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You can
write your own review of the Small Wonder Labs SW+ Series.
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HZ1SK
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 22, 2009 17:17
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Great Rig
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Hi,
Again one of the best kits I have ever built.
It worked from the first time,no problems what so ever,the tuning of the rig is very simple and doesn't require sophisticated test equipment.
The reception is Excellent and I am getting 2 watts.Today I put the kit in the enclosure,I used an old computer Switch box as I wanted good space to use the 10 turn variable resistor for tuning and also I am planning to add an electronic key and a frequency meter later on.
In Brief,an fantastic kit .
Best 73,
Samir
OD5SK , HZ1SK , KC5RYL
www.od5sk.com
www.Laselki.net
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EA5BLP
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 25, 2009 18:43
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A simple and elegant design
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Fine QSK and general performance. It gives a solid 2 watts in the output.This is a minimalist radio with a very elegant electronic design. There are some very minor mistakes in the steep by steep assembly guide, easily solved loocking to the general mounting drawn or the schema.Really, one of the best and funny QRP rigs you can get today! And yes, the near-sight glasses are a good help...
73 dx!
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VK5GI
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 26, 2009 02:43
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Just Buy One!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I dithered a lot as to which kit to buy - but eventually settled on the SW-40+. I'm really -
- REALLY glad I did. My eyesight isn't what it used to be, so with the aid of magnifiers and a few prayers, I completed the construction over about four afternoons - couple of hours each. It went together easily, the construction notes are superb, with no bits missing. I think that this would really suit a first time kit buyer if they took their time about it. I took it to a friends place (VK5XGH) to do the smoke test, and the transmitting side fired up beautifully. Couldn't hear a thing tho'! Mea Culpa. I'd inserted a wrong value capacitor, and put a couple of resistors in the wrong holes. Greg fixed those and the wee rig burst into life. It's very easy to align, and I have the phones on as I write this listening to 40 metres.
Pro: Everything - just write to Dave and buy one, there is no way you'll be disappointed.
Cons: I wish the case was a tad bigger so's I can fit in the KC-1 frequency counter and keyer. Maybe a tad higher too so's I can fit in a 10 turn pot.
In the event, the Cons don't matter. This is a superbly thought out transceiver which works extremely well, lends itself to numerous mods if you are so inclined, and all at a very modest cost. If you, too, are dithering, just go ahead and buy one. You too will not be disappointed.
Kind regards
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K3XR
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 25, 2009 10:58
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SCORE!! Another 5
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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In Feb. 06 I built the 30 mtr version for a winter project (review here). Just finished the 80 meter version, receiver worked great as soon as power was applied, no TX. Scratched my head, checked componet values, did some voltage checks, read over the 'troubleshooting' where Dave points out.... "85% of problems are caused by cold solder joints" ....Dave knows his kits. Went over all solder joints in area of the TX on the board and BINGO about 3 wtts out. First QSO 579 in N.C.. Talk about bang for the buc..can't beat it.
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AE5KM
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 15, 2009 20:52
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Good kit to build, good manuals and works well
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I built this over the Christmas holidays and I've been tweaking it some. It was quite easy to build, it worked basically the first time. The instructions are good, and the results are good. I've even souped it up a little.
You can see what I did at http://mysite.verizon.net/tcminyard/SW40_work.html
Only one small problem, I'm getting a whistle at some frequencies. Not sure why, but it may not be happy about the wide tuning range I modified it to have.
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K4ALE
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 6, 2008 19:43
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Another happy builder/user
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I just finished building this rig, had my first QSO with a great report, and wanted to add my comments. Mine is the 40m version: SW+40. I also get 3 watts out with no "rasp" on the CW tone, as monitored on my other rigs.
I have built a number of QRP rigs, and with the exception of the Elecraft KX-1, which is really in a different class, this is the best receiver. For a few more dollars over many of the other options, and little, if any, extra work, this mono-band rig is certainly worth the effort. I am NOT a technician, and so for those who aren't this is easily within reach. Take your time, and do the soldering carefully, as you must for any project. A little care will result in a rig, like mine, which worked first time.
I also strongly recommend the Small Wonder Labs enclosure, unless you are already a wiz at making your own--it bridges the gap between a good PCB and a completed project, when you really want it!
Look at the modifications on the Internet, but unless you are an advanced tinkerer, you won't need them. The details are quite nice: a hot and very tight receiver--the crystal filter really works very well, even on the crowded part of 40m; 3 watts is all you need for most QRP from a good antenna; the VXO tuning is quite effective, with the T-R switching and muting functions very effective; it has a small bit of sent signal in the rcvr, so side tone is heard while transmitting, and, alignment is easy without fancy gear, if you follow the instructions and be patient.
I took my time, watched movies while I worked over Fourth of July weekend, and did it all in a little over a day, including alignment.
As noted, in my experience, there are few rigs in this price range which will please you as much. The wait for the kit only adds to the pleasure. Go for it!
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VK4JAZ
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Rating: 5/5
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May 18, 2008 19:11
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The best kit by far!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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What a great little rig (with big performance). I am not a newcomer to kit building and think this is the best kit I have ever built and operated. What a marvelous receiver too. I operate mine at 3W and receive great sig reports. It never ceases to amaze me how good this rig is; I can almost hear the jaws dropping at the other end when I mention I am on only 3W. Thanks Dave for another great rig to add to my line-up.
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PA3FUN
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 27, 2008 04:29
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Lots of FUN!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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The SW+ can obviously not be compared to modern rigs like FT-950, IC-756 Pro III and alikes.
But when it comes to fun building your own radio and making qso's with it, the SW+-line from Smallwonderlabs is difficult to beat.
Excellent kit, superb PCB and very clear and understandable building instructions.
The fact that the SW+ line does not contain smd-parts makes it even more attractive for both the newby and those who have to get used to wearing glasses when building a kit ;).
To Dave: congratulations for a good job well done. Keep up the good work!
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WA6OUW
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 19, 2008 23:26
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A real performer
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Kit Builders solder and assembly service has built two SW-40's and one SW-20 over the last 5 years. They have been used during portable operations with a Gel Cell and in the shack at home on a beam. The one thing that everyone seems to overlook is that the majority of all young radio operators start out with a piece of older used gear because it's affordable. When you can get on the air with a new piece of equipment for under one hundred dollars that performs this well, it changes all the rules for the beginner.
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GM0ELP
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 2, 2008 13:16
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Small Marvel
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Like:
Support from Yahoo group and Dave himself
PCB quality and layout
Clear instructions
Sensitive RX
No TX drift
Value for money
Elmer 101
Would like:
RIT (as standard)
AGC (manual gain control provided)
Volume control (preset volume means you need vol control on headphones)
I was supplied with 1 wrong part, but with the help of the support group I managed to identify the problem quickly.
Had great fun building it and learnt a few things along the way. The result is a capable 80m QRP CW TRX with QSK. Thanks to Dave and SWL for this small marvel.
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