[NLRS] Summary: 2m IF rig quest

[Larry Peterson]

Jon, I will finally chime in.  The ICOM 705 is the ideal solution.  QRP
down to about 0.1W.  Usefully for controlling drive into transverter and
possible linear.

Has TX output delay following key down.  So sequencer is not needed if
using an LNA.

Waterfall is pretty easy to see in sunlight.

Internal modem which is simply connected to your computer after you install
the appropriate drive.

Bluetooth enabled audio and you can have speaker and headphones on at the
same time.

CW memory keying if you wish and can be easily activated by an inexpensive
keypad available on eBay.

Stable IF frequency.

SSB, CW, FM. AM if you wish and digital output of course.

73 from Epcot in Kissimmee.

Larry WA9TT



On Wed, Mar 26, 2025, 1:13 PM Jon Platt via NLRS <nlrs at mailman.qth.net>
wrote:

> My original quest was about finding a rig to be used for my microwave (902
> and up) transverters.  I currently use an old Kenwood TR751A that, with
> modifications, fits my needs to a Tee with the exception that it does not
> have a sound card.   In order to add digital capability to 902 and up I am
> currently sitting on the fence between two solutions:  Either purchase a
> new IF rig that meets these requirements (hence my quest) or just add a SignalLink
> USB, or as Chris recommended, the RigBlaster Advantage, to my existing
> TR751A (and yes, yet another box).   No decisions yet.
>
> On to a summary.   The ideal requirements for my quest for a uW IF rig
> are that it has to have 2m, multimode, QRP (or good RF output power control
> as we only need a watt or two, not 100 watts !), and an internal sound card
> to support digital.   I would like to minimize boxes and cables.  Cost is a
> factor too.
>
> Based on what I have seen so far, if my tax return was larger I would buy
> an IC-705.  It looks to fit the bill.  Factoring in cost, being a retired
> guy on a fixed income, the Q900 that K0SHF has mentioned looks like a
> potential winner.  Lenny has a Q900 and is currently using it for his 902
> IF rig.
>
> *Q900 SDR Radio Transceiver V4*
> https://elekitsorparts.com/product/q900-sdr-radio-transceiver-v4-built-in-battery-portable-ft8/
>
>    - Advantages:  HF/VHF/UHF all mode, QRP (5w), built in sound card,
>    Bluetooth (don't care), portable (small), GPS module option,
>    waterfall, high accuracy TXCO ± 0.5 ppm, price somewhere around $500.
>    - Disadvantage:  China made, SDR so expected software bugs with
>    updates, small buttons (for fat cold fingers), lots of menu structure but
>    once set should be ok (?).  Availability seems unclear as is the optional
>    GPS module (if you wanted to add that).
>
>
> Here is a summary of other possible "IF" rigs::
>
>    1. *ELAD Duo*.
>    - Advantages:  Built in sound card, QRP, small
>       - Disadvantages:  Expensive, in-stock (?), only good to 6m so need
>       an DEMI like transverter to get to 2m for uW transverters
>    2. *Yaesu FT-991A*
>       - Advantages: HF/VHF/UHF, built in sound card, somewhat compact
>       - Disadvantages:  50 watts, $1,200 new
>    3. *Yaesu FT817/818*
>       - Advantages:  QRP, HF thru 432, portable, used by a lot of uW
>       guys.
>       - Disadvantages: Out of production (?), sort of pricey as used ~
>       $800 to $900 (?), no sound card, menu intensive with small buttons, no
>       waterfall
>    4. *Icom IC-705*
>       - Advantages: Built in sound card, waterfall, HF/VHF/UHF, QRP,
>       small size (palm of hand), GPS, Bluetooth.  Nice solution.
>       - Disadvantages:  Woof.  $1350.
>    5. *Icom IC-9700*
>       - Advantages: 144/432/1296, built in sound card, waterfall
>       - Disadvantages:  75 watt, sort of bigger, $1,750 new
>    6. *Yaesu FTX-1F*
>    - Advantages: HF/VHF/UHF, QRP, built in sound card, small, waterfall
>       - Disadvantages: Not yet available, delivery "delayed".  Pricing
>       not yet available.
>    7. *Icom IC 7100*
>       - Advantages: HF/VHF/UHF, remote head nice for rover, built in
>       sound card
>       - Disadvantages: 50 watts, $1,200
>    8. *Kenwood TR-751A*   Just wanted to mention that you can find
>    refurbished (?) used ones on eBay for about $250 +/-.  Out of China.
>
>
> 73, Jon
> W0ZQ
>
>
>
>
>
>
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