In celebration of my first CW contact, and to offset the unfortunate demise of my 817 I've been looking at some QRP kits. I have never built a kit before but I do have a Weller sitting on my desk raring to go, and a few years back I was trained in soldering (including SMT) to NASA standards. But that was then...
I've looked at the SW+, the OHR-100a and the Wilderness Sierra and I would love opinions on these radios compared to each other. I've been looking at them all weekend and just can't make a decision!
I will be using the radio mostly from home (the relay on a 130s is LOUD), but I will take it traveling, hiking, backpacking, to the park etc.
The features that stick out to me are the Sierra's low drain and modular bands, the OHR-100a's price and 5w, and the SW+s price and reviews.
The Sierra and OHR-100a are wining out (a bit more with the latter) due to the variable BW filters.
I'd love to hear thoughts and opinions of people that have and use these guys.
You may want to look at the Elecraft K1 (2 attached photos)
Wayne Burdick, N6KR designed the Wilderness Sierra (attached photo, left) for the NorCal QRP Club, before founding Elecraft in 1990s.
For something cheap, but fun I built the Rockmite.. but for an every day rig that would be limited. It's 1/2 watt and rockbound and single banded (but still fun!).
I've built the K2 and I'll say that their service and instructions are second to none (I missed the heathkit era, which as I understand were great also). I've since sold the K2 as it was too much for what I was looking for (I now want trail - friendly... the KX1).
I AM interested in the k1 or k2 but I would like a simpler (and cheaper) radio to cut my teeth on. I'm not very confident in my skills just yet.
I ended up going with the OHR-100a in 40m. I don't think I can loose with any of these choices and the OHR was the one that was "talking to me" the loudest.
KC9TLL,
I think I may start up a website with my progress. I'll shoot you a PM when/if I get it up.
I decided that the SW+ is cheap enough that I can play inexpensively. Very few of the others kits are cheap enough for an "impulse build".
I think after I build the SW+, I'll be jumping to the Elecraft K2.
Looking forward to other feedback on this thread, as I have decided that all my HF rigs will be built. At least at first.
Joe -
Dave Benson, K1SWL has been offering high quality QRP kits for 15 years, the SW+ is a good choice.
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G3TSO is a very good home builder, G3TSO MKII Modular HF Transceiver http://www.qsl.net/g3tso/Modular.html
w9gb
We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. -- Walt Disney
In celebration of my first CW contact, and to offset the unfortunate demise of my 817 I've been looking at some QRP kits. I have never built a kit before but I do have a Weller sitting on my desk raring to go, and a few years back I was trained in soldering (including SMT) to NASA standards. But that was then...
I've looked at the SW+, the OHR-100a and the Wilderness Sierra and I would love opinions on these radios compared to each other. I've been looking at them all weekend and just can't make a decision!
I will be using the radio mostly from home (the relay on a 130s is LOUD), but I will take it traveling, hiking, backpacking, to the park etc.
The features that stick out to me are the Sierra's low drain and modular bands, the OHR-100a's price and 5w, and the SW+s price and reviews.
The Sierra and OHR-100a are wining out (a bit more with the latter) due to the variable BW filters.
I'd love to hear thoughts and opinions.
73/soon to be 72 again
With the current cost of the listed Kits, I would think that you would be far better sending Your FT-817 Back to Yaesu and having any problem fixed, Probably be a Benjamin cheaper.
That being said, I would recommend the Elecraft KX-1 for a portable rig.
But just for the kick of building why not kick off the building career with a very cost effective Kit, the MFJ Cub, swap the Transistor and You'll have an honest 5 to 5+ watts out. Go to ARRL and purchase their package with the Low Power Communication Book for around a hundred bucks.
You should be able to get it on the air in a couple of evenings.
With the current cost of the listed Kits, I would think that you would be far better sending Your FT-817 Back to Yaesu and having any problem fixed, Probably be a Benjamin cheaper.
That being said, I would recommend the Elecraft KX-1 for a portable rig.
But just for the kick of building why not kick off the building career with a very cost effective Kit, the MFJ Cub, swap the Transistor and You'll have an honest 5 to 5+ watts out. Go to ARRL and purchase their package with the Low Power Communication Book for around a hundred bucks.
You should be able to get it on the air in a couple of evenings.
73
KB5SXC/QRP
Leo
500 + shipping to fix the 817. It had a huge hole in the board by the DC jack. Guess there was other damage or it couldn't be jumpered. New radios are going for 600, which I would like not to spend just yet. These kits averaging around 200 are no problem though.
Although I have a feeling I'll have too much fun and end up spending the $600 on a bunch of kits. =)
Kit Comparison
Originally Posted by KI6DZU
