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write your own review of the Wilderness Sierra.
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N2DTS
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 9, 2009 20:29
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Very nice!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I built the kit and 2 band mods in 1 day, it was not hard, worked first time, easy alignment.
I had no missing parts, no extra parts.
I get 4 watts out on 80 and 40 meters, but I did the rf output transistor choke mod.
The basic Sierra kit has the abx (bandwidth control) inside on the circuit board, I may mount one on the front panel, but it wont have matching labeling of the other front panel controls...
The receiver seems to work very well, tuning is a bit touchy (fast) but not bad.
The receiver is fairly quiet, but sensitive, I was picking up signals using the dummy load!
Turn the rf gain down all the way and there is just a trace of hiss from the chips.
The analog dial calibration is quite good, and it seems stable.
The agc seems to work well also, unlike the K1 I had.
The filter setup seems to work very well, nothing wrong with it that I can tell, it does just what it should.
I had something like 30 ma showing on the meter of the power supply on rx, on transmit I think it was 400 ma at 14 volts.
I like the Sierra better than the K1.
Brett
N2DTS
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AF4LQ
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 24, 2008 20:06
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Excellent radio, great service.
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I just finished building a Sierra and am more than very happy with it. I passed on building one back in 1998 and have built quite a few kit rigs including a K2 since then, and now I've come full circle and gone back to basics and I'm glad that I got the chance to build and enjoy using this one now that I can really appreciate it. The radio itself is a QRP classic and it's performance is well proven. For CW and QRP, it has everything that you need and then some, and none of the things you don't need, and it's a true pleasure to build and operate.
As for the kit, it went together perfectly and the rig fired up and worked right out of the gate. I ordered mine with the 40/30/20 meter modules and also added the optional KC2 counter/keyer. The receiver is excellent and the adjustable ABX filter works really well. Still have the 30m module to finish but I'm getting 3.75+ watts on 40 and 3.25 watts on 20 at 14V. Alignment was quite easy using a DMM, freq counter, and another transceiver. I also used Spectrogram to align the BFO with the sidetone pitch but this was my choice and not a necessity. The alignment isn't difficult and can be easily done with just a DMM and separate transceiver as the manual explains.
I did operate the rig with only the analog dial for a week or so before installing the KC2 and must say that it will serve you quite well that way, just the radio in it's basic form. I was surprised that the dial itself is pretty darned linear and accurate and I enjoyed using it that way with just an outboard keyer. But the KC2 is a nice addition, adding digital readout, and the keyer is really a pleasure to use. In fact, of several keyers I've used over time I prefer the feel of the KC2, and also the KC1 that I built into a Norcal 40A. A lot of keyers that I've used have a "mechanical" feel to them but the KC1/2 have a smooth feel to them that lets you just operate and not have to "work" the keyer itself, if that makes sense.
Finally, the service and support from Bob Dyer are excellent, as others have mentioned. There were no missing parts in either kit and I found that Bob also included the extra caps and resistor needed for three of the KC2's connections to the rig. I thought that was a nice touch that most other companies would leave for you to scrounge up. Also, when I ran into a problem with the KC2 that turned out to be a faulty transistor (or perhaps my fault) he answered my initial email within hours with advice as to what the problem was likely to be and and I had the new transistor two days later. In fact, he sent two just to be sure. Excellent service, and a great person to deal with.
Anyway, that's my two cents worth and I hope it helps you decide to build that Sierra you're trying to decide about. You won't regret it, and don't wait 10 years like I did!
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NU4B
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 6, 2007 15:24
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Top Notch
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have just finished building this rig. With my initial purchase I also bought a 30M module and the KC2 option. These are my initial impressions.
First some general observstions:
1) The quality of the parts, cabinet, circuit board, etc... is excellent.
2) Customer service is outstanding.
3) There is good internet support through the yahoo group and other internet sites.
4) The manual is very good. Although not as step by step like the old Heathkit manuals, anything more complicated than inserting a resistor or capacitor is explained in detail.
The kit is not overly difficult. A few initial steps will help with a successful experience:
1) I used a 15 watt iron.
2) Before starting any project replace the soldering iron's tip. (and replace as needed)
3) Read the manual first and become familiar with the instructions, parts, etc..
4) Inventory the parts - to make sure nothing is missing and that you recognize all the parts.
5) Take your time. I did resistors one night, capacitors the next, and so on. You may not want to do that, but if you start feeling tired or something doesn't go right stop and come back to it later.
6) Don't be afraid of winding toroids. They are actually pretty neat. Once again take your time and follow the instructions. (There's a toroid tutorial in tne manual.) I would also add that as you burn the ends of the magnet wire to remove the insulation you hold the the end next to the toroid with some hemostats or small pliers to protect the rest of the wire from the flame.
The manual lists 3 ways to align the radio depending on the equipment you have available. I used another transceiver and the process is very straightforward and a snap to complete.
My finished rig has 3 watts out on 30M with a 13.78 volt power supply.. The receiver is excellent and the rig features RIT and variable bandwidth which really knocks out adjacent QRM. You can adjust the bandwidth down to 150HZ.
I would suggest you also get the KC2 option as it really adds to the versatility of the rig. The KC2 includes a keyer w/ message, a tune function, a digital frequency readout, a signal stregnth meter and a power out meter.
