When I check out the RM on the web page, they show available frequencies. Am I right that I can only get one frequency per kit? So if I built one, I'd only be able to transmit and receive on that one frequency?
Pretty much... However the Rock-Mite has a button you can press which sends you about 1.4kHz away.. So, you technically have two frequencies 8) Which if you are patient and you choose a popular frequency should be quite enough to make contact..
Gil.
Could you suggest a frequency for me? I messed around with my paddle tonight and learned my call sign. Probably should've learned to copy first, but whatever lol
Correct. The fixed frequency is determined by the "rock" (slang term for crystal), hence its name.
I see. I didn't know that was slang for a crystal. Learn something new every day!
Quote from: NWARadio on April 22, 2014, 09:12:28 PM
Could you suggest a frequency for me? I messed around with my paddle tonight and learned my call sign. Probably should've learned to copy first, but whatever lol
The QRP calling frequency is 7.030 MHz. Unless you had another specific frequency that you need to regularly use for a sked or net, that's what I'd choose.
ETA: I guess I was just assuming a 40 meter Rock-Mite. Each band has a QRP calling frequency, Google will turn up lots of results for them all if you're looking at something other than 40 meter.
So, the MO isn't to call on the calling frequency and then move to another frequency? I don't want to be the LID irritating everybody else by talking on the calling frequency.
20m: 14060.
30m: 10106.
40m: 7030.
Well, with 500mW to 1W, you're not going to bother people.. The Rock Mite won't be right on that frequency anyway, but around 1kHz lower, from my experience. So, you're far enough that anyone with a 500Hz filter can tune you out. Since you're not exactly on the calling frequency, and put out so little power, no problem for rag-chews. My RM40 with a 7030 crystal is on 7029...
Gil.
Are there any small kits that offer 5 watts?
Quote from: NWARadio on April 22, 2014, 09:19:26 PM
So, the MO isn't to call on the calling frequency and then move to another frequency? I don't want to be the LID irritating everybody else by talking on the calling frequency.
Like Gil said you won't be irritating anyone. CW on HF is nothing even remotely like VHF FM.
Quote from: NWARadio on April 22, 2014, 09:19:26 PM
Are there any small kits that offer 5 watts?
Only several hundred 8)
Good. Give me some suggestions, cause I've got like 15 tabs open on my computer looking at kits lol
Well, if you're willing to spend $200, here is your best choice: http://qrpkits.com/tribander.html (http://qrpkits.com/tribander.html)
There is the Weber MTR of course, but they just sold out last night (within hours as usual).
Got $300 or $400? Elecraft K1: http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_prod_list.htm#k1
The KX1 is a bit more advanced, with a DDS VFO (more stable), $300.
There isn't much in between...
Gil.
http://www.qrpkits.com/ (http://www.qrpkits.com/)
http://www.ohr.com/ (http://www.ohr.com/)
http://www.elecraft.com/index.htm (http://www.elecraft.com/index.htm)
http://www.qrptransceiver.com/ (http://www.qrptransceiver.com/)
http://www.jumaradio.com/shop/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=4 (http://www.jumaradio.com/shop/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=4)
http://www.qrpme.com/ (http://www.qrpme.com/)
http://www.azscqrpions.com/fttuthill80.html (http://www.azscqrpions.com/fttuthill80.html)
.......... and there's plenty more than that out there.
Hopefully Gil and I aren't overloading you ;D . maybe we should start with what it is exactly that you think you're looking for? I realize you don't have experience with QRP CW yet but how do you envision you'll be using it? In the shack or out in the field; serious use or just something to get your feet wet. What's your budget? What's your kit building experience? etc, etc.
You're not overloading me. I don't have a lot of kit building experience. I built a regen receiver once. It would've worked if I hadn't done something stupid to it. We won't talk about that. I like small things. Really small. I'd like to take something like this out in the field to mess around with. And it's just to get my feet with. Just something fun to mess around with. It'll help me stay interested while I'm learning CW. As far as budget.....I don't know. I might buy one of the cheaper kits that don't have as much power.
The Rock-Mite is a great kit to get started building kits, but not the greatest to start QRP and CW. The problem with it is the lack of a VFO, thus a fixed frequency. You must be VERY patient with it and use a good antenna like an end-fed, not a Buddistick or anything like that. Not that it won't work, but it would make things way more difficult. My best advise would be to start with a Rock-Mite for a mere $40 plus a few items (antenna BNC, jacka, button, etc.) to practice kit biulding, and once it works, immediately get a kit with a VFO. You'll have much more fun and success with that, no frustration. The power isn't that important. 3W will get you almost anywhere. The Rock-Mite, you keep as a backup..
Gil.
Do you have a kit that you've built with a VFO that you use and would recommend? American Morse Equipment makes a snazzy encloser and wee paddles to go with the RM kit. Not sure if it'll fit the RMII that's taken its place, though. I'll probably get that as a starter.
What's your budget?
Gil.
