Low Power QRP CW Radio Kit
A No-Code ham who wants to be a Know-Code ham.
Code, is a mode, that both takes skill, and is a thrill.
Learning code has been a lifelong quest.
Since this picture: I have added: 6' BNC RG8 coax, Mech pencil., Kos inline volume control, Anker mini speaker. Ham 2K Polo Logger on phone. A small parts case. In queue line to have built a QPR Labs QMX+ CW radio.
LinkTr.ee/K7VIQ Our yard camp picnic table
Parks on the Air POTA ARRL Course Completion ARRL # 10096622
A history factoid I like: 73 is an old telegraph code that means "best regards". 88 means "hugs and kisses". 72 is the QRP version of 73. 72 has been in use since the late 1980s as a way some operators identify that they're running QRP or low power (generally 5 watts or less). 91 Spiritual Friends.
QRP-Labs QMX+ Graphics by K7VIQ 9/18/24
There are many nice QRP radios. But the one we chose is a QRP Labs QMX+
QRP Equipment Go Kit
QRP Labs QMX+ radio, X-Tenna EFHW, Putikeeg Double key Rose Aluminum and magnetic base, 2200mAh 3S Battery 11.1v, Earphone, Mini speaker Anker Soundcore, NANOVNA NANOVNAH4 antenna analyzer, Supulse LiPo charger, Electro Resales 12W QRP Dummy Load Antenna, Personal custom & POTA & SOTA Trifold assorted Leaflets, Plastic key (3-printed),
Cables: Power(Rattery to radio), 6' BNC RG-8 Coax (BNC to BNC), 1 stereo phono cord (Key to radio), 1 stereo phono cords(radio to amp)
Arborist bag (weaver), Arborist 12 oz throw weight weaver & Marlow Throw Line, See my Page: Arborist Throw Line Bag Kit
Future TBA: Tuner
~ My Portable Radio Trip Go Kit Inventory List (My pack plus)
PQIQP WindCamp QRP Radio SOTA Bag for small QRP radios
HF Apache 2800 case Inside Height 5-5/16 in., Inside Width 9 in., Height 6 in., Length 13-1/2 in., Width 11-3/8 in., Length (in.) 11-7/8 in., Shipping Weight 4.00 lb.
RADIO
For now my Icom 7300 and a 'Nifty!' mini manual. Bkp rig, Have no travel case for it.
Manual on a phone
Manual paper copy
Hobby car battery 2200mAh 3S Battery 11.1v Turnigy Lipo 40C
KEYS
2 Plastic key - Bkp, 3-printed - 1 kit was gift from my Wife.
ANTENNA GEAR
X-tenna Matched EFHW Antenna Variable Ratio End Fed Half Wave Antenna 49-1 / 56-1 / 64-1 windings PLUS 70 ft Wire ( Needs to be matched with my NanoVNA Antenna tuner ) Once I have a radio.
My QRP Guys build Bkp Antenna ( Needs to be matched with my NanoVNA Antenna tuner ) Once I have a radio.
Antenna feedline 6ft RG8 BNC(Antenna to Radio)
Arborist 12 oz Weaver throw bag and cord.
Optional vertical antenna for when no trees or boom is able to be set up. (Future if needed)
AUDIO
Headphone & a bkp earbud.
Amplified speaker (optional)
Info to share with with those with questions:
K7VIQ Personal POTA & SOTA Bi-Fold Landscape Leaflet - Should fit my Wind camp bag better. Brief intro on Ham Radio both POTA & SOTA
(Trifold does not fit Windcamp without bending)
K7VIQ Personal POTA & SOTA Tri-Fold Leaflet Brief intro on Ham Radio both POTA & SOTA
POTA Tri-Fold Leaflet PDF Supports the use of amateur radio in our state and national parks.
Parks on the Air ARRL Article Flyer - What is the the Parks on the Air program. (From Covid)
SOTA Tri-Fold Leaflet PDF Encourages portable operation in mountainous areas
NPOTA for NPS Staff A two-sided tri-fold pamphlet to help explain Amateur Radio and NPOTA to NPS staff. (2016 Event Outdated)
PHONE For emergency, Pdf manual, Ham alert app, Ham2K PoLo: Portable Logger app
In order: QRP Go-Kit, G-Case, Rose colored aluminum paddle key, X-Tenna EFHW antenna, Assortment of Head and ear phones.
My QRP Guys LICW build and a blue plywood wire winder I made.
Our CW QRP Radio & Inventory:
I will decide what case to use when I get the QMX+ and see what, with all it needs to use will fit inside.
~ Smallest MEIJIA Hard Case Inside - - 2.5 Height" x 7.25 Length" x 4.75 Width". Radio will fit, but will accessories
~ Medium Soft WindCamp bag Inside - - 3 Height" x 8.5 Length" x 6.5 Width". Field day bag with less padding and protection.
~ Medium Ant Mag Hard Case Inside - - 3