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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