While this rig is set up quite well for camping, hiking, field day, etc.. it is very functional in the shack. Its not a cutsy toy, but very classy rig with alot of features - and a very goodlooking piece of equipment. My first QSO's included VE, CO, and TG.
There are many mods for this rig including several that are listed in the manual so you can personalize your radio to serve your needs. And of course you can choose the bands you want or get all the modules. The PCB is easily accessable and there is plenty of room to do the mods if you wish.
This is an excellent rig and I don't think you will be disappointed with either the building experience or the operation. Its a fantastic combination of simplicity, features, and options.
There is nothing more satisfying than operating a rig you built. This one is one you can show off with pride.
- Larry, NU4B
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KO6Z
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 24, 2007 10:35
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Excellent Rig; Excellent Company
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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After owning two second- or third-hand Sierras over a period of several years, an FT-817, and recently building and using two WR SSTs and an Elecraft KX-1, I decided that the WR Sierra is the best of them all, at least for my purposes. So, I ordered and built one for myself. I have not been disappointed. The Sierra has one of the best receivers I have experienced in 25 years of military radio operating and 38 years as a ham. QSK is also excellent. Along with its trail friendly cousins, the SSTs, it will work for very long periods of time on a few double A batteries. I like to keep things simple and the Sierra measures up in this department. It has knobs to turn instead of menus to wade through. Even the KC-2 is simple to use. The little rig is rugged and relatively easy to build in part because there's plenty of room to work. Lots of toroids to wind, but that's not a big deal. If needed, QRPBob's service is first-rate and won't cost you a lot. If you like a simple to use, battery friendly yet high-end performance QRP radio you won't be disappointed with the Sierra.
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HB9IQB
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 29, 2006 01:27
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Works vy well
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I am using my Wilderness Sierra/KC2 with very good results along with a cheap battery pack and a homemade G5RV antenna up 8m in the trees. RX, TX signal, ABX and QSK are really excellent. On 80m my Sierra puts out 1,7 W (@ 12 V). If I can hear a station with, say, S5 and higher, I can work it, whereever it may be located, loc or dx.
Only moderate skills required to build the kit.
If any technicals questions come up, QrpBob answers them within 24 h by e-mail.
Vy 73 es 72 de Peri, HB9IQB, KI1E
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K3MD
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 6, 2006 10:03
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Cute
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Not a beginner's kit. Mine has the 80, 40, 20 meter band modules and the KC-2 frequency counter. Construction time around 20 hours or more with help from the factory also. Puts out around 1.8 watts. Have not put the mod in yet for 4 watts. Good receiver. Transmit alignment is tight, best done listening to signal on another reciver. Clean construciton. Adds to my collection of SST-40, Rock-Mite 40, Glowbug 40, FT-817, OHR 100A-40, MFJ cub-40, K-1/4. Keyer works well. Remember: once thru the CENTER of toroid core is 1 turn!
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AA3EJ
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 25, 2006 19:39
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Great QRP rig ..fast QSK!!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Finished building and aligning my Sierra with KC2 option a few weeks ago and have been having a ball on 40m..Very easy kit, manual is most informative on customizing the available options, (added the KC2 keyer,wattmeter, digital display) and what a fun QRP radio to build and use. I especially liked the adjustable bandpass filter (ABX) on the front panel, wished other "big" QRP companies had that feature. Now I have spent considerable time researching the available mods offered over the years and ..yep, you got it.. will be running the Sierra at the QRP "kilowatt" level in a few days!..Love that fast QSK..Keep up the great work QRP Bob..your tech service is outstanding..See you on 30m or 40m QRP freq..Dave, AA3EJ/QRP [ham since '57, QRP CW past 30 years!]
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N0NBD
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 30, 2005 18:40
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Fantastic Radio Kit!!!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I just finished building my Sierra. It all aligned perfect the first time. I had a cold solder joint on one toroid and QRPBOB was very helpfull on the phone and a couple E-Mails to help me get it running. Was not hard to build at all and the outcome is a GREAT radio. Buy one you will enjoy it.
de Paul N0NBD ar sk..
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W0LC
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 1, 2005 08:50
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The Best Ever!!!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I love this little radio! It works great, built great, hears great and get's out.
I love the fact it is a transceiver and you can use it vs. just being a transmitter. It has exceptional selectivity and sensitivity. Well documented, easy to use, etc.
Get one, you won't regret it!
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W5CGH
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 31, 2002 11:35
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Great radio!!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought my Wilderness Sierra with KC-2 in the fall of 1996, and it is truly a great portable radio. Wayne did a superb job in the design. I bought modules for 160, 80, 40, 30, 20 and 15 Meters, but have never built the modules for 160, 80 or 15. I've used the Sierra several times as the primary radio on Field Day, as well as several FYBO and Flight of the Bumblebees contests, and it has never failed to perform.
I also bought the BuzzNot noise blanker, but have never installed it.
If you're buying a Sierra, be sure to spend the extra money to buy the KC-2. It is money well spent in terms of getting on frequency. I have only used the KC-2's internal keyer once or twice as I "always" use my CMOS Super Keyer III, but the KC-2 keyer seemed to work well.
72,
Brad, W5CGH
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