QRP DX: CW POTA WITH MY NEW QMX @ OLD FORT HARROD

День тому

About a year ago, I purchased a QMX kit from QRP Labs as soon as they came out. This is the low band version (80, 60, 40, 30, 20) which is all that was available at the time.
Well, after a year it's finally finished (It's a long story...watch the vid if you want to know). I didn't purchase the case with the radio as I intended to 3d print one...which I haven't done yet. But I didn't want to wait!! So I decided to try a little naked POTA! With a naked radio that is....what did you think I meant?
Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised to get some great DX with this little radio running less than 5 watts! Come along to see that DX and how the rest of the activation went.
Equipment List:
- QRP Labs QMX (Low band)
- Tufteln 9:1 EFRW
- Emtech ZM-2
- CW Morse SP-4 Key
- Talentcell 12V Lithium Ion Battery Pack
- Onn rugged bluetooth speaker
00:00 - Start
00:20 - MY QMX STORY
04:01 - TUNING 20M
07:00 - START OF 20M
09:55 - WA3FIR
11:28 - KE2CQG
13:52 - W1KX
16:12 - WB0MQA
17:22 - VE3CWU
18:25 - KC0GWZ
19:28 - SM3NRY
21:38 - KI5WWT
22:47 - AD2MM
23:54 - N5KT
27:41 - N2KPJ
30:36 - TUNING 30M
32:47 - START OF 30M
33:44 - WZ9B
35:28 - AD2MM
37:03 - N4OW
38:38 - AG2O

КОМЕНТАРІ: 13

@Utahforrest 23 дні тому

Haha that’s a funny story! Glad you got it out to the field for an activation. Let me know what kind of enclosure you do for it. I ordered the high band assembled but it’s months out. And the low band as a kit. So it’s being shipped to me now. I’ve never build a kit radio before and I’m starting to wonder if I’ll regret doing this one as my first 😂

@KYFriedHam 22 дні тому

Nah, you'll do fine. Just be patient and take your time. And make sure you have a good soldering station with a couple of different size tips. I'd recommend a small wedge or cone and a medium wedge or chisel tip. The QMX is 6 layer board and can be hard to heat up for some of the larger pads. Also, watch Hans' video with 52 build tips ukposts.info/have/v-deo/qHKLk4mPhmN9zYE.htmlsi=fIXDPb2LSoc5bBXG. And don't let the toroids intimidate you. Everyone is afraid to wind toroids, but it's simple if you don't rush it!

@socallars3748 10 днів тому

You'll manage! The QRP-Labs Groups-IO forum is loaded with experienced people who are excellent at troubleshooting and helping folks out. Hans too is very helpful and the instructions he writes are likely the best I've ever seen for a kit. I've built a QCX+ and two QDX radios with great results, I'm planning to give the QMX a try soon.

@Utahforrest 10 днів тому

@@socallars3748 so funny enough in the time since my comment, I received the QMX built it unsuccessfully and shipped it off to W1NC in MA who did some quick repairs and mailed it back to me fully operational. Long story short I hadn’t scraped some of the enamel off one of the wires and a few cold joints. For my first ever build I’m really happy with it and just enjoyed the process. I’ve already ordered the mid-band QMX kit that just came out. I think I’ll get the build right the first time this go round! Haha

@socallars3748 10 днів тому

@@KYFriedHam I built my QCX+ and QDX while my fingers were completely numb from chemotherapy induced neuropathy. If I could wind those toroids with frozen fingers, anybody can! Hans' directions make it virtually mistake proof, it just takes a bit of mental focus and if it goes wrong, you can always rewind. (I'm feeling much better now, BTW!)

@KYFriedHam 9 днів тому

@@socallars3748 Congratulations! I'm glad you had a successful build and that you are feeling better. Hope to work you on that radio some day!

@haletd 19 днів тому

I've got the QCX+ and QMX sitting in a box. I'm a bit nervous to build them. I'm going to use the QCX as practice before attempting the QMX. If you need a 3d printed case let me know I've got 3 printers and happy to get one to you.

@KYFriedHam 19 днів тому

Sounds like a good plan. The QMX is not exactly hard, but it is very tightly packed. I have a 3d printer, just haven't had time to design a case. Thanks for the offer! 73 de KO4TFE