units could be attractive because if one breaks maybe it can be used to repair one of the others. Mutiple bands can be monitored. However, it has very high current drain: 4 times as much as the PFR-3b and double the EK1C.
The PFR-3B looks attractive as an all-in one, but this in itself isn't necessarily an advantage, but its very low current draw is. The LD11 and LD5 are very attractive, but the price may not be easy and current consumption is 350mA RX, 1.5A TX, no way to get it down, cf. to 20-35mA MTR/PFR.
For me it is a hard choice, between pretty much all the above rigs! So it must be a hard choice for most. These radios come close to what is required, but in all cases LACK something. If ONE can fill those gaps, they would capture the market. Prices are ALL fair and proportionate to the rig, except the QCX which gives perhaps the most bang for buck. With increasing features, power consumption becomes an issue. So, the ideal rig:
Ideal rig would be something like the LD-11 with the ability to enter into very low RX current mode (and even lower TX current). Or the PFR-3b with at least 7-22MHz (or alt option 3-17MHz) with general coverage RX *and* TX but with the option to switch various features off to retain the low 35mA RX. Or the QCX with much lower current draw, and selectable wide filter and wider RX/TX coverage. Or the MTR5b with selectable wide filter, ability to get higher power on higher voltage e.g. 8W on 16V, and wider gen-coverage RX/TX 3-15MHz or 7-22MHz. And the ideal rig would be as rugged as possible even if it is a special storage/transport case that is water and shock proof. Ideal peripherals would be matching un/balanced line/end fed tuner, versatile battery holder/adapters, possibly also a power amplifier to 10-20W.
I have an HB1B. It's published current draw is 80-90 ma rx and 800 ma tx. It also has a built in keyer with auto CQ. Mine took a spill from about 4 feet to the concrete. As the paddle was still plugged into it, it impacted the paddle plug and broke the key jack. I opened the rig and superglued the jack back together. It worked fine until I was able to replace it. I bought 10 new jacks on eBay for a couple of bucks and used one to replace the glued jack. Good as new. That was the only damaged it sustained from the spill. Now I have a lot of spare jacks. I like the variable filter width and the fact I can listen to SSB and AM with it.
I also have a MTR-3b. I take that thing everywhere with me. It's so small and light. The rig, battery, key, headphones, tuner, paracord, and ground stakes all fit into a sandwich sized plastic food container. However, with the MTR's non-adjustable, narrow filter and push button tuning, I find the HB1B so much easier to scan the bands with. I take the HB1B if I have the room in my bag for it and the MTR-3b if weight and space is tight.
vwflyer thanks for your very helpful post, I have edited the post above accordingly, please check. What bands is the MTR-3? What specs do the MTR-3 and MTR-5 have as the LNR site is working but they have broken internal links to the individual products. Anything you can tell me I can add into the comparison post above, if longer-term editing is allowed.
Yeah, to confirm the band options:
3b - 20, 30, 40
4b - 20, 30, 40, 80
5b - 15, 17, 20, 30, 40
Another thing that makes band scanning hard with the 3b is that the freq display doesn't display the frequency while you tune. You have to stop tuning and then hit the freq button for it to tell you what freq you've arrived at. The 4b and 5b fixed that issue. All three models will let you directly jump to a freq using the CW paddle though. And you can listen in CW to the freq you are on which is nice if you are operating in the dark. They also have multiple, fully customizable keyer memories. You can also beacon a memory.
OK that's good info. Do you know the current drain on RX for the 3b and/or the other models?
Active Audio Filter: this is something the Heathkit HW-8 had way back in the day. What about the above rigs now? Don't they have anything that makes a signal at the CW pitch chosen or set, jump right up out of the noise and sound much louder?
I would get the MTR4b...
Gil.
Quote from: gil on August 26, 2017, 07:07:34 AM
I would get the MTR4b...
Gil.
Yes but what's your reasons? I know for you 20/30/40/80 is essential. If you take 80 out of the equation though would you still get the MTR-3 or -5 and if so, why above the others? For me 80m is normally not important as usually I'm near the equator. For me long term durability, and the other factors above mentioned are what's making my choice difficult. The QCX work out actually cheaper and seem to have more features, provided they are durable, than all the others, and you end up with multiple separate small rigs which has advantages over all eggs in one basket?
Updated original post with QCX power consumption values.
