Posts Tagged ‘QRP’

The bands are dead but can a WSPR defibrillator get results

20m WSPR results
As most of you know the conditions on HF over the last week have been dismal at the best of times. Over the weekend I found 20m to be flat and 40m was just more or less local stuff. So Monday I thought it was time to give WSPR a go again. I set the output to 1 watt and gave 40, 30 and 20m's  a go. I was surprised that 20m was alive on WSPR. It was odd that I was unable to hear any CW on 20m's but using WSPR at one watt I was heard overseas.  My fan dipole in the attic is not really setup for 30m's but with the tuner in the K3 I
30m's was local only
am able to fool the rig to see a flat match. The SWR on the other side of the K3's tuner for 30m's is about 9:1 (according to my LP100A) so with one watt from the K3 and a 9:1 match what type of power is getting up to the antenna. With the help of this calculator I can enter my feed line type, power input, frequency and SWR this will get me a rough idea of the power at the antenna. So at 1 watt with an SWR of 9:1 using 30ft of  LMR-400 on 30m's the output at the antenna is around 892mW's of  raw power!! That raw power got me local responses on WSPR.  As for 40m's with one watt........it was more or less dead.

40m's was dead

FT-790R, 1W of Forlorn Hope?

“One Watt! One Watt! What on earth bl***y use is that to you?! I don’t know… (sigh)” exclaimed one local straight-talking OM on 2m FM yesterday. His response to my acquisition of a rather dated Yaesu FT-790R ‘portable’ transceiver was less than encouraging. It’s just as well I’m an optimist then. With a maximum output of one Watt on one band (70cm) I think I’ll need to maintain an upward outlook. But here’s the thing – I always find myself drawn to obtaining the more elusive QSO. You need a certain amount of eccentricity and tendency to self-harm to stand on a hilltop for hours calling out on 23cm FM QRP, for example. I was the first in the area to start calling CQ on DV mode on 2m. It took months before my first simplex QSO and then very little since. The higher bands and modes have their rewards in spades, however. The rush of excitement when you finally make that new or distant contact. The perceived camaraderie knowing someone has gone to the same quirky lengths as you to operate on a lesser used band/mode or from an unusual location. You feel you have made a meaningful and personal connection, at least for the duration of the QSO. Oh, it’s such a far cry from exchanging reports of 5/9 with the fiftieth Italian station running 1kW on 20m you’ve spoken to in one morning. Better still, no QSL cards. Any why the FT-790? Well, at just over £100 it’s one of the few portable internal battery-powered transceivers you come across before taking the small fiscal leap to an FT-817, for example. Either way, it will hold its value if my 2m friend’s prophecy becomes true. Anyway, so far so good. It’s powered up and seems to be fully serviceable. I’ve even managed a short-distance QSO with John GW4ZPL over the Menai Strait in the Caernarfon direction, just a few miles away. I’ll be out and about when the weather improves and will post my experiences here. Will it be too futile, or with a bit of luck will I make that elusive QSO I’m after? Will my single sidebanded plaintive cries of CQ reach a caring ear? Maybe I’ll be happily shouting “One Watt! One Watt!” from a heathery Welsh hilltop.

FT-790, forlorn hope?

Amateur Radio Kit Roundup

QRPme.com Lil' Squall Transceiver

QRPme.com Lil' Squall Transceiver

Kit building appears to be on the rise again.  With so many people talking about it on the club’s repeater lately I decided to put together a good list of sources for kits that are currently available.  Many of these are for QRP operation, but a few are full-featured professional transceivers (Elecraft, DZ).  On the beginners side there are a few sources that stand out:  Hendricks has a great assortment of kits, including some SSB QRP equipment.  QRPme offers the inexpensive, easy-to-build tuna-can products, and I would like to make special mention of the Four State QRP Group NS-40 which has the coils etched right into the PC board!  What a great idea!  I’ve covered trasmitters, transceivers, and some receivers here.  Some accessories are mentioned in the source descriptions.

