That probably leaves only the IC-705 (since a 905 would be most everything or you're after a companion to fill in the Region 2 bands with transverters). A 9700 would likewise also be out of your desired specs. The upcoming Yaesu FTX-1F QRP is pre-release marketed as supporting single-USB CAT/audio/TX, if you're interested in getting on the reservation list for that whenever it comes available.

For headless radios, I see that the Expert Electronics SunSDR2 base and PRO models offer 8 W on 144. Unfortunately the QRP version foregoes the 2m capabilities. That they are a Russian-based company might make them less attractive for a new build right now. Most other direct-sampling/direct-synthesizing SDRs seem to cap out at 6 or 4m without doing Nyquist folding (with extra filters) and having a fast enough DAC.

Something like the ADALM-Pluto you might as well build completely around rather than going the IF route given its minimal filters and power. I also can't tell how friendly of interfaces are available for it once you're on a PC.

And, since it came up in a search, the DSP-10 (https://www.janbob.com/electron/dsp10/dsp10.htm) is presumably the thing you really don't want. A kit project developed in the '90s that would probably be best only for inspiration to design something with newer parts these days.

- Thomas / WN1C

On 3/25/25 11:46, Jon Platt via NLRS wrote:
Hello NLRS land

Checking in with the brain trust here.  I am in the search for a "radio" to use as my microwave IF rig.  It needs to have 2m (2m only is OK), QRP preferred, with the desire to have an internal sound card/USB feature to reduce the number of boxes needed when doing digital from the rover.  It appears to be a limited field.  Not breaking the bank would be nice too.   A FT 818 or 817 sort of fits the bill but they dont have an internal sound card.   I hate all the boxes and cables when I rove, prefer the KISS approach.

Any ideas out there?

73, Jon
W0ZQ

______________________________________________________________
NLRS mailing list
Home: https://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
Help: https://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[email protected]

This list hosted by: https://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: https://www.qsl.net/donate.html