[HoustonHam] Advice on Purchasing a Multi-band QRP Xcvr

[Stephen Ponder]

Please forgive me if someone else has already asked
this question on the e-mail lists ...

If you were planning to purchase a multi-band QRP
transceiver, which one would you purchase and why?

I'm very much interested in operating QRP and have
purchased several single band radios over the years:

- 20M K9AY transceiver
- 30M SW+ transceiver
- DWM 40M "Peanut Whistle" transmitter

I also have one multi-band QRP radio:

- Heathkit HW-8 transceiver

I guess one might ask, "Why another QRP radio?"

Well, with the whole world (at least it seems
like the whole world ...) going to digital
readout radios, I'm really wanting one that
has a digital readout.  Having to extrapolate
the dial-knob position into a specific operating
frequency is getting old ... quickly.

I had at one time a Kenwood TS-520S that I
tried to turn down to 5W out using the ALC
control, but it never worked for me.  It
didn't have a digital readout, but the dial
was accurate enough that I knew what frequency
I was on.  I operated strictly CW on the
520S.  Never used a mic.  In fact, before I
sold it a few years back, I had to find a
mic on eBay so it would be a more "attractive"
package.

I've ALWAYS wanted my very own Yaesu FT-817,
but never could afford it.  Now that Yaesu has
introduced the FT-817ND, one would think that
I could find a "gently used" original FT-817
for a more reasonable price.  Having a radio
that covers HF/VHF/UHF in a single box would
make it easier for me to operate.  It would
even give me the capability to operate VOICE,
which none of my QRP radios have now.

Icom came out with its IC-703+, but it doesn't
have a self-contained battery system like the
FT-817 does (however, it does have a larger
dial face, though).  However, I haven't seen
the price go down much since it was introduced.

I'm not much for kit-building, either.  The
Elecraft series, especially the KX-1, are very
attractive, but you have to build them first.
I don't have very good dexterity to build
small radios.  In fact, I had to send my
ZM-1 tuner to Fred, K5QLF, for him to finish.
And you did a great job, too, Fred!!

So, here's my question ...

If you were planning on purchasing a new,
digital-readout, multi-band QRP radio, which
one would you purchase and why.

Oh -- this may be a self-limiting factor,
but I really can't afford to spend more than
$200-300 for the radio.

Thanks for your suggestions ...

73 and GREAT DX!

Stephen Ponder N5WBI
Houston TX USA