Revised 4/25/2012  Added Zao.jp. and AmateurRadioKits.in

 

Enjoy, and feel free to email me any corrections, or additions.–Neil W2NDG 

-Hendricks QRP Kits http://www.qrpkits.com/

  • BitX20A/17A SSB Transceiver.  The BitX20A and BitX17A are complete SSB kits with board, all parts, digital display and custom powder coated and punched case that is based on the BitX20 that was designed by Ashlan Farhan.  Output is about 10 Watts.  $180.00 + S&H
  • PFR-3a 3-Band Portable Field Radio.  Bands : 40 meters, 30 meters and 20 meters. Tuning range: Full band coverage.  Mode: CW only.   $240.00 + S&H
  • NADC30/40 CW Transceiver.  Nearly All Discrete Component CW Transceiver for either 30m or 40m.  Tuning range ~ 60 kHz.  Power output: 3.5 watts.  Full Kit: $130.00 + S&H
  • Ft Tuthill 15 Meter CW Transceiver.   Two 60 KHz tuning ranges, ~ 21.000 – 21.060 and 21.075 – 21.135 MHz.  Power Output: 5 Watts.  Complete Kit (w/ case and digital dial) $130.00 + S&H
  • Red Hot 40 Meter Transceiver.  A high performance QRP CW transceiver kit for the 40m band. It has been designed to operate well in the presence of large out-of-band (shortwave broadcast) and in-band (contest station just down the road) unwanted signals.  Frequency range is a (nominal) 70KHz segment of the CW end of 40m.  Output power 0 to 5 Watts nominal (7 Watts typical).  Full Kit: $250.00 + S&H
  • MMR-40 CW/SSB Transceiver.  The MMR-40 features both CW and SSB operation, the first rig kit in this price class to do so.  Transmitter power out: 6 watts CW/pep typical at 13.8V supply.  Typical tuning range: SSB: 7.280 to 7.150 MHz CW: 7.100 to 6.700 MHz.  Full Kit: $225.00 + S&H
  • TwoFer Plus CW Transmitter.  The TwoFer Plus is a simple transmitter that will be offered on 40, 30, and 20 meters. The kits come with crystals in the qrp region of the band. It will put out approximately 1 Watt using a 2N3053 transistor for the final. It has a crystal based VXO that will give about 1.5kHz on 40, and 3kHz on 20. It also has a built in T-R switch on the board that mutes the receiver during transmit. We have upgraded the kit with a custom prepunched case that was designed by Ken LoCasale, WA4MNT. The kit comes complete, with all parts, connectors, case, knobs, wire, and our usual commercial quality double sided, plated through, silkscreened solder masked board.  $35.00 + S&H
  • DCxxB Board Only Trasceiver Kit.  These radios are the next generation of the popular DC40 transceiver that was also designed by Steve Weber.  The kit will come with 1 crystal for the band specified. 7.040 for DC40, 10.120 for DC30, 14.060 for DC20.  Board-Only kit with decals: $30.00 + S&H
  • Scout Regen Receiver.  A simple 2 band regenerative radio receiver that is capable of receiving signals from 3.5 to 11 MHz.  A complete kit with L shaped aluminum chassis, quality doublesided silkscreened soldermasked board, all parts, hookup wire, board mounted battery holder.  This kit is ideal for the first time builder.  $50.00 + S&H

-YouKits  http://youkits.com/.  YouKits seems to be working on several new projects.  Watch the website for new additions.

  • TJ2A 2 Band SSB / CW Handheld Transceiver.  Can be set to operate on 2 bands from 160m – 10m.  Output power 3.5 – 4 Watts.  Rechargeable.  Many band combinations available.  $169.00 + S&H
  • TJ4A 4 Band Backpack HF Trasceiver.  Available in 2 TX models: 80,40,20,15, or 40,20,15,10.  New general coverage receiver capability.  20 Watts output (adjustable), SSB, CW, AM.  Full Kit: $399.00 + S&H

-MFJ http://www.mfjenterprises.com/

  • MFJ-8100K World Band SWL Receiver Kit.  Regenerative general coverage receiver covering 3.51 – 4.31 MHz, 5.95 – 7.40 MHz, 9.56 – 12.05 MHz, 13.21 – 16.4 MHz, and 17.6-22 MHz.  $79.95 + S&H
  • MFJ-93xxK QRP Cub Transceiver Kits.  QRP Transceiver available in 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, or 15.  Output 2 Watts (except 1 Watt on 17 and 15).

-Vectronics (MFJ) http://www.vectronics.com/Categories.php?sec=209.

  • Too many kits to list here.  They sell several different Transmitter, Receiver, and Transceiver kits, as well as shortwave converters for the car.  A couple of the items seem to be kit versions of MFJ products.

