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Author Topic: all-band transceiver, CW-only  (Read 1016 times)

K4WK

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all-band transceiver, CW-only
« on: November 08, 2021, 05:30:01 AM »

Looking around for a small and lightweight CW XCVR for hiking, backpacking portable ops.  40, 30 and 20m would be ideal.  All mode transceivers exist but what about CW only.  Do you know of a good one?  Many thanks. 
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N6MST

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Re: all-band transceiver, CW-only
« Reply #1 on: November 08, 2021, 07:46:17 AM »

Looking around for a small and lightweight CW XCVR for hiking, backpacking portable ops.  40, 30 and 20m would be ideal.  All mode transceivers exist but what about CW only.  Do you know of a good one?  Many thanks.

MTR-3B (out of stock)
MTR-4B (out of stock)
KD1JV Tribander (in stock)
PFR-3B (out of stock)
SW-3B (in stock)
HB-1B (out of stock)

Just to name a few...

Also the NEW SS-40 digital transceiver project was just announced if you like building stuff: https://github.com/ku4qo/SS-40-Digital-Transceiver
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K0RS

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Re: all-band transceiver, CW-only
« Reply #2 on: November 08, 2021, 08:40:52 AM »

Pretty hard to beat a KX-2.  Yes, I know it includes other modes, but what's the harm if you don't pay a weight penalty for it?  The combination of small size, stellar performance, internal battery, integrated key and superior antenna tuner make it awfully attractive for portable ops.  After all, you can leave the mic home!

Granted, a bit more expensive than some of the others on the list by N6MST (also some good rigs there), but very effective.
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N6MST

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Re: all-band transceiver, CW-only
« Reply #3 on: November 08, 2021, 08:42:46 AM »

Pretty hard to beat a KX-2.  Yes, I know it includes other modes, but what's the harm if you don't pay a weight penalty for it?  The combination of small size, stellar performance, internal battery, integrated key and superior antenna tuner make it awfully attractive for portable ops.  After all, you can leave the mic home!

Granted, a bit more expensive than some of the others on the list by N6MST (also some good rigs there), but very effective.

Depending on the use case there is a GIGANTIC weight penalty with the KX2. That said, I wish I'd never sold my KX2!
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W3UEC

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Re: all-band transceiver, CW-only
« Reply #4 on: November 08, 2021, 08:53:13 AM »

Looking around for a small and lightweight CW XCVR for hiking, backpacking portable ops.  40, 30 and 20m would be ideal.  All mode transceivers exist but what about CW only.  Do you know of a good one?  Many thanks. 

If you can get hold of an Elecraft  KX1, you will have the ultimate portable CW only rig.  I have a Go box with the KX1, extra batteries, ear buds, and 100 ft of Litz antenna wire in a pencil box that weighs less than 1 kg. 

VY 73 de W3UEC (Steve)

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K0RS

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Re: all-band transceiver, CW-only
« Reply #5 on: November 08, 2021, 09:35:40 AM »


Depending on the use case there is a GIGANTIC weight penalty with the KX2.


I'd disagree, but that's what makes the world go around.  By the time you add up an external battery, antenna tuner, and key...plus a rat's nest of cables, I believe the KX-2 has the advantage.

Quote
That said, I wish I'd never sold my KX2!

Yeah, me too.  I've got a KX-3, K2, and K3/10 but the KX-2 was unique.  I hauled the KX-2 to the top of a few mountains and I think it is hard to replace.  Very popular SOTA rig here in Colorado.

« Last Edit: November 08, 2021, 09:38:24 AM by K0RS »
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N6MST

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Re: all-band transceiver, CW-only
« Reply #6 on: November 08, 2021, 09:54:14 AM »


Depending on the use case there is a GIGANTIC weight penalty with the KX2.


I'd disagree, but that's what makes the world go around.  By the time you add up an external battery, antenna tuner, and key...plus a rat's nest of cables, I believe the KX-2 has the advantage.

Quote
That said, I wish I'd never sold my KX2!

Yeah, me too.  I've got a KX-3, K2, and K3/10 but the KX-2 was unique.  I hauled the KX-2 to the top of a few mountains and I think it is hard to replace.  Very popular SOTA rig here in Colorado.