Just a side note. If you want a real cheap tuner, look at this tuner. It's $11 shipped: http://www.ebay.com/itm/QRP-manual-Antenna-Tuner-Tune-Diy-Kit-1-30Mhz-led-VSWR-For-HAM-RADIO-CW-Q9-BNC-/122565920040?hash=item1c897f8528:g:Nz8AAOSwl9BWLtdv (http://www.ebay.com/itm/QRP-manual-Antenna-Tuner-Tune-Diy-Kit-1-30Mhz-led-VSWR-For-HAM-RADIO-CW-Q9-BNC-/122565920040?hash=item1c897f8528:g:Nz8AAOSwl9BWLtdv)
I built one several years ago and had issues, but the last I heard they fixed the issues and it's a good kit. It's good for at least 10W, has a built in LED SWR indicator (Tayloe bridge) and will tune a wet string.
The kit takes some work. You have to drill the holes in the case and winding the multi-tap inductor takes time to scrape the insulation at each tap. I wish it was a little smaller, but it works.
WRT which radio, a lot depends on size and weight. I have an MTR-3B and an old 2 band version of the HB-1B (Ten-Tec R4020) and love it. I love the R4020 mainly because of the display, internal battery pack and frequency knob. Having all the desired info in the display is often a big plus, as is the knob. If it needs to fit in a backpack I take the MTR-3B.
The MTR-3B draws 35ma on RX and about 550ma on TX.
I think the 4b and 5b have an even lower RX draw.
Thanks feedback, incorporated in original post. WHAT ABOUT TJ5A? Now added to original post. TJ5A is SSB and CW, adjustable 300mW to 20W, large internal speaker, general coverage RX 2-30MHz, and 8 TX bands 80/60/40/30/20/17/15/12m. The only downside I see is weight 1.5kg. 200mA current draw on RX is not great (6 times the PFR3b and MTRs but still better than full size rigs including FT817ND)
You know what, there really IS NOT an ideal QRP rig out there at all!
The PFR-3b and HB-1B do come close to it. The PFR3 advantage is the built in tuner, that's nice having it in the box and the 34mA RX draw. The HB1B already on RX draws more than twice that at 80-90mA, though still much better than many others, even the QCX draws 150mA! Advantage is the general coverage receive and variable bandwidth. I just don't like the look of the HB1B for some reason and it LOOKS like a radio that would attract attention at airports where you are entering without a license and require import bureaucracy even for transit. The PFR3 I don't think looks like a radio but like a bit of test gear or a toy of some sort. "Portable Field Radio" doesn't sound dangerous. So I'm biased to that I think. An IDEAL survival radio would be:
* 50mA or less power consumption at least optional to switch off stuff except RX and have it as low as 30mA.
* Variable bandwidth or filter, so that at least one can listen to AM/SSB
* General coverage RX
* TX on 4 bands: 80/40/30/20 or for tropics a version with 40/30/20/17-15
* TX working even outside those band edges, useful in emergency
* Built in auto-alarm on 4 second dashes, or on callsign being received (if having microprocessor such as QCX) though can do without this feature
* Loudspeaker! Not just ear phones. Even if a small loudspeaker that can be optionally plugged in if it draws more current.
Basically the PFR-3b if it were improved to be able to listen wide to SSB and 2) to have an optional loudspeaker switched in, with no other modifications, would be acceptable, if with an extra band (80m, OR 15-17m), and not blocked from TX just outside the bands, would be IDEAL even without general coverage RX though that would be icing on the cake.
Or the HB1B if it were having lower power consumption on receive, 2) optional loudspeaker switched in, 3) built in BLT as in PFR-3, and not blocked from TX outside of band edges, and without those labels that give away that it is a transceiver, would then also achieve this ideal.
EVERY TiME over the past few years I look at all the QRP rigs, I see that there is NO ideal one that I'd really want. I think PFR-3b may be coming closest to it if only Hendricks could be persuaded to create the PFR-4b with above improvements but still managing the low current on receive.
QuoteYou know what, there really IS NOT an ideal QRP rig out there at all!
I've been saying this for a long time! Hence my recent post on crowd funding one...
The ideal QRP rig for me would be an MTR4b coupled with a DSB transceiver, built into a strong cast aluminum watertight case...
Gil.