-Ramsey Electronics.    http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/

  • Similar assortment to Vectronics above, with several transmitter, transceiver and receiver projects.

-Genesis Radio (Australia).  http://www.genesisradio.com.au/order.html not all kits are available. Many are listed as sold out, but I assume will become available again. Prices are in Australian dollars.  This is the only one currently available:

  • G11 5 band SDR Transceiver Kit.  Power output 10 W. SMT components factory pre-assembled, buyer to assemble only large through hole components. Price in AUS$: $299.00 + S&H

-Tony Parks, KB9YIG.  http://www.kb9yig.com/  Although everytime I look at this page, the kits are listed as “Check back soon” I have been told that if you email Tony he has kits available.  These are the kits that the GSB ARC was building.  2 are currently available:

  • SoftRock RX Ensemble II Receiver Kit.  The SoftRock RX Ensemble II Receiver Kit includes the components for building the kit for LF, 180kHz through 3.0 MHz, operation or for HF, 1.8 MHz through 30 MHz.  $56.00
  • SoftRock RXTX Ensemble Transceiver Kit.  The SoftRock RXTX Ensemble Transceiver Kit provides a 1 watt SDR transceiver that can be built for one of the following four band groups: 160m, 80m/40m, 30m/20m/17m or 15m/12m/10m.  $74.00

-Ten-Tec.  http://www.tentec.com/categories/Products-by-Area-of-Interest/Kit-Building/  Ten-Tec has 8 Radio kits available.

  • QRP Transceiver Kits (20,30,40, or 80 meters).  3 watts power output.  covers a 50 kHz segment determined by you at the time of construction.  With pre-labeled and painted case.  $124.00 + S&H
  • 9 Band Regenerative Receiver.  1.760 – 1.990 MHz, 3.3 – 4.150 MHz, 5.5 – 6.9 MHz, 6.9 – 8.5 MHz, 8.5 – 11 MHz, 10.1 – 13.2 MHz, 12.5 – 16 MHz, 14.7 – 18.5 MHz, 18.5 – 21.5 MHz  Integrated audio amp IC for clean robust audio from internal speaker or headphones.  includes parts, circuit board, assembly manual, battery holder, speaker, complete enclosure, and knobs.  $93.00 + S&H
  • 4 Band Regenerative Receiver.  5.9 – 6.4 Mhz, 6.9 – 7.4 Mhz, 8.5 – 10.2 Mhz, 11.5 – 16.5 Mhz.  Comes with finished front panel. No knobs or case.  $41.95 + S&H
  • Digital Readout Superhet Receiver.  100 Khz to 20 Mhz coverage.  This is the radio that Jay, KC2YSK built and wrote about in the Log previously.  Several option available to improve performance from 3rd parties.  $205.00 + S&H
  • Any Band Direct Conversion Receiver Kit.  Includes all of the parts and instructions to let you build the receiver (or change it to) ANY band of your choice (160, 80, 75, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12 or 10 meters).  $39.00 + S&H

-Elecraft.  http://www.elecraft.com/

  • K3 Modular Kit.  The K3 is Elecraft’s top of the line.  Available in 10 and 100 watt versions and with a multitude of options.  The modular kit comes with mostly pre-assembled boards that need to be plugged in.  The K3 kit starts at $1549.95 and increases depending on what options you choose.
  • KX3 Modular Kit.  The KX3 is Elecraft’s newest transceiver.  Similar to the K3 in features, but in a compact portable package.  This is a modular kit like the K3 that requires you to assemble the pre-soldered boards.  Many options available.  Starts at $899.95
  • K2 Kit.  The K2 is available only as a full kit.  This is not a modular kit like the two above, but a full kit for the advanced kit builder.  The K2 is a full-featured transceiver available in 10 and 100 watt versions, and with many options.  Basic kit starts at $739.95
  • K1 Kit.  The K1 is a small portable CW transceiver available as either a 2 or 4 band rig.  You choose which bands you want at the end of the kit build.  Adjustable output from 0 to 5 watts.  The 2 band model starts at $299.95
  • KX1 Kit.  The KX1 is an ultra-portable CW transceiver.  Available with 2 bands in the basic model, and upgradeable to 4.  ! to 4 watt output.  Starting at $299.95

-Hamtronics.  http://www.hamtronics.com/menu_products.htm

  • Hamtronics offers a variety of VHF and UHF receiver and exciter kits as well as many other interesting items.

