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Author Topic: who else is collecting QRP radios and kits?  (Read 830 times)

N6PG

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who else is collecting QRP radios and kits?
« on: August 15, 2021, 12:51:23 PM »

I was cleaning out the shack at the suggestion of my wife.  I've got so many QRP radios! It's funny how we end up collecting radios and keys.  I sold my Unbuilt Heathkit HW-9, and I woke up today with a sense of loss.  Now I listed my unbuilt Wilderness Radio NorCal 40A.... and I'm conflicted again.  How many people here have boxes of unfinished projects that we never get to.  I thought my son would like the projects, but he's become more into computers than radio.  So then I did a pivot and said I'd save them for retirement, but I question that too.  I sold my KX-3 and switched to the KX-2 for a lighter SOTA radio, but I regret selling the KX-3 and I think I'll buy another one in the future.  This is like a QRP disorder or something! who else is going through this?
73, Scott
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AC2EU

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Re: who else is collecting QRP radios and kits?
« Reply #1 on: August 15, 2021, 01:44:54 PM »

Quote
This is like a QRP disorder or something! who else is going through this?
It very well be a disorder of some type.
How long does it take you to choose an entree at a restaurant?   ???

K4EMF

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Re: who else is collecting QRP radios and kits?
« Reply #2 on: August 15, 2021, 03:51:39 PM »

I was cleaning out the shack at the suggestion of my wife.  I've got so many QRP radios! It's funny how we end up collecting radios and keys.  I sold my Unbuilt Heathkit HW-9, and I woke up today with a sense of loss.  Now I listed my unbuilt Wilderness Radio NorCal 40A.... and I'm conflicted again.  How many people here have boxes of unfinished projects that we never get to.  I thought my son would like the projects, but he's become more into computers than radio.  So then I did a pivot and said I'd save them for retirement, but I question that too.  I sold my KX-3 and switched to the KX-2 for a lighter SOTA radio, but I regret selling the KX-3 and I think I'll buy another one in the future.  This is like a QRP disorder or something! who else is going through this?
73, Scott
I don't own nor have I ever built a QRP radio but I would kinda like to, someday.
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DL3NAA

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Re: who else is collecting QRP radios and kits?
« Reply #3 on: August 18, 2021, 01:16:11 AM »

I was cleaning out the shack at the suggestion of my wife.  I've got so many QRP radios! It's funny how we end up collecting radios and keys.  I sold my Unbuilt Heathkit HW-9, and I woke up today with a sense of loss.  Now I listed my unbuilt Wilderness Radio NorCal 40A.... and I'm conflicted again.  How many people here have boxes of unfinished projects that we never get to.  I thought my son would like the projects, but he's become more into computers than radio.  So then I did a pivot and said I'd save them for retirement, but I question that too.  I sold my KX-3 and switched to the KX-2 for a lighter SOTA radio, but I regret selling the KX-3 and I think I'll buy another one in the future.  This is like a QRP disorder or something! who else is going through this?
73, Scott

Hi Scott,
yes, I know what it feels like :-)

https://imgur.com/a/Gpxpkvy

73!
Peter DL3NAA
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F8WBD

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Re: who else is collecting QRP radios and kits?
« Reply #4 on: August 18, 2021, 11:54:27 AM »

Nice topic. Well, I am using a 3rd hand K2/10W right now. My only rig. I won't list the QRP tcvrs I have bought and sold. All have been used coming in and, naturally, going out. Except for the K2, they have been inexpensive, built from kits. Bought cheap and sold cheaper...or given away. I will very likely be picking up a couple of modestly priced HW-8 Green Machines. Will be nice to have them again without breaking the bank.

I think the cost of a current ICOM, Elecraft, etc. high-tech modern transceiver a bit too high to permit casual collecting. But, there are great, inexpensive QRP fun-kits out there so that you can scratch that QRP rig purchase itch when it arrives.
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W6SSP

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Re: who else is collecting QRP radios and kits?
« Reply #5 on: August 20, 2021, 06:49:31 AM »

My occasional obsession is building QRP tube rigs. Mostly identical or
variations of the WWII Paraset. The fanciest version includes an
audio peak/notch filter (National Select-O-Ject) which improves
CW receive considerably.

Really enjoy slamming together a very usable transmitter-receiver from
parts that happen to be on the top layer of the junk box. For those
that haven't tried this, give it a shot.
Steve
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G4AON

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Re: who else is collecting QRP radios and kits?
« Reply #6 on: August 21, 2021, 01:16:10 AM »

The cure is easy, build your own QRP radio from scratch or from a web/book design. You can spend hours making/improving it and nobody is keen to buy one from you, so little likelihood of selling it.

