[NLRS] Summary: 2m IF rig quest

[Thomas Murphy]

An absurd entry to the list, but also one that kinda meets the mark so 
should probably still be there:

Elecraft K3s/10 w/ VHF (K144XV)

  * Advantages: built in sound card (upgrade from K3 via KIO3B), QRP
    (however impact on size), great interface (impact on size), good
    receiver, lots of filter options, also IF support for 10 and 6m
    (KXV3B), external frequency lock available
  * Disadvantages: expensive, nonstandard configuration (minus 100W HF/6
    amp, plus internal 2m transverter), discontinued model/system, BIG
    (for a portable operation), waterfall requires another visualizer
    (IF output tap available)

The K4 is still awaiting definition of Elecraft's promised "Internal 
VHF/UHF module (future option)" years later and is even worse of a swing 
on price (K4/10 starting at $4900 list O.O). Maybe for the van-based 
rover. The KX3 doesn't provide an integrated function USB port, so is 
still a miss, even with the KX3-2M internal transverter.

The Q900 is one I certainly forgot, so the list is helpful. Definitely a 
lower cost option to meet the portable station needs; at least in some 
of the ways. Consider sliding the discontinued Flex 1500 next to the 
ELAD Duo on the no-2m list.

- Thomas / WN1C


On 3/26/25 12:11, Jon Platt via NLRS 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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