Exactly Gil. That's a very worthwhile effort. Meanwhile I have updated the original post to include LNR LD5 and LD11. Amazing radios. But I guess there is no magic to get below 350mA RX and 1.5A TX. The price reflects of course, those on a normal income can manage this eventually but not those on QRP!
Watertight radio would be nice but not a must have for me - if it will fit in a small watertight case.
I've been looking at getting a MTR 3b lately and had been thinking about mounting it with a ZM-2 tuner, 8AA battery pack and morse key semi permanently in a small watertight case like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/K%C3%BCchenprofi-Lunch-Box-Anthracite-23/dp/B00FZR4RUW/
(https://i.imgur.com/H819BEC.png)
I'd route the cables inside so that the only cables running externally would be the feedline and headphones.
Thinking about it more, I hate the fact that the radios themselves don't have an inbuilt SWR meter and it's making me reconsider the whole idea. I've had occasions where when listening with a resonant antenna everything seemed to be fine, but upon keying up, the SWR reading was off the scale - be it coax/connector issues, whatever. Using a tuner in-line with a resonant antenna is just going to result in pointless losses - maybe a tiny amount, but needless.
I dunno. The ideal radio is not out there, but the PFR-3B is the closest.
Interesting idea for a case. I put my MTR and a bunch of accessories in a Pelican-1060. It's about the same size. I like the clear lid.
https://smile.amazon.com/Pelican-1060-Micro-Carabiner-Clear/dp/B001PYOYP2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504395042&sr=8-1&keywords=pelican+1060 (https://smile.amazon.com/Pelican-1060-Micro-Carabiner-Clear/dp/B001PYOYP2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504395042&sr=8-1&keywords=pelican+1060)
It has a removable soft rubber liner for the floor and walls which is nice but adds weight.
How about making these cases (N)EMP proof? Any ideas there? It'd be nice to be able to make a lunch box NEMP proof.
I don't like the bottons for change frecuency of mtr5b and mtr3 and that no input more than 12v exactly but the people who has it are glad.
I own a Tentec R4030 (youkits HB1A more o less) and I am very happy with it, in fact, I don't use my 817ND never in CW since I bought the tentec.
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Quote from: Jon_Garfio on September 05, 2017, 04:42:55 AM
I don't like the bottons for change frecuency of mtr5b and mtr3 and that no input more than 12v exactly but the people who has it are glad.
This two reasons also why I don't like MTR!
Quote from: Jon_Garfio on September 05, 2017, 04:42:55 AM
I own a Tentec R4030 (youkits HB1A more o less) and I am very happy with it, in fact, I don't use my 817ND never in CW since I bought the tentec.
Now this rig is not being made? I found this (http://www.tentecwiki.org/doku.php?id=r4030)which says the R4030 is not made by Ten-Tec, but it is? But on Ten-Tec website is not longer listed. Maybe they stopped to make it? How much this rig costs or only available now second hand? Was it a kit or ready built? Very good specs, my only problem with this rig is I would need 40/30/20 at minimum, not just 40/30. But otherwise it's great!
QuoteI don't like the bottons for change frecuency of mtr5b and mtr3
Funny, I really like the buttons. The DFE, direct frequency entry with paddles is awesome too!
Gil.
Quote from: gil on September 05, 2017, 12:36:02 PM
Funny, I really like the buttons.
You Button Pusher!!! ;D
I also have an old Ten-Tech R4020 and really like it. I hate to admit it, but I like having a knob to twist more than buttons to push ::). I also like having all that info right on the display, but I'm a bit ADD so that's understandable...."Crap! I just checked my frequency 30 seconds ago and I already forgot it. Now I have to push the button again and...Oh look! A squirrel!"
The MTR won't let you transmit out of band, so who cares what frequency you're one :o
Gil.
Quote from: swxx on September 05, 2017, 11:42:25 AM
Quote from: Jon_Garfio on September 05, 2017, 04:42:55 AM
I don't like the bottons for change frecuency of mtr5b and mtr3 and that no input more than 12v exactly but the people who has it are glad.
This two reasons also why I don't like MTR!
Quote from: Jon_Garfio on September 05, 2017, 04:42:55 AM
I own a Tentec R4030 (youkits HB1A more o less) and I am very happy with it, in fact, I don't use my 817ND never in CW since I bought the tentec.
