Need help making a purchasing choice

My first rig was an MFJ-9040. 25+ years and lots of portable setups later, it's still kicking as good as ever. It's not well advertised, but the MFJ-90XX line have optional boards for a narrow filter and an iambic keys. They are worth the price. The manual gives all the alignment procedures you'll ever have to do. It's basically just a tough ol' bird that can take a hit and keep on chugging.

I say that, but I'm also impressed by some of the other rigs people have suggested....specifically the QSX. Good luck and have fun!

 

Yea, I posted up thread (probably while you were responding) that I snagged a 9020 off Ebay that came with the keyer and filter. Probably about $300ish off the shelf... I got it from a reputable seller with solid feedback for $150. Even well used that is a decent enough price I couldn't pass it up.

 

I think I saw that one. If it had been a 9040, I might have jumped at it. The time of day I would likely have to operate portable from work, I find that 40m is best.


One thing I have come to really dislike about Ebay -- there are 10,000,000 sellers of Pixies and such cheap junk kits. Makes it difficult to find a broad range of potential CW QRP Transceivers. All results you aren't specific about end up buried in Pixies.

 

That has been a great source of frustration for me as well.

 

Best I have found to do is limit the price range so that the pixies don't show up.

 

I get pretty good range on 20 when its open, but havent heard much in the past few weeks. It was pretty sparse even during the CWT test last Wednesday.

 

You've done well young sparrow. Have fun with it!