If you have a half decent receiver, the Wes Hayward MK 2 Universal QRP transmitter is a good starting point and is fairly easy to build. The article is here:
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/0604028.pdf

I have too many QRP radios, although I didn’t set out to start a collection…

There are a K1, K2 (10W version), KX3, plus a Universal QRP TX, my own design 10W 4 band synthesised SSB/CW TX and another own design synthesised 10 band, 10W, CW transmitter. Plus a 10 band synthesised RX…

73 Dave
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KA5NLY

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Re: who else is collecting QRP radios and kits?
« Reply #7 on: August 25, 2021, 09:48:24 PM »

Quote
This is like a QRP disorder or something! who else is going through this?
It very well be a disorder of some type.
How long does it take you to choose an entree at a restaurant?   ???

Gosh, I thought I was the odd ball...I have 509 & 515 Argonauts, 2 HW8s, HW9 w/WARC bands, MFJ 2040, MFJ 9317, MFJ 9406, Xeigu GM1, QCX 40, QCX 60, Bayou Jumper, TenTec little CW two bander (forget model #), Woodpecker 60 meter, Ameco 1 tube 80/40 transmitter, and probably about a dozen or more Pixie, Frog Sounds,Cricket, Li'l Joe, Coyote. Key Chain Transmitter, etc.  I'm sure I forgot a few here, but then I'm not through snatching up more as I keep getting them...maybe I'm a sicko, but ain't it fun?  It's my understanding that the MFJ 9406 puts out almost 10 watts making it the highest powered rig I have owned in my 38 years as a ham.  I don't like running more than 5 watts, but the 9406 was all I could find for a small SSB.CW rig on 6 meters.  EuGene Smith, KA5NLY/QRP
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KM1H

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Re: who else is collecting QRP radios and kits?
« Reply #8 on: September 05, 2021, 05:21:00 PM »

Back in the 80-90's Radio Kit sold single band 5W CW kits covering 80-15 in the low hundreds. Hot birdy free and other crud RX, 4 pole real crystal filter, RIT, semi QSK, audio filter, all in a fancy Ten Tek TG-24 cabinet.

I used to have fun chasing DX using the stack of 4 4 el 20M all rotatable yagis on a 180' tower and when told Im not running 5W proceeded to come back with 100W and then 1200W. No more doubters.

Carl
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KT4WO

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Re: who else is collecting QRP radios and kits?
« Reply #9 on: September 21, 2021, 05:29:58 AM »

I don't want to admit all the kits I have sitting waiting on the
iron!!  I see one I want, buy it, then it sits.

One issue is I don't see as well as I did 20 years ago and
my hands are not as steady so it takes me longer to
build stuff.  If I could find a local young
ham/non-ham, I would set them up!!  haha
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AE5X

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Re: who else is collecting QRP radios and kits?
« Reply #10 on: September 22, 2021, 04:50:40 PM »

I see one I want, buy it, then it sits.

Got anything for sale?  :)
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K3UIM

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Re: who else is collecting QRP radios and kits?
« Reply #11 on: September 22, 2021, 06:07:11 PM »

I see one I want, buy it, then it sits.

Got anything for sale?  :)
Yah!! Me too!! Me too!
Charlie
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Charlie. K3UIM
Where you are: I was!
Where I am: You will be!
So be nice to us old fogies!!

KI5GKD

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Re: who else is collecting QRP radios and kits?
« Reply #12 on: October 02, 2021, 10:25:24 PM »

Yeah, I realized today that I have 5 of them and PCB to build a couple more if I'm so inclined.
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N4OI

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Re: who else is collecting QRP radios and kits?
« Reply #13 on: October 06, 2021, 07:35:38 PM »

Variation of the affliction...  Have many QRP kits but they all are built and functional...  Fun to periodically go through and make a QSO with each one...  Especially the old Altoids-tin Rockmite!  Always resisting the lure of a new kit...  (I don't count the K1 as QRP 'cuz it's a real radio that is just a little power-challenged.)  Just sayin'

73
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K3UIM

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Re: who else is collecting QRP radios and kits?
« Reply #14 on: October 07, 2021, 05:22:17 AM »

Yeah, I realized today that I have 5 of them and PCB to build a couple more if I'm so inclined.
Any 40 meter DCR's?
Charlie
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Charlie. K3UIM
Where you are: I was!
Where I am: You will be!
So be nice to us old fogies!!
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