-Emtech.  http://emtech.steadynet.com/index.shtml

  • Emtech is currently out of stock on their NW-series radios.  Check back.  In the meantime, they have the excellent ZM-2 QRP tuner kit.\

-JUMA.  http://www.jumaradio.com/juma/  All prices are in EUROS €

  • Series one kits.  Three kits available.  All DDS controlled, covering 80, and 40 meters.  RX1 Receiver, 74.80€,   TX1 Transmitter, 80.33€,  and TRX1 Transceiver, 169.00€.\
  • Series two kits.  Two kits available.  Both are high dynamic range, 10W output, SSB and CW transceiver kits, using quadrature sampling techniques for demodulation and modulation with low noise phasing. VFO is DDS controlled for a good frequency stability.  TRX2 2-band model (80 and 40) 395.00€, and TRX2A 80 thru 10 model with general coverage receiver, 499.00€
-North Country Radio.  http://www.northcountryradio.com/index.htm  NCR is a source for many amateur related kits.  Too much to list here, but they have several ATV related items.
-Radio Adventures Company.  http://www.radioadv.com/
  • R1 Code Practice Receiver.  High quality fixed frequency CW receivers designed for simple operation. Standard models are available for W1AW frequencies in the 80, 40 and 20 meter bands.  $29.95 + S&H

-Small Wonder Labs.  http://www.smallwonderlabs.com/

  • Rock Mite CW Transceiver.  The Rock-Mite is a crystal-controlled direct-conversion transceiver available for 80M, 40M, 30M or 20M.  $29 + S&H  some accessories available.
  • The Retro 75.  This is a nostalgic kit.  A crystal controlled AM Transceiver with 2 watts carrier, 8 watts peak.  $69 + S&H

-Wilderness Radio.  http://www.fix.net/~jparker/wild.html

  • Simple Superhet Receiver (SST).  The SST is an optimized, superhet rig with an extremely low parts count . This may be the easiest to build superhet ever, and it comes with a miniature custom enclosure.  2 Watts output.  $90 + S&H
  • Nor Cal 40a.  The revision B NorCal 40A is a third-generation 40-meter QRP transceiver kit, designed by Wayne Burdick, N6KR. The rig covers any 40KHz portion of the CW band, with a very stable VFO operating in the 2MHz range. The receiver is a superhet with crystal filter, AGC, and RIT.  3 Watts output.  $145 + S&H
  • Sierra.  The Sierra is the only compact, low-current, multiband transceiver kit available. Designed by N6KR and extensively field-tested by the NorCal QRP Club, the Sierra has been completely upgraded for Wilderness Radio–including a painted and silk-screened enclosure and improved performance on both transmit and receive. Uses plug-in band modules for 80, 40, 30, 20, 17 and 15 meters.  1.5 to 3 watts depending on band.  LCD display.  Starts at $245 + S&H with 1 band module.

-Four State QRP Group.  http://www.wa0itp.com/4sqrpkitindex.html

  • Ham Can Transceiver.  A crystal-controlled CW transceiver, delivering 1/2 to 1 watts.  Easy thru-hole kit.  Crystal for 7122 included.  $30 includes shipping.
  • NS-40 Transmitter.  Ideal first kit.  There are only 14 electronic components, and NO TOROIDS or COILS of any kind to wind – NONE! All inductors are incorporated directly on the PC board as etched spirals.  5 watts at 13.6 volts.  $30 includes shipping.

-Kanga US.  http://www.kangaus.com/products_by_type.htm

  • Several inexpensive kits for the radio hobbyist.

-Electronics USA.  http://electronicsusa.com/productsham.html

  • A nice collection of kits including keys, keyers, and clocks.
-Heathkit.  http://www.heathkit.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=123&Itemid=237  The legendary Heathkit has been promising NEW ham radio kits for awhile now.  Watch the link posted here for them.
-Dan’s Small Parts and Kits.  http://www.danssmallpartsandkits.net/  Mostly parts here of interest to the radio hobbyist but there are some kits about ⅔ of the way down the page.  This seems like the place to get parts for some of these QRP kits above, like crystal-socket pins, and variable capacitors.  Great assortment of stuff!  In additon to the transmitters below there is an amp kit, an RIT, ans S Meter kit, and much more.
  • Little Joe Transmitter Kit.  A small kit with board and parts from the book QRP Classics.  Available for 80, 40, 20, and 10/15.  Does not include crystals.  $19.95 + S&H
  • Cubic Incher Transmitter Kit.  A small kit available for 40 or 80 meters.  Crystals not included.  Currently on closeout for $6.50 + S&H

