[NLRS] Summary: 2m IF rig quest

Mon Mar 31 21:30:14 EDT 2025

One thing I do like about the Q900 is you can cat control it with Yeasu 817
software Plug & play

On Mon, Mar 31, 2025, 8:15 PM Thomas Murphy <thomasmurphy.mssm at gmail.com>
wrote:

> 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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