Now this rig is not being made? I found this (http://www.tentecwiki.org/doku.php?id=r4030)which says the R4030 is not made by Ten-Tec, but it is? But on Ten-Tec website is not longer listed. Maybe they stopped to make it? How much this rig costs or only available now second hand? Was it a kit or ready built? Very good specs, my only problem with this rig is I would need 40/30/20 at minimum, not just 40/30. But otherwise it's great!
Tentec R4030 or R4020 are discontinued, I bought it second hand in ebay.
Actually there is a Youkits HB1B, improved (more bands, swr meter..).
Anyway, the better way to take idea about both is that you test it (LNR and Youkits) or almost watch videos about it.
All the people who know that has a Youkits/Tentec are glad, same all the people who has a LNR.
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Quote from: gil on September 06, 2017, 07:19:22 AM
The MTR won't let you transmit out of band, so who cares what frequency you're one :o
Gil.
That's a minus point from most of these rigs that makes it less suitable as a Survival Radio. When there is life-saving issues, being able to transmit outside the band is a requisite, not just for MARS frequencies, but to avoid QRM or for quiet skeds etc.
Quote from: Jon_Garfio on September 06, 2017, 08:16:29 AM
All the people who know that has a Youkits/Tentec are glad, same all the people who has a LNR.
And I think all those who have PFR-3b too! It is difficult. It still is a fact that even very hard to choose between them all, NONE of them are ideal for survival radio. But they do come CLOSE!
Agreed.
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Currently I have both the MTR-3B and the HB-1B. At first I thought I would get them both, try them both out, and sell the one I liked the least. Well, that was the plan I told myself since I was having trouble justifying buying two rigs that would fit the same job of portable QRP. But I can't make up my mind. AHHH!
Normally, I use the HB-1B, mostly due to its knob (I prefer the knob), the frequency readout that's always right there, (you don't have to stop tuning and then hit the freq. button to see where you stopped), and the SWR meter. I also like to listen to AM and SSB on occasion with it. For operating in my shack, or in my backyard, or in the park, or while car camping, I usually turn to my HB-1B.
When I'm traveling by plane (small Cessna mostly but also commercial) I always take the MTR. It's smaller size and weight is enough that when counting the ounces it makes a difference. Also when I've got the rig in a backpack for hiking to the top of a hill for a SOTA activation I take the MTR, again ounces are pounds there. Those niceties of the HB-1B look sooooo much less important when you have to pack it 1000' vertically.
All practicality aside, the MTR has a lot of personality. It's uniqueness gives it a sense of fun novelty. It's like my old Collins tube rig from my grandfather. It's not nearly has fast and easy to use as any new solid state rig but there's just something about twisting those big knobs and looking for the dip in plate current that is just fun at times. I don't know why but the MTR gives me that kind of enjoyment to operate at times, so when the mood hits, the HB-1B just wont do.
In the end I convinced myself that no good prepper (as if I were one of those) ever just has one of anything.
Quote from: swxx on September 06, 2017, 08:55:12 AMIt is difficult. It still is a fact that even very hard to choose between them all, NONE of them are ideal for survival radio. But they do come CLOSE!
Quote from: vwflyer on September 06, 2017, 02:05:07 PM
In the end I convinced myself that no good prepper (as if I were one of those) ever just has one of anything.
And there you have it. Own 2 (or more! ::) )
If there really was such a thing as the Perfect Prepping Radio, would you be wise to own just one? I think the MTR plus a HB-1B or something similar with more convenience and SSB receive capability makes a nice pair. Each is perfect for certain situations, and if one is stolen by the roving hoards of looters, the other will be perfectly OK for all uses.
Vwflyer, perfect definition of both rigs.
I have Tentec (youkits) but if I could get a mtr3 better to have the couple.
I am learning so much with this post (thanks Gil for forum)
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This is a great thread but much has happened since its last update in 2017. Any new thoughts on the topic?
I think everyone is waiting for the QSX kit from QRP-Labs... ::)
Gil.
Quote from: gil on July 19, 2019, 04:15:38 PMI think everyone is waiting for the QSX kit from QRP-Labs... ::)
Updates here: http://radiopreppers.com/index.php/topic,1507.0.html
(http://radiopreppers.com/index.php/topic,1507.0.html)[looks interesting - QRPlabs QSX all mode, all HF bands, 10 watts - $150 !!!!]