-DZ Kit.  http://www.dzkit.com/

  • Sienna Transceiver Kit.  This is a high end, full-featured transceiver with many options.  The Sienna can be a full-control stand-alone rig, or a computer-controlled-only rig.  Available in 10 and 100 watt version.  Kits start at $2098 + S&H for the computer-only 10 watt model.
  • HT-7 7Meter AM Walkie Talkie.  The HT-7 is a simple AM handie-talkie that operates on the 40M AM calling frequency.  $149.99 + S&H
-Fox Delta.  http://products.foxdelta.com/  A great collection of ham radio kits.  Includes computer interfaces, APRS kits, and more.
-Oak Hills Researchhttp://www.ohr.com/
  • OHR 100A single band CW transceiver kit.  Offered in 80, 40, 30, 20, and 15 Meter versions.  Each can be aligned to cover 70-80Khz.  5 Watt output.  $149.95 + S&H

-QRPme.  http://www.qrpme.com/  Several kits and accessories here.  They also have an intriguing kit of the month club”  delivering kits to you every month.

  • Micro 80D.  Small tunable 80 meter CW transceiver kit.  $35 + S&H
  • Lil Squall Transceiver.  A version of the Pixie Transceiver.  A tinkerers delight. It fits in a small tuna can. Includes a socket for the FINAL transistor for easy experimenting with output power. Likewise, the feedback caps in the oscillator circuit also have sockets making it easy to experiment with new bands. The crystal also has a socket for easily moving the operating frequency about a band. Comes will ALL the parts necessary to complete the transceiver and a 7122 crystal for operating the Lil’ Squall ][ in an area where other minimalist rigs hang out, AND the ‘officially unofficial’ TUNA NET frequency for tuna can gatherings.  $35 + S&H
  • Super Tuna II+.  A version of the Sudden Transmitter from the GQRP Club. Transmitter section is comprised of an oscillator, buffer and final driver transistor. Produces 2 watts at 12.6 volts. Frequency dependent components are mounted on an easily changed band module. The basic kit comes with a band module for 40 meter operation.  $40 + S&H
  • Tuna Tin 2 30th Anniversary Isuue.  A re-issue of the original TT2 transmitter.  Parts are laid out on the board in the exact same way the schematic is drawn.  Simple, and easy to build.  Comes with crystal for 7.030.  $25 + S&H
  • EZ Build Two-Tinned-Tuna Transmitter.  EZ build version with no toroids to wind.  Several socketed parts for experimenting and comes with 2 crystals for 40 meters.  $30 + S&H
  • Sudden Storm Receiver Kit.  Great companion to any of the tuna can transmitters.  Comes with components for 40 meters but can be operated on 80, 30, and 20 using the upgrade kit.  $35 + S&H
  • Reggie II Transceiver Kit.  A lesson in minimalist design.  The Reggie uses the Limerick construction technique.  Output is about 100mW.  $40 + S&H
-Xtal Set Society / Midnight Science.  http://www.midnightscience.com/kits.html  these folks have an nice assortment of crystal and basic am and sw kits, but also have a few kits for hams, like a dummy load and attentuators.
-Radio-Kits.com.uk.  http://www.radio-kits.co.uk/  These folks sell a couple of radio kits (listed below), and a few neat accessories including a CW kit that will work with many SSB-only radios. All prices in British Pounds.
  • MKARS80 SSB Transceiver.  This kit is based on the same design that is used in the BITX20 from Hendricks, but modified for 80 meter use. Main changes from Ashhar’s original design are the inclusion of a frequency counter and a Huff and Puff frequency stabilizer.  Covers from 3.5 to 3.8 Mhz with about 5 Watts output.  This kit is a bargain!  Ranging from a basic no-case kit for £55.00 shipped to the USA, to full kit with connectors, knobs, and an undrilled case for £68.50
  • Hunter SDR Receiver / Panadapter.  This looks like an interesting and economical SDR kit, that can also be controlled by an existing rig for use as a panadapter. £87.00 shipped to the USA

-Radi0shop (eBay store)http://stores.ebay.com/radi0shop  This eBay store is selling a couple versions of the Pixie II transceiver.  They currently have the 80 meter version in stock, and claim to also supply the 40 meter one.  Looks like a very simple build.  $39.00 free shipping.

