[Wswss] RE: Advice on Purchasing a Multi-band QRP Xcvr

[Stephen Ponder]

Thanks to all who responded to my questions about
purchasing a multiband QRP transceiver with digital
readout.  It's great to know that there are so many
out there who are willing to help!

For those who are wondering about the responses I
received, here is a sampling (non-attributed, of
course) ...

BTW, One fellow ham even gave me his home phone
number, asking me to call him to talk in more
length about the subject!!

===============================================
>
> I haven’t looked at the relative costs, but
> don’t discount the KX1.  There are more than
> enough people on the Elecraft list who would
> build one for you.  Most of these guys are
> addicted to the building, so you would be
> doing them a favour :-)
>
> That said, it obviously doesn’t compare to
> the 817.  But if all you want is 40m, 30,
> 20, cw only, the KX1 combines that with a
> built in tuner, keyer, paddle, display,
> batteries.
>
> I like my KX1, but would probably add an
> 817 if I can find one at a good price.
>
===============================================
>
> I guess it would depend upon what you
> intended to use it for.
>
> For portable / backpacking trips yeah
> the 817 is great but don't count on the
> batteries for much other than for a few
> short bursts, ok, maybe a little more but
> you're not going to get a out of them. The
> 703 was released to compete with the 817
> and both IMHO are in the pretty much the
> same class of radio although I'm partial
> to the 817.  For a fixed (aka base) station
> Ten-Tec jumps to mind there but I'm not
> sure if they still build their QRP rig or
> not.  This fall I want to get me an 817
> too but for different reasons!  Like you
> I'm going to be looking for someone who
> bought it and then became disallusioned
> with it because of the small face.
>
===============================================
>
> Elecraft K2, great radio and great
> performance.
>
===============================================
>
> As for qrp rigs I would think the Yaesu
> FT 817 ND would be hard to beat
>
===============================================
>
> I'd go for the FT-817 anyhow!  They are
> available used here & there in the $400
> range.  Sell something off and gain a few
> $$$.. Another thing,  you can find them
> used fairly reasonable  and sometimes with
> a lot of little gadgets included that would
> cost you some serious money if you had to
> buy them, especially the CW filters and
> extra batteries, etc.
>
> You can also use the 817 to work some of
> the satellites.  5 watts will do you a
> fair job there.
>
> I have a FT-100D that I bought second-hand
> and it's a great radio, too.  Does all the
> HF bands with 100 watts and the VHF bands
> with less.
>
> It's maybe twice as big as the 817, but
> it works real good.
>
> I've been using my  FT-847 and IC-756 on
> the QRP sprints the last few months and
> they work out OK.  The little 817 is
> interesting, but I just don't like the
> idea of only having 5 watts ALL THE TIME.
>
> And last of all, congrats on only working
> CW!  Good man!  I do work some RTTY, PSK
> and a LITTLE SSB, but mostly CW.
>
===============================================
>
> I've had an FT-817 for two or three years
> now.  It really is a great rig for QRP in
> general.  I like to take it along with me
> on vacations.  Because of the negligible
> power out, I can drape a longwire almost
> anywhere and tune it with the Z100.  Being
> QRP helps me escape any potential RFI
> problems.
>
> Much has been written about the finals
> failing on the 817s but I have not had
> that problem.
>
> Sorry that I can not comment on the other
> rigs as I have no experience with them.
>
===============================================

Looks like I have some good advice with which
to start my search for the "ultimate" QRP
radio!!

73 and GREAT DX!

Stephen Ponder N5WBI
Houston TX USA