All-band HF direct conversion transceiver QRPver DC-3001 Minion Mini

[Sparks]

https://qrpver.com/transceivers/all-band-hf-direct-conversion-transceiver-qrpver-dc-3001-minion-mini.html

This $350 transceiver from Odessa in Ukraine looks very interesting and affordable to me.

• "This is a small-size 10 band short-wave QRP transceiver."
• "The transceiver has small dimensions of 100x103x30 mm. and a light weight of 430 grams. It will suit both for work on the field trip, on nature, at the dacha .... So for everyday work, at home."
[...]
• "Power supply voltage: 9-14.8V (Rated supply voltage 13.8V)".
• "Consumed current in the "RX" receiving mode and 25% loudness: ~ 120mA. At 100% loudness: up to  ~ 250mA."

— They say nothing about batteries — so what would be an optimal battery taking this set for hiking in the mountains?

Also, any comment, such as user experience, will be valuable to me.

Edit: Removed 'the' before Ukraine: https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-18233844

[gil]

Hello. I have been thinking about buying one... I heard there is a slight harmonics problem but aside from that they are great. I would use three 18650 cells, or four if it can take the extra voltage... If the QSX kit wasn't coming out, presumably soon, I might have bought one already.

Gil.

[Sparks]

If the QSX kit wasn't coming out, presumably soon, I might have bought one already.

The thread about that one: http://radiopreppers.com/index.php?topic=1507.0
[... looks interesting - QRPlabs QSX all mode, all HF bands, 10 watts - $150 !!!!]

[gil]

And then there is the new Minion SDR...  ::)

Gil.

[Sparks]

And then there is the new Minion SDR...  ::) 

https://qrpver.com/transceivers/all-band-10-band-hf-sdr-transceiver-minion-sdr.html

If having to decide between these two, what are the pros and contras?

[gil]

Hi Sparks.

For me it is more current draw... Also the SDR is not a direct conversion receiver, so not as discreet... But that is not very important... The SDR might have better filtering and you can see the whole band at once on the screen... Tempting... It doesn't cost much more than the G1M I just had a look at...

Gil.

[Sparks]

Another contender in my book is the QRPVer Minion, either the Mini or SDR version. It is much cheaper. The case doesn't look very rugged but it has few buttons and a small screen. 120mA for the mini and 220mA for the SDR. The mini has a direct conversion receiver, so presumably much more discreet as far as unwanted emissions even on receive ...

For HF, I just ordered a QRPVer Minion SDR! That will be mainly for SSB.
https://qrpver.com/transceivers/all-band-10-band-hf-sdr-transceiver-minion-sdr.html

I just ordered the QRPVer Minion SDR. The G1M was the other option. In the end, it's the surface-mounted jacks problem on the G1M that made me go for the unknown Minion. I ordered without the LPF, but last night emailed Yurii to ask him if it wasn't too late to add it.. The G1M also burns more current. The minion has all bands between 160 and 10m and also apparently does transmit on CB frequencies. If the Minion SDR turns out to be great, for only a little more money, I think it would be worth saving up for it.
We'll see... I should get in in about a month.

I am eagerly awaiting your review of this radio. I'd like to see a video from the moment you open the parcel from Ukraine. And what kind of antenna will you recommend (and actually use)?

[gil]

Bonjour,

Certainly. I got the tracking number last night. I hope to get it before the week-end, but probably early next week.

Gil.

[KB7PWJ]

Hi Gil!

I am also eagerly awaiting your Minion review. I've been watching this rig for two years now, as I don't have the money to drop on an uncertain product. The Minion hasn't taken off like one might expect, yet I can't find much in the way of disparagement, either. Mostly it's all brief comments, announcements by sources that haven't tried one, and material from the builder.

Anyway, I hope you'll put it thoroughly through its paces and share that information with us. I haven't found any other source of that important information online, and you're a reliable source.

I would be especially grateful for an in-depth review of its CW performance, since that's all I do at the moment and few go into much detail on that point. (I'd also like to get into digital, so if you feel like reviewing that too, that'd be great.)

Thanks!

Rob
KB7PWJ

[gil]

Hello, thanks. Yes, I will test it thoroughly, and of course especially CW, but also digital modes and SSB. Field test will have to wait of course, but there will be enough to explore for more than one video anyway! I should get it any day now...
Gil.

[VY1GP, George]

FYI - Other QRPver users on QRZ.com

https://www.qrz.com/db/UT5QBC/

https://www.qrz.com/db/WD0JIM/

https://www.qrz.com/db/PA3GLK/

https://www.qrz.com/db/OK1UA/

[gil]

Great thanks. I just posted an update video...

Gil.

[gil]

Good news, I was able to make digital modes work by bypassing HamLib and using FLRig for JS8Call!

Gil.

[SM0AAS]

Hi Gil

I have followed your reviews on QRPVer minor.
Are interested in buying one.

My problem is that I do not come into contact with them (QRPVer) neither by mail or telephone.

Do you know if they have any concerns / problems.
Have you had any contact with them?

Is anyone else aware of their situation.

Lars
SM0AAS

[gil]

Hi, not lately... Yurii doesn't always answer email. I think he doesn't really speak English, not sure. You are right to check before ordering though. Maybe he is super busy after getting a bunch of orders...

Gil.