Zao.jp.  http://zao.jp/radio/order/  Zao has one kit currently available.  He is also the source for the pre-built Soft66 SDR radios (currently selling new version LC4) which is one of the lowest-priced pre-built SDR receivers on the market.  Getting it running is a challenge I hear, but performs well for the money once you do.

  • Soft66Lite.  Small monoband SDR that can be built for different ranges depending on the bandpass components installed.  Easily switchable by plugging in homemade bp modules setup on IC sockets.  $18 shipped to USA

Amateur Radio Kits.inhttp://cqbitx.blogspot.com/

  • BITX Kits.  I won’t list the kits individually because the website is a bit confusing.  They seem to have several different options from a basic kit with just the board and specialty components only for $18 to a deluxe complete kit with digital readout for $85
  • AVALA SDR board only.  There are a few sites supporting this SDR.  Not sure if I’m ready to tackle something like this, but it does look interesting.  Board only:  $10

Great Propagation forecast but that’s it…..

I was on the radio now and then over the weekend with my hopes set on picking up some new DXCC's with the CQMM contest. I have very few of the South American DXCC's and it would had upped my total for the ARRL Jubilee. The news seemed good with rising sunspots,flux and lower solar wind....BUT....  for some reason the spots were all over my DXLab DXview world map but that's as far as it went. I heard nothing at all at this end. It just seemed to be one of those weekends with great conditions on paper but in the real world not so good. On Saturday I did make one contact PP1CZ Brazil (all ready have that DXCC) made it in with one watt with several repeats. That gave me a distance of 5088 miles per watt. Today the numbers look great again  sun spots (118) and SFI (148) but I did notice the Bz is at -15.5 that is the lowest I have seen it for some time now and once again the bands were dead.

QRP To The Field + SOTA = Contest

sota_logoHere’s a great opportunity for both chasers and activators.  The QRP To The Field (QRPTTF) is an annual QRP CW contest taking place on Saturday,  28 April.  This year the organizers of QRPTTF have joined forces with the Summits On The Air program.  The theme for the 2012 event is “Get High on QRP”.

As I previously stated, this is a great opportunity for both chasers and activators.  While this is a CW contest, I also feel this is a great opportunity even for non-CW enthusiasts to still activate and chase.   You can read more about the specifics of the contest, including the rules below.  Keep in mind that while QRPTTF rules state “any old hill or lump of dirt”, SOTA rules will apply if claiming for activation or chase points through the SOTA program.

I have this on my calendar and will try very hard to activate a Colorado SOTA summit for a portion of the contest period.  Stay tuned for more info.

Until next time,

73 de KDØBIK

 

QRP TO THE FIELD (QRPTTF)

“Get High on QRP”

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2012

1500Z April 28 thru 0300Z April 29
East Coast Time: 1100 – 2300 EDT (UTC –4 hrs)
Mid-west Time: 1000 – 2200 CDT (UTC –5 hrs)
Mountain Time: 0900 – 2100 MDT (UTC –6 hrs)
Left Coast Time: 0800 – 2000 PDT (UTC –7 hrs)

QRPTTF is an annual event to encourage QRPers to operate portable “from the field,” and of course, have fun. This year, we are joining forces with others who also like to operate from the field – Summits On The Air, or SOTA. This will not change the QRPTTF event – just gives us all more stations to work.

SOTA stations operate from designated summits for points and awards. Out of necessity, most are QRPers. This year some SOTA stations will activate summits for their purposes, AND to participate in QRPTTF. For QRPTTF stations, you work fellow TTF stations or SOTA stations … they all go in the log and add to the score. Plus, each SOTA station worked will count as an SPC – like working a DX station – boosting your multiplier.

Therefore, the theme this year is to “get high with QRP” and operate from a hill. Any old hill or lump of dirt near your QTH, or as high as you want to go. Even a SOTA summit if you feel so inclined. To find the designated SOTA summits near you, go here: http://www.sotawatch.org/summits.php and look under your call area. Not all states have SOTA summits.

NOTE: You do not have to operate from a SOTA summit to participate in QRPTTF. Again, any old nearby hill.

