QCX+ finished and on the air!

This was a fun build. Had an original QCX from QRP Labs and liked it a lot. Longest DX 2,800 miles to VK on a little over 5 watts. So also I built the new model that came out recently.

First QSO on Oct 9. Libby, Montana. 764 miles. More to come.

See more build and shack pics on my Zed page.

 

Good show!

Thanks for sharing.

 

Nice!!

Dave
W7UUU

 

HI BRIAN,

THANK YOU FOR SHARING THE GOOD NEWS
REGARDING THE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH
OF THE QCX QRP RIG......BRAVO...


===


I DID AS YOU SAID AND CHECKED OUT YOUR OUTSTANDING
QRZ PAGE.

I SALUTE YOU
========

FOR YOUR SERVICE
IN THE ARMY.

73 - K1LKP

JUST ANOTHER OLE CW RASCAL

 

Nice! I’ve got an unbuilt 30m QCX. Going to order a QCX+ eventually, just not sure which band—probably 40m.

 

Hmmm.....30 Meter QCX unbuilt? Any interest in selling the kit?

radio1@finscoffee.com

Brian N
N7BKV

 

PM sent!

 

I ordered a QCX+ and am awaiting delivery. I cheated and ordered the "assembled" radio rather than the kit. My soldering technique really needs work. Still in the learning stages with CW so won't be sending anytime soon, but will be using it to listen in.

 

Cool! How do you like it, relative to a much newer FT-450? I mean, the "feel" of it. I still use a Tentec Omni C.

How was the kit? I've been putting together their VFO and I found the instructions a bit lacking. I think I'm almost done but for the want of a simple schematic... and a few better photos... just so close. The QCX series, I saw that come out a while ago and have always been tempted, but during these low sunspot times QRP just doesn't interest me--but 50W sure does.

 

Well, Shawn, I love the QCX series. Both kits have superb construction and explanation manuals. At 184 pages (every one useful) the QCX+ manual leaves nothing out. Easy to use. Great guide for assembly. Great photos, schematics, and trace diagrams. Little to complain about. Just read it carefully and assume nothing.

As far as operating enjoyment and quality, I have to say it beats the 450D hands down on both RX and TX. Iambic keyer is amazing. RX/TX switching sets a new standard.

Signal reports from ops are great. RX is better than the 450D. The adjustable side tone is great for the ears. What a bonus! And the practice mode is also superb.

TX is amazing. Longest DX is 2,800 miles to New South Wales Australia. That was with my first QCX which put out 7 Watts on 15 volts in.

The 450D is a lonely critter on my desk. Notice there is no mic on it. I use if for CW on bands other than 40 Meter. But I am mostly on 40 meters anyway, unless there is a contest blitz-out, then I go to 30 for some peace and quiet to find some friendly rag chewers.

If you build a QCX take your time. Build it right. Power it up right. And use a good and well cut dipole antenna. Don't try to operate pushing through high SWR. Just get the antenna right to begin with. Use a good SWR meter and adjust the dipole to be resonant at about 7030. You are good up and down from there for CW. No use being careful to build a nice rig just to have a poor antenna squash its capabilities.

And the .IO support forum is fantastic.

Don't know what else to say about it. Just do it! And put the new 50W Amp on it if you want to go with some legs.

Brian N
N7BKV