Heck, I don't know. I can't see myself spending 400 bucks on one. 250 would be my absolute maximum, and that'd be after I'd built some other kit and learned CW pretty dang well.
Quote from: NWARadio on April 22, 2014, 09:52:41 PM
Do you have a kit that you've built with a VFO that you use and would recommend? American Morse Equipment makes a snazzy encloser and wee paddles to go with the RM kit. Not sure if it'll fit the RMII that's taken its place, though. I'll probably get that as a starter.
The Weber Tri Band (http://www.qrpkits.com/tribander.html) is a great rig (as is anything from Hendricks). I haven't built it but I did build it's predecessor the Weber Dual Band, awesome rig.
Yep. Get the Weber Tri-Bander from qrpkits.com then.
Gil.
Another vote for the Weber Tri-bander. I haven't built one, but really want to after everything I've read.
The Hendricks kits are great performers and the excellent instructions make them go together easily with few if any problems. If there was one thing I would change about the kits from Hendricks it would be the enclosure finish; they come shipped with none, just bare aluminum with a relatively rough surface. If you want a nice looking rig it will take some sandpaper, elbow grease and paint. Of course a nice painted and silkscreen enclosure would increase the price of the kit but in my case I'd be willing to pay it for while I can do it, finish work is the one aspect of building stuff I don't enjoy.
While the Tri Band wasn't really designed as a trail rig like the KX1, PFR3, MTR, etc are, it will still work out in the field quite well, my Dual Band was my trail rig for quite a while until I got my KX1. For $200 it's hard to go wrong - you get a lot of rig for the money.
If I were to buy a Tri Band (as if I need another QRP rig 8) ) my band choices would be 20, 30 and 40 meters (my Dual Band is 20 and 40 meters) but that's just my preference based on my operating habits so don't let me decide for you.
The PFR3: http://qrpkits.com/pfr3.html (http://qrpkits.com/pfr3.html) would be a good choice for a trail rig, especially with the built-in tuner...
Gil.
Quote from: gil on April 22, 2014, 11:06:29 PM
The PFR3: http://qrpkits.com/pfr3.html (http://qrpkits.com/pfr3.html) would be a good choice for a trail rig, especially with the built-in tuner...
Gil.
Back when I decided to get a more trail friendly radio my choices were down to the PFR3 or the KX1, both of which have very similar features and are designed around the same concept. Both are comparable and excellent rigs but for me the KX1 won. Although considerably more expensive than the PFR3 by the time you add all options to the KX1, it's superior ergonomics (in my opinion) convinced me to part with the extra cash.
Had I bought the PFR3 I would have regretted not getting the "better" KX1 until I couldn't stand it any longer and then I would have bought one after the fact. I've learned over the years that it's actually cheaper for me in the long run if I just go ahead and get the "thing" I really want even if it's more expensive than the other "thing"............ one expensive "thing" is cheaper than one expensive "thing"
plus a less expensive "thing". 8)
The nice thing about the extra cost of the loaded KX1 is that you don't have to spend it all at the beginning; the 30/80 meter module, ATU, and integrated paddle modules can all be purchased and added later or not at all. The stock KX1 is still a very capable rig and only $60 more than the PFR3.
QuoteI've learned over the years that it's actually cheaper for me in the long run if I just go ahead and get the "thing" I really want even if it's more expensive than the other "thing"............ one expensive "thing" is cheaper than one expensive "thing" plus a less expensive "thing".
I couldn't agree more. I also found out that I should never sell the more expensive thing or I will end-up buying it again later. For example, I've owned three Nikon F3s through the years, and I know I might buy a fourth one.. Same for other things I have bought, like two Cold Steel Master Tantos, etc, etc. I sold my K1 and I miss it badly. Some things are so well built, useful and have a "je ne sais quoi" that they acquire a certain status as "keepers." Call that an emotional attachment if you will, but I think it is sort of an aesthetic and practical quality. Elecraft radios are kind of like that, hence the name "Ele(gant)craft." Building them also adds to their value. Or my Weber MTR.. It is small, efficient, clever, hard to find and I built it myself! I also value mechanical devices rather than electric ones.. So much for radios :o My cameras are mechanical, no batteries in them; same for my watch.. That's probably why I like QRP CW rigs, they are simple, if not always in design, in operation.
I'm not materialistic in the sense that I don't want to own much stuff at all. I do want quality stuff though. It is always a mistake to sell quality stuff.
Darn, it's late and I'm babbling like an old man ::)
Definitely, saving to buy the item you really want is the right way to go!
Gil.
Looks like the PFR-3 will only tune a balanced line. Gil recommended a longwire, and I'm not sure what that qualifies as. So far, from reading specs, I like the Weber. Looks like I'd have to have an external tuner for anything that uses coax. Am I right?
Quote from: NWARadio on April 23, 2014, 05:10:36 PM
Looks like the PFR-3 will only tune a balanced line. Gil recommended a longwire, and I'm not sure what that qualifies as. So far, from reading specs, I like the Weber. Looks like I'd have to have an external tuner for anything that uses coax. Am I right?
