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Reviews For: DX CONNECTION QSK-2500

Category: Specialized Amateur Communication Products

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Review Summary For : DX CONNECTION QSK-2500
Reviews: 18MSRP: 379
Description:
QSK 2500© Transmit/Receive Switch:
Converts any HF Amplifier to QSK (full break-in) without amplifier
modifications
Amplifier independent: Adds QSK to new amplifiers as you upgrade (no
need for QSK in new Amps)
Compatible with all HF transceivers supporting QSK (full break-in)
RF Power: 2500 Watts CW/SSB/Data modes at < 1.5:1 VSWR (1500
Watts at < 2.5:1; 1250 Watts at < 3.0:1 )
Duty cycle: Continuous
Product is in production
More Info: http://qsk2500.myfreesites.net/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
25185
NZ8J Rating: 2022-11-13
Simple but excellent QSK Solution Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I went back and forth between the Ameritron QSK 2.5 external QSK unit and the DX Connection QSK 2500. I settled on the QSK 2500 and am very happy I did. I am using it with a Yaesu FTDX-10 and an Ameritron AL-811H. I don't use an amplifier all that often and didn't want to spend the money on an amp with built in QSK. Decided to just add the QSK-2500 primarily to chase DX.

It is super easy to hook up and works great. Since it uses small high-speed relays instead of pin diodes there is a small amount of relay noise (however, they are somewhat soundproofed by the builder) but since I use headphones when operating cw I can't hear them. Additionally, the issues I read about surrounding the "protective lamps" used in the Ameritron unit concerned me.
I am very satisfied with my purchase of the QSK-2500 and Bill, K3HZP the owner and designer is very responsive and eager to help. Would definitely buy again.
I'd rate it a 5 plus....NZ8J
NT4X Rating: 2022-10-23
Pretty Simple to install and works as stated Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had the QSK-2500 for a while, but haven't reviewed it. I have converted several amps to QSK and had another I needed to, but after seeing the cost of vacuum relays, plus the time to do the work, I took a look at the 2500.

This is by far a much simpler way of doing things. Changing to a different amp is just a matter of a few cable connections and doesn't require any changes in the amp.

I've moved it from a VL-7000 to a ALS-600 and to an
ALS-1306 within a few minutes.

I typically run up to 30wpm at times and have seen no issues at that speed.

Only very minor issue I 've seen is some lettering on the front (where I've touched it the most when moving cables around) has flaked a little.
K5CIS Rating: 2022-02-28
Replaced my QSK-5 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have used an Ameritron QSK-5 for about 3 years with mixed results. I purchased the QSK-25000 as a potential replacement. WOW…wish I had done this 3 years ago! Easy to use…super quiet…small/compact. I use it with Yaesu FTDX3000 and Ameritron 811h amplifier…lots of 20wpm QSK QSOs and it has worked flawlessly. I operate at night while the Wife is sleeping, so “quiet” is very important. Great support from the designer as well.
W8HX Rating: 2021-11-20
Lightning Fast!! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Purchased unit 15 September 2020. Shipping was fast and secure. Hook up is very straight forward. I've used the unit with my IC 7300 and both an AL811H and an AL1500. Operation is flawless. Its like listening to a good receiver and playing with a code practice oscillator at the same time! I've just ordered a second 2500 as I'm in the process of setting up a second operating position and know I would not be satisfied without it. Thanks Bill for a really great full break-in unit at a very reasonable price!
N5EP Rating: 2021-10-22
Well built, compact, and high quality Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I've been using the QSK 2500 for ten months now with my Ten-Tec OMNI VII transceiver and an ACOM 1200S amplifier that does not have built-in QSK capability. Hooking up the QSK 2500 is simple and well-documented. The relays are not silent, but they are pretty quiet and don't bother me at all.

Both before and since purchasing, Bill answered my questions completely. The build quality is great.

As noted by K8AC, the unit is very compact and light weight. The up-side of that is that it takes up very little space. But with four coaxial cables connected to its rear, it could be difficult to keep it sitting flat, although this hasn't been a problem for me.

In summary, I highly recommend this high quality product!

Steve, N5EP
VE2JA Rating: 2021-03-04
Proud of my QSK 2500 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Owner of a Acom A1200S since a few months now, was looking for an external QSK unit. Most of the external QSK units will keep the linear keyed constantly making the linear drawing idling current. Finally found DX Connection. Contact Bill and he gave me all the details that I was looking for. Ordered the unit. Upon receipt, " you know these kids of 78 years old hi hi" I unboxed it and installed the unit. Straight through installation. Unit is doing what it has been developed for. Very satisfied and proud of the product. I strongly recommend the QSK 2500
Excuse my English, not my native language.

Michel VE2JA now a happy CW user
9V1VV Rating: 2021-02-15
Install and forget Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
It took me around 10 minutes to install and once in place you forget it is there. The quiescent power consumption is less than 1 Watt so you can leave it turned on all the time. It makes QSK a pleasure. Bill is very helpful if you need advice.
K9VP Rating: 2020-10-13
Full QSK makes me happy! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Being a 59 year cw op, I have enjoyed using QSK on solid state rigs that I have owned. In years past I never used an amplifier but as the bands got more noise I decided to start using an amp. At that point, the smooth QSK from the rig became kinda clunky with the amp connected. I looked at the options and decided that I didn't want to have to modify the amp so this box fit the bill. It took no time at all to connect everything together and it gave back my fast and full QSK break-in. I like the fact that one can move it from one rig/amp combo to another with ease. Kudos to Bill, K3HZP for coming up with a great product.
LA0CX Rating: 2019-09-29
Completely happy with it. Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Bought my QSK-2500 about 4 months ago and used it regularly for both DX-pileups and contests. It's connected to a IC7610 and an AL-572, sometimes also to a DX-1B. Installation was no problem at all, and it has been working flawlessly all the time since; it is just heaven to work QSK with those older amps. I can only confirm all the nice things that already were written about Bill and his service.
N8ZIP Rating: 2019-05-02
QSK-2500 with IC7300 & ALS606s Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I’m running an IC7300 interfaced with an ALS 606 amplifier. The QSK-2500 is working flawlessly to afford me QSK operation with this simple setup.

Bill was prompt and thorough, via email (both pre and post purchase), with all questions I had regarding compatibility, connections/cables needed and operation. His answers were clear and concise.

The installation was simple, operation even simpler - working very well for me. Note: if you’re running this type of amp and it’s directly interfaced with your transceiver (for auto band switching, etc.), the key loop on the amp must be turned on.

Doug
N8ZIP