I mean, it's not really something that can be disagreed with. When I can fit an entire 40/30/20 meter station (you read that right, an ENTIRE station) into a case that will fit into my pants cargo pocket and weigh a pound it's not a discussion, it's a fact that a KX2-based station is heavier. I mean, unless you can get a decent battery, key, and antenna in less than 3 ounces...
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NM5S

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Re: all-band transceiver, CW-only
« Reply #7 on: November 08, 2021, 10:13:28 AM »

For $188 the Venus SW-3B is a fantastic value. I've used mine on hundreds of SOTA activations. Nice filtering, enough info on the display, simple to use.
I modified mine installing a LED SWR indicator and replacing the BNC with a RCA.
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K0RS

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Re: all-band transceiver, CW-only
« Reply #8 on: November 08, 2021, 10:22:24 AM »

For $188 the Venus SW-3B is a fantastic value. I've used mine on hundreds of SOTA activations. Nice filtering, enough info on the display, simple to use.
I modified mine installing a LED SWR indicator and replacing the BNC with a RCA.

I'll bet I've worked you a few times with that rig Alan!
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K0RS

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Re: all-band transceiver, CW-only
« Reply #9 on: November 08, 2021, 10:27:03 AM »


I mean, it's not really something that can be disagreed with. When I can fit an entire 40/30/20 meter station (you read that right, an ENTIRE station) into a case that will fit into my pants cargo pocket and weigh a pound it's not a discussion, it's a fact that a KX2-based station is heavier. I mean, unless you can get a decent battery, key, and antenna in less than 3 ounces...

Yeah, whatever Michael.  You win.  This isn't a hill I'm interested in dying on let alone waste my time arguing about.
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"90% of the people in a pile-up have no idea what's going on.  It's up to you to be in the remaining 10%."  *W9KNI*

N6MST

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Re: all-band transceiver, CW-only
« Reply #10 on: November 08, 2021, 10:38:42 AM »


I mean, it's not really something that can be disagreed with. When I can fit an entire 40/30/20 meter station (you read that right, an ENTIRE station) into a case that will fit into my pants cargo pocket and weigh a pound it's not a discussion, it's a fact that a KX2-based station is heavier. I mean, unless you can get a decent battery, key, and antenna in less than 3 ounces...

Yeah, whatever Michael.  You win.  This isn't a hill I'm interested in dying on let alone waste my time arguing about.

Smart move.
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AF5CC

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Re: all-band transceiver, CW-only
« Reply #11 on: November 08, 2021, 11:03:21 PM »

I mean, it's not really something that can be disagreed with. When I can fit an entire 40/30/20 meter station (you read that right, an ENTIRE station) into a case that will fit into my pants cargo pocket and weigh a pound it's not a discussion, it's a fact that a KX2-based station is heavier. I mean, unless you can get a decent battery, key, and antenna in less than 3 ounces...

Which transceiver can you do that with?

73 John AF5CC
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N6MST

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Re: all-band transceiver, CW-only
« Reply #12 on: November 09, 2021, 12:21:35 AM »

I mean, it's not really something that can be disagreed with. When I can fit an entire 40/30/20 meter station (you read that right, an ENTIRE station) into a case that will fit into my pants cargo pocket and weigh a pound it's not a discussion, it's a fact that a KX2-based station is heavier. I mean, unless you can get a decent battery, key, and antenna in less than 3 ounces...

Which transceiver can you do that with?

73 John AF5CC

MTR
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K3TN

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Re: all-band transceiver, CW-only
« Reply #13 on: November 09, 2021, 03:16:12 AM »

You'd have to find a used one, and it is not as tiny as many, but doing some SOTA operations I tried a bunch of small portable transceivers and my favorite for CW was the Elecraft K1. The receiver is awesome and everything just works.

73 John K3TN
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John K3TN

K4WK

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Re: all-band transceiver, CW-only
« Reply #14 on: November 09, 2021, 05:41:32 AM »

Thanks for the great ideas and great discussion; I should've mentioned that price is a factor so that let's out elecraft. 

Someone on another forum suggested I get another QCX mini for 40m, as I have one for 20m presently, and just hike with two rigs.  Might just do that. 

Best Regards, Wayne
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