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Re: Concerns about the QCX+ for ultra-portable operators
Use this and make a hole in the case with a 3D printed grommet to hold the charging jack in the hole to make it accessible from the outside.
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Re: FS: SP12T ceramic rotary switches
Steve in Okinawa
There are several other ceramic water switches sold on eBay, include actual Centralab NOS for reasonable money. But I've bought both large and small diameter cheapo ceramic rotary switches of Chinese or Russian makers for high power RF use and found them to be excellent quality. JS6TMW
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Re: Concerns about the QCX+ for ultra-portable operators
@KC2TAU
I am curious how that would be implemented given how I have not been able to find a charging board for NiMH cells that will handle simultaneous charging of 8-10 AA cells. It's a similar situation from what I've seen for LiPo batteries as well. Most chargers that I see are outboard and contained inside of their own enclosure. There are protection boards that allow you to join together multiple cells for simultaneous charging but that still requires that whatever you are using to feed voltage to the protection board be able to tell when the cells are full and therefore cease charging.
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How about an ultra-portable "QCX mini" version?
#qcx
Torbjorn Skauli
Hans, I don't think you will have time for this, but here is a suggestion: I sympathize with the thread discussing the larger size of the QCX+. Given the quality of the QCX, many will want the radio more than the building of it. How about a "QCX mini" where the majority of components are pre-installed SMD, on a smaller PCB than the original? The design could aim for minimum size to achieve an affordable true pocket size HF rig. The builder could add only the band-specific parts, and other parts that would be costly to pre-assemble, and an enclosure of his choice. Controls could be installed on a break-off part of the PCB for flexibility in enclosure design. This version could also be more accessible to beginners since it will have far fewer parts to install. Apart from the effort to redo the design (again), hopefully the economics could work out through simpler logistics, smaller board area, lower component cost, and an expanded market?
I say this based on my own experience with the original QCX, which I have fitted into a rater cramped minimum-size 3D-printed enclosure with battery and paddle (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3668177). This rig, and a wire dipole, actually fit in the pockets of my jacket. I have been able to use my QCX in odd time slots and spaces such as flight departure halls and family outings, and thereby actually get on the air in a busy life. The favourite location is on the top of the local ski jump, the destination of my exercise bike ride, with an "inverted vertical" wire antenna suspended from the tower in the picture (loaded by a pinecone in the end). From here, the QCX WSPR beacon has hit seven continents (and G0UPL) in half an hour. I am sure many people will want to have these possibilities in pocket size, at the price point of the QCX, and with only a minimum of assembly to do. For my part, I would certainly want one, and would be happy to design an even smaller 3D-printable enclosure for it. After the QSX is finished, perhaps, Hans? Anyway, thanks for all the fun, Torbjorn, LA4ZCA
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Re: Questions about QSX radio (by QRP Labs)
ajparent1/KB1GMX
Did see anyone comment on QRP AM but being a phone op
I'e run contacts usign the FT817 at 1.25W, also 25W from the Tentec Eagle. It works. SSB has more punch and some advantage but I've run my Tentec 509 (5W DC in about 2.6 out) on 20 for some decent contacts across the pond. My miles per watt record is on 6M at about 100mW into the antenna. and op at other end was about 1000miles away. Propagation works. Generally and the best comment is its all about the antenna. There are many "all band" antennas, I use several and also a few dedicated antennas. Comment the dedicated antenna generally work best for the intended band. With that said, rule 3 put something up as anything is better than a bucket of wire in the shed. IT will help you understand what better maybe for your case. Wire is cheap, play with it Allison ------------------------------- Please reply on list so we can share. No private email, it goes to a bit bucket due address harvesting
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Re: Selling 30m QCX and BaMaTech case
Hi Scot,
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
Sorry for the delay in replying, I didn’t check here yesterday. I’ve unpackaged everything and the board says QRP Labs 2017 3 in the bottom right corner. 73 Keith.
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Re: Concerns about the QCX+ for ultra-portable operators
Arv Evans
Use rechargeable batteries. Leave the screws alone! 8-) _._
On Wed, Jun 3, 2020 at 12:09 PM <greencolouredpencils@...> wrote: Question,
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Re: Questions about QSX radio (by QRP Labs)
AM is the most demanding of the HF modes. Only truly dedicated QRPers will attempt QRP AM.
On Wed, Jun 3, 2020 at 2:02 PM Evan Hand <elhandjr@...> wrote: I should also mention that mode of operation (CW, SSB, Digital) will also impact the effectiveness of the antenna chosen. SSB is the most demanding. I by accident made an FT8 contact with a dummy load.
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Re: FS: SP12T ceramic rotary switches
Brad Thompson
Brian Mathews wrote
on 6/3/2020 11:17 AM:
On Tue, Jun 2, 2020 at 08:25 AM, Brad Thompson wrote:Hello, Brian-- Thank you for your inquiry, and I apologize for not immediately returning your call. Unfortunately, the last two switches are tentatively spoken for pending payment. I'll notify you if they become available. I may be able to assist with your other component needs, so please don't hesitate to reach me via this e-mail address: brad.thompsonaa1ip@... Thanks, and 73-- Brad AA1IP
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Re: Concerns about the QCX+ for ultra-portable operators
Evan Hand
Use rechargeable batteries and build the charger into the case, or provide an external connector for the charger and/or backup batteries for extended use.
