[CW] Good CW QRP Rig...

[Dale Botkin]

On Tue, 17 Aug 2004, Gene Buckle wrote:

> I've been looking at getting a small QRP tranciever for doing some lunch
> time CW work.  Can anyone here recommend a pre-built radio that is good
> quality?  I've heard of the Rock Mite, but I don't know anything about how
> well it works.

The Rock-Mite works quite well for what it is.  It's rockbound, of course,
and has a DC receiver that hears quite well, but of course hears a lot
more than, say, my TS-930 with the CW filter cranked down to around 250
Hz.  I don't recommend it for a crowded band if you're like me and like to
listen to one signal at a time, but during the day I've found it enjoyable
to use.

I've used mine with dipoles up 20-30 feet with respectable results.  No
luck yet on 40 with a PAC-12 antenna, but I haven't spent enough time with
that combination to say if it works or not.  Bear in mind that with no
mods you'll get around 300 mW output; I halved the final PA emitter
resistor to get about 600 mW from mine.  A lot of your success will depend
on location and antenna, you don't have a ton of power to make up for
inefficiencies.

I'm looking for the same thing now.  For me the Elecraft K1 with the
internal battery and tuner is looking good.  If you don't want 15 meters,
the KX-1 might be a good choice, I've heard good things about it.
Haven't tried either.  And of course all of the above are kits.

So far my best portable combination is a used OHR-400 with a PAC-12, but
it's a lot of gear to pack and set up.

Hope this helps - 73,
Dale - N0XAS