Exchange:

QRPTTF Station: RST SPC Name example: 599 OH Jake

SOTA Station: RST SPC SOTA ID example: 599 CO W0/FR-004

SOTA ID = call area plus summit ID; example W0/FR-004 (Pike’s Peak, CO)

Scoring:

Per band: Number of QSOs times SPCs times SOTA stations worked

ADD scores for each band for QSO points

Total Score: QSO points TIMES Multiplier

Multipliers:

x1 home station

x2 TTF hill field station

x3 SOTA summit location

Saturday afternoon radio surprises

The view from JY5HX's beam
On Saturday afternoon I was able to spend an hour on the rig....well the rig was on in the background as I was tiding up some "stuff" on the PC. I have been reading on different blogs about poor conditions over the past week or so. I was reading this morning that things are going to pickup again with some new sunspots making there way around to earths side of things. Anyway......Yesterday I was able to snag W0S which is a special event station commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Titanic. The contact was made on 20m with 2 watts at this end. I was reading (see W0S link above) on the Southgate Amateur radio new site that W0S was also running QRP. I was surprised to read this as he had a great signal into Ontario. We exchanged names, QTH and reports then he moved on to the next in line. W0S is located in Branson Missouri and they had a station setup outside the Titanic Museum in downtown Branson.

Just a short time later on 20m's TM27UFT out of  France had a pileup and I jumped in to see what would happen with my 2 watts. This again is another special event station out of France. It was for the Union Francaise des Telegraphistes 27th meeting. I made contact after 4 tries and because of the pileup he had it was strictly business and off to the next station in the Q.
The big event of the day for me was seeing a spot on the cluster for JY5HX out of Jordan. If  I made this contact it was another DXCC for me and a first for contacting anyone in the middle East. So this was serous business I cranked the K3 up to 5 watts as my Jubilee DXCC is going to be all QRP. I double clicked on the spot and to my surprise I could hear JY5HX from just above the noise level to about an S3 at times. There have been many times when I see a spot on the cluster and head there to just hear noise so this sure was a surprise.  On went the headphones and so began my what I thought to be a long round of calling into the pileup. Funny thing was there was no pileup and the next funny but great thing was he came back to me on my third call to him. Now JY5HX is in the log book and that brings my QRP DXCC count up to 68! Using 5 watts along with my attic dipole for this contact it turned out to be 1172 miles per watt.

QRPometer ready for action

QRPometer complete
Well the QRPometer has made it from a pile of parts to a very useful tool for the shack and portable op's. It's no wonder this kit sold out in record time and now the 4 state QRP group will have to round up more parts and move out some more kits as the demand is out there. I began this project the same way I have with all my projects.... by doing a parts inventory. That went by without a hitch all the parts and pieces were present and accounted for. It was then off to the "puttin" the parts where they belong. The instructions are very easy to

Solder blob mod done
follow and very well laid out. If you are not sure about things and need a picture you will find it on the 4 State QRP groups website. During the resistor install there is a note to hold off on two resistors until after the calibration stage. I did get an email from the 4 State group letting me know that there is also a third resistor that should not be installed as well. Now that is great support each person that ordered a kit receive an email with updated info! There is a very small mod that has
Ribbon cable soldered to LCD
 to be done to the LED meter a solder blob has to be removed from a pair of pads. A new blob has to short a pair of center pads it went very smooth and allowed me to use my Hakko 808 to remove the solder blob. With all the parts installed it was now time for calibration and I wish all kits could be this easy to calibrate!!! All that is needed is a voltmeter (my Fluke meter) for the first step and then an RF input between .5W to 5 watts (my trusty K3) for this second step.


The kit pro's
1. Very easy to build and calibrate
2. No toroid or SMD for those kit builders who shy away from them.
3. Instructions are well written and very easy to understand.
4. Meter has a built in dummy load when measuring power.
5. When meter is turned off it can still be left in series with antenna and transmitter the meter is in bypass.
6. Professional silk screen front panel.
7. Parts layout on the the circuit board are...may I say "Elecraft quality"!

Con's
Calibration complete
1. The TX and ANT connectors are RCA and not BNC. I had to buy RCA to BNC adapters.
2. There is no cover for the back of the circuit board.

So lets put 2 and 2 together.......7 pro's to 2 con's = home run!!

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