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Reviews For: QRPworks SideKar Extreme

Category: QRP Accessories

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Review Summary For : QRPworks SideKar Extreme
Reviews: 3MSRP: $279
Description:
Combines all the features of SideKar Plus, SideKar, Key Log Go, and Ham Central Terminal products. • Can be used with ANY rig • Rich feature set for the Elecraft KX2, KX3, K3, and K3s • Great time saving convenient features for the Yaesu FT-817, FT-818, FT-857, and FT-897 • Now works with the QRP Labs QCX, QCX+, and QSX family of rigs • Also works with the Xiegu G90 and X5105 • Includes a built-in K1EL WinKeyer - works with ANY rig • Uses USB keyboard (wireless/wired) for transmitting and data entry • 80-character (4-line) display • Create & edit 20 messages/macros using the Extreme or the free Message Management Utility • Built-in logger for 1,000 QSOs with ADIF export • Sunlight readable • Small: 4.2 x 2.9 x 1.4" (107 x 74 x 34 mm) • 24% smaller in area than the SideKar Plus. 46% smaller than the Ham Central Terminal • Lightweight: Only 7.8 oz (221 gr) • 13% lighter than the SideKar Plus. 40% lighter than the Ham Central Terminal.
Product is in production
More Info: https://www.qrpworks.com/sidekar-extreme.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0035
AE0Q Rating: 2022-01-19
Great portable logging CW and SSB with ANY radio Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Update: Since the original review (Oct 2021) I've used the SideKar Extreme with the TT Eagle for another 980 CW QSOs while portable from parks. I've used the internal K1EL keyer and keyboard for all contacts, a few times making almost 200 QSOs during a 2 hour park activation. It works GREAT !!

This review is very similar to my review of the KeyLogGo. Using the SideKar Extreme for logging WWFF/POTA park activations with a wireless USB keyboard. So far over 400 QSOs logged with the SideKar Extreme. It is not interfaced to the radio (TenTec Eagle) other than the CW keying cable, I just enter the frequency and mode once and it carries over to the next entry, until you change it (or turn off the power).

The big difference is the SideKar Extreme has multiple logging modes, one being DXpedition. This shortens the time delays during the logging functions and gives faster response on CW, it works great when calling CQ from a park activation and working a pileup.
The Field Day logging mode does dupe checking per the FD rules.

For SSB you only need the LOG entry function (Alt-L, then L), just type the call and signal report and hit enter. It can store 1000 QSOs.

For CW, as a memory keyer and to insert a call in a memory, it takes a few more keystrokes but works great for CQing or S&P. F1 thru F10 and Alt-F1 thru Alt-F10 are programmable for CW memories! There is free software that stores 10 groups of the 20 memories, you then load the group to use that day.

Hit F1 (or whatever you program) to send CQ. When a station answers hit Alt-C and type his call (then hit ENTER), pop the F key that you programmed to include his call and send signal report (I set one memory for 569 and another for 599), then Alt-L and L and his call is already there, just type a signal report (if you care) and hit enter to log it, then the F-Key to send TU and your call etc.

It does take a few more keystrokes than N1MM or N3FJP on a laptop but is much more portable and can hold 1000 log entries. I've used it for the 1900Z CWT from a park, with 90w and a good portable antenna and recently made 111 QSOs in the one hour CWT while calling CQ at 30 wpm. The new DXpedition logging mode works fast !

It has a 2.1mm jack for 12v power cable, plugged into same source as my radio at a park (big LiFePO4 battery). Has internal CR2032 battery to maintain the time and date when power is removed. Stores log entries in non-volatile memory.
When you get home just download the ADIF file to your PC and you have a log to import to your everyday log or export to LoTW or eQSL. A standard USB Micro to USB A cable is used for the PC connection.

Although designed for use with KX-type radios, it is a great portable CW keyer (with internal K1EL Winkeyer) and logging device for any radio. I've only used it with CW and SSB.
K9VIC Rating: 2022-01-03
Solid Unit - Unbelievable Customer Service Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I bought this mainly for POTA activations with a KX3. The unit came promptly, and even before it arrived Shel had e-mailed me some tips on its use (I guess he somehow knew I probably wouldn't read the manual).

I have a PX3 that I've used on POTA, but never use the panadapter in the field, mainly the macro ability and keyboard use for digital. This provides similar macro and keyboard ability in a smaller, more power-conserving package. And best of all, it logs! No more ARRL mini-log with messy handwriting followed by keying it all into the computer for uploading. The time savings alone on a couple activations is worth the cost of the SideKar.

Like others, I had problems connecting to the computer due to a "charge only" usb cable. Shel was answering e-mail well after closing time for any normal business. The guy is really devoted. I don't know that you'll find better customer service anywhere.
KB4VU Rating: 2021-11-28
A well built and very useful accessory. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I recently purchased a SideKar Extreme with the slim
wireless keyboard for use with my KX3 and have used it
on two POTA activations.
The unit is very compact and easy to use and with the
keyboard takes up little operating space.The display
is very easy to read and the brightness level is adjustable.
I do not use the onboard K1EL keyer and control the radio functions from the KX3 itself.
I always have paper logged before and greatly
appreciate the real time clock and ability to export
an ADIF file to my PC and upload it to POTA for
confirmation.This is very time saving and accurate.
The Message Management and ADIF utilities can be
down loaded from the website and work well and are
easy to use.
QRPworks customer support is outstanding, probably
the best I have ever encountered. Initially I was having
trouble getting a connection to my Windows 10 PC.
I thought I had COM port problems,but after about four
or five E-mails with Shel KF0UR I found I had three bad
USB cables with Shel thinking all along that could be the problem. I didn't realize that some cable are only
for powering a device and not data transfer.
After each E-Mail to Shel, he responded very quickly,
almost like he was waiting on me. He also gave me
some good operating tips for the SideKar
All and all I am very pleased with the unit and highly
recommend as a very well built and useful accessory