Gil was probably referring to an EFHW (end fed half wave) antenna which is essentially just a long wire. That's basically what the tuner in the PFR3 was designed to feed by attaching directly to the out put sans feed line, but it will still feed dipoles, verticals, loops, etc fed with either coaxial or balanced feed line.
For truly quick, simple and highly portable operating in the field, the EFHW fed directly from the rig can't be beat. It's nothing more than a chunk of wire tossed into a tree with a shorter chunk on the ground as a counterpoise - no heavy, bulky feed line to carry, get lost or be too short and it only needs a single support. On top of all that it's a great performer on the air........... it's the only antenna I use when portable.
QuoteGil was probably referring to an EFHW (end fed half wave) antenna which is essentially just a long wire.
Yep. The end-fed is a half-wave wire with a tuning box at the bottom where you plug your coax. A great one is the PAR trail 10/20/40m model. I use that wire/choke assembly with an EFWH tuner (photo attached) which was made by betterqrp.com but unfortunately is no longer available. I like the fact that you can use coax with them and have the antenna a little further away from you or your tent.. I have the regular PAR 10/20/40 at home as my main HF antenna.
Gil.
You can get essentially the same thing at QRPKITS.com. The circuit is identical. Just the box is different.
Gil, I use a 63' wire and it is resonant on 40/20/15/10. Any idea why the Par doesn't do 15M? Maybe something in the coil?
I'm looking at the one on qrpkits.com That's probably what I'll end up with. So, just a long wire with a counterpoise? Toss it up in a tree and Bob's your uncle?
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Quote from: NWARadio on April 23, 2014, 09:19:46 PM
So, just a long wire with a counterpoise? Toss it up in a tree and Bob's your uncle?
Yep, so simple a caveman could do it. ;D
Quote from: NWARadio on April 23, 2014, 09:19:46 PM
I'm looking at the one on qrpkits.com That's probably what I'll end up with. So, just a long wire with a counterpoise? Toss it up in a tree and Bob's your uncle?
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So long as the wire is 1/2 wave long or a multiple of half waves. A 63' piece of insulated wire is a half wave at 7MHz, 2 half-waves at 14MHz 3 half waves at 21MHz and 4 half waves at 10MHz so it will work on all 4 bands.
what was the kit price for the MTR?
The MTR was $155.
It's a tri-bander. You can pick any 3 of 80/40/30/20/17. I really want 17M for daytime Dx, but I really want 40/30/20 too. Deciding will drive me nuts.
Quote from: cockpitbob on April 23, 2014, 10:33:27 PM
The MTR was $155.
It's a tri-bander. You can pick any 3 of 80/40/30/20/17. I really want 17M for daytime Dx, but I really want 40/30/20 too. Deciding will drive me nuts.
That's crazy cheap for what sounds like a solid radio.
If they are so popular why the limited runs of them?
Steve seems to do this for the fun, not profit. He's a talented engineer and probably makes the kind of salary where the little (if any) profit he makes from doing this really isn't worth the enormous time he puts into them.
People are begging him to sell more kits or get qrpkits.com to sell the MTR radios. I bet if he just made the circuit board artwork public people would team up do their own group builds.
NW -
Unless you specifically wanted to build, these transceivers are four band, small, lite and even include a general coverage shortwave receiver and a full 5 Watts output.
http://www.tentec.com/hb1b-four-band-cw-qrp-transceiver-80-40-30-20-meters/ (http://www.tentec.com/hb1b-four-band-cw-qrp-transceiver-80-40-30-20-meters/)
I've talked with several people on the air who use them.
73 de RadioRay ..._ ._
I have the 40-20 version and like it. It's the one I talked to Antartica with using a 1/2wave end fed wire. Rx is actually better than my Yaesu FT-857.
The Ten-Tec has a very nice illuminated LCD display, internal keyer and an S-meter that sort of works as an SWR meter too. The only reason I didn't upgrade to the 4-band version is I wanted a KX1 with the internal tuner and that cute little key. Battery current is around 70mA.
I like that Ten-Tec, very close to the KX1, though I am sure the receiver isn't as sensitive. Still, for about $80 less you get a lot for your money. For people who are not into kit building it is a great option!
Gil.
I think I'm going to do a RM2 first. How can I go wrong for 40 bucks? Is really like 40/30/20/15 but the hendricks kit I like doesn't have that. I might even try a separate kit for 15. I don't know yet. I'm going to sign up for the ar sprint yahoo group just in case those mtr kits become available again. I need to start the small cabin on some land we've got so until I make a firm decision I'll do that Rock Mite II and put money into a place to stay while we are cutting down trees and escaping city life for a weekend. I do like that Hendricks kit though.
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Sorry about the typos. My phone doesn't always put what I'd like it to.
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The elecraft K1 does 40/30/20/15m, albeit for $400, but an awesome radio!
Gil.