73 Evan AC9TU
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Re: Questions about QSX radio (by QRP Labs)
Ryan Flowers
I built a G7FEK antenna. It's designed to only be used at 25 feet height (more height does nothing) and is compact. It works on 80 through 10 with no tuner needed. Right now I'm not using this because of a logistics issue, but I'll be putting it back up when I can. You can build one for well under $20 with some coffee stirrers, hot glue, and 100 feet of wire. It *does* require a 1:1 choke.
On Wed, Jun 3, 2020 at 11:02 AM Evan Hand <elhandjr@...> wrote: Carl,
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Does it work ?
R. Tyson
Does it work ?
QRP that is. Proved it to myself many times over the years going back to my using a HW8 around 1982. That worked into the USA with around 1.5 watts on 15 meters and rubbish wire antenna. Had a great demonstration today. I was listening to a Spanish station in QSO with a German station. Initial reports were 559 for the Spanish and 589 for the German station. After a few minutes they revised the signal strength to 569 for the Spanish station and 599 for the German. No big deal then.... apart from the fact that the Spanish guy was running 5 watts of CW and the German guy was running........ 400 watts ! It could be thought that the German operator's antenna was doing most of the work but... my piece of wet string was receiving both at the signal strengths they were giving out to each other. When considering if 2.5 - 3 watts is good enough or carrying on to change components, alter coils, etc to get 5 watts then the answer lies in this example heard today. No need to bust a gut trying to squeeze the last milliwatt out of a QCX it isn't going to make a noticeable difference. Reg G4NFR
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Re: Concerns about the QCX+ for ultra-portable operators
jjpurdum
Any way to put a charger connector on the case? Jack, W8TEE
On Wednesday, June 3, 2020, 2:09:12 PM EDT, <greencolouredpencils@...> wrote:
Question, If you place the batteries inside of the transceiver then presumably you're going to need to remove the case to remove the batteries in order to charge them. It seems like the screws used to secure the cover to the rest of the case and the threaded holes that those screws go into will get worn down very quickly from the constant tightening and loosening. Once the threading is gone, and if you don't have the tools to re-thread the holes, you then need another case. So, how does one overcome this problem?
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Re: Concerns about the QCX+ for ultra-portable operators
@KC2TAU
Question,
If you place the batteries inside of the transceiver then presumably you're going to need to remove the case to remove the batteries in order to charge them. It seems like the screws used to secure the cover to the rest of the case and the threaded holes that those screws go into will get worn down very quickly from the constant tightening and loosening. Once the threading is gone, and if you don't have the tools to re-thread the holes, you then need another case. So, how does one overcome this problem?
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Re: Questions about QSX radio (by QRP Labs)
Evan Hand
Carl,
The short answer is yes you can get a single antenna to work MOST of the bands, provided you have enough length to string it up. https://www.amazon.com/MFJ-1778-G5RV-Antenna-80-10-Meters/dp/B005OEA88Q I have HOA issues, so went with a 40 to 6 meter Off Center Fed Dipole (OCFD) strung in my attic: https://mfjenterprises.com/products/mfj-2010 The biggest issue is to get the wire as far up as you can. Needles to say, the attic antenna "works" but is not the best because of the location and distance above the ground. There are also multiband verticals of all heights and sizes. I have not used one, so I have no experience with them. For there is the height, ground plane (radials) installation, as well as the RF safety issues for elements that are close to the ground. You would need some protection from inadvertent rf exposure if you are running high power (not an issue with the at most 6 watts of a bare QCX, and not much of one with the 50 watt PA, nor the specified 10 watts of the QSX). Do you plan to go backpacking with it? If so, then the end fed half wave as suggested by Julian for the lowest band you want to work (as well as how much wire you want to carry) is probably the best. So my advice is to work out where you can install an antenna, how you will get the coax or other feed to the rig, and then get one. I should also mention that mode of operation (CW, SSB, Digital) will also impact the effectiveness of the antenna chosen. SSB is the most demanding. I by accident made an FT8 contact with a dummy load. FWIW, and YMMV 73 Evan AC9TU
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Re: Questions about QSX radio (by QRP Labs)
Mark M
Or look for a multi-band vertical. Ham magazines are full of ads for them. Several manufacturers and models. Many claim coverage from 80M to 6M.
What was the second question? :) -- 73... Mark AA7TA
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Re: Cannot send automated CQ from 1st memory
wfcaston@...
Thanks Ted. No, I did not build it. I bought it from the ham who build it. I have been careful not to transmit without an antenna connected. I will try another power supply this afternoon, then get back to you with the results and the answers to the rest of the questions.
It is wonderful there are so many helpful and knowledgeable hams on this website! -- Anson WV4C
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Re: Questions about QSX radio (by QRP Labs)
jjpurdum
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
On Wednesday, June 3, 2020, 1:06:28 PM EDT, Carl Moon via groups.io <carl.moon@...> wrote:
I have an extra class license but never owned an HF radio
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Re: 50W PA Damaged
Curt M.
I received my IRF510s from Digikey. Got them installed and recalibrated the bias current. I’m back up and running. Puts out 60w into a dummy load so I’ll have to drop the supply down a little to keep things in check. For those of you that are just building one of these or need to replace the finals I highly suggest using Kapton tape to hold the pads in place rather than electrical tape. It’s much thinner and the IRF510s clear them much easier than black tape.
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Re: Questions about QSX radio (by QRP Labs)
Sorry, before I get jumped on, I meant 40, 20 and 10m :-)
-- Julian, N4JO.
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