I've browsed several equipment distributers to see if the Cub is still available. Found nothing. Has MFJ decided to drop this successful little QRP rig?

Shame if they did.

Dick
N2UGB/F8WBD

I feel your pain. 

It depends on what your operating mode has been, historically. At present, I operate one band, cw only with a straight key, no split-frequency DX chasing, etc. In effect, as though it were 1950's amateur radio. Except for pushing a button engaging-disengaging a cw filter, I do not go into the menu of my FT-817 (very buried).

Using my OHR100A or HW-8 I don't even have a menu possibility.

If your operating falls into something like mine, almost all rigs will do, though I would suggest one with the least bells and whistles.

Too bad there is no longer a TS-130 on the market. Was simplicity itself.

Many years ago when I was a USAF radio operator, I was with a group sent to Australia on a several-city, good-will mission. Aircraft were set up and visitors walked around viewing it all.

In Darwin, a major storm occured. The radio was set up on the back of a 6x truck. Gear was Collins 75A4 and big KW. Antenna was a vertical. A flash of lightning hit some distance away. The truck and equipment became "hot". I shut down the station and killed the generator, then jumped down.

The rigs remained "live", the dial-lights glowed, and I think I could hear noise from the receiver.

Spirits, I think not.

Energy stored in the capacitors?

I don't remember the reason given at the time.

I'll take eHam any time. Too many guns and right-wing politics on the other one. I dropped out when the anti-Obama for president ads became quite scurrilous.

I do wish eHam had their call-sign system, though.

In addition to my FT-817, I have home assembled QRP rigs. An OHR100A and an HW-8. They were purchased  used, and so assembled. Still they fall into the QRP-kit family though I can't expect constructiuon credit.

Most memorable QRP QSO, from here in France, was with a station in the NE USA a year or so ago. He was running an HW-7...yes, 7! I had the 817 on line at the time.

He  was quite casual about it, I was the excited one, excited for him.

After all, 2 watts across across the atlantic on 14.060 with a wire antenna. I would have been doing hand-springs off the shack walls.

73
N2UGB/F8WBD

Worked 5X8C Mid-morning French time, 14/3/13. Three watts and 8 meters of wire in bushes. 17M cw. Good ears in Uganda. No other bands possible or desired.

F8WBD/P

My favorite straight key is a Begali Camelback. Weighs a ton and never moves.  Smooth as silk.

I'm sure the KX3 and Argonaut are fantastic QRP transceivers. If I had the cash I'd order one today. It's just their small size that I regret. I'm not an outdoor-type operator and don't need a rig that would fit in a back-back or back-pocket. Wouldn't affect my buying decision.

Another thing the HW-7/8 has going for it, is its' size! You can actually see it on your operating desk. I am not happy with the new tiny QRP rigs, such as the KX-3, new Argonaut (hoped it would be the size of the 509/515), and yes, even my beloved FT-817 (though I won't part with it). No problem with small kit radios but not so with the commercial ones now on the market.

73 Dick
N2UGB/F8WBD

I had an HW-7 many years ago. didn't have much luck with it.

On the other hand, I worked a guy in the northeast USA  a couple years ago  who  was using one. 100% copy here in France. 14.060MHZ. I think he had a wire antenna. I suspect his HW-7 was highly modified.

You never know.

73
Dick N2UGB/F8WBD.

Lucky you!. My happiest memories are of my 505/509/515 Ten-Tecs. Consider a used outboard MFJ audio filter. Same "box" and pretty much same results. Wish TT had decided their new QRP rig would be an updated repro of that desk-top TT QRP series .

73 de F8WBD

If I can sell my 2 year old, non-mobile  FT-857D and LDG meter this Spring, I will "spring" for the extra bucks required for the Argonaut. One last purchase for this old guy.

73 Dick
F8WBD/N2UGB
Always monitoring 14.060 +/-

I would say any one of the several Titanic Night to Remember stations.

The reviews have been pretty favorable, so far. As the cycle winds down, 12-meters may be one band to eliminate in favor of 160 though I never had room for an antenna that long. 

It is a question of price. An unfortunate less-for-more scenario. What is there seems pretty nice.

My station consists of an FT-817ND, OHR100A for 20-meters, and an FT-857D set for 5-watts. And a 7-amp power supply.

I am tempted to buy but as a senior citizen on SS, I have to give serious consideration to available funds.

Still, you never know...

73 F8WBD

Flash!  First (that I've observed)  used KX3 for sale on that "other" site.

Probably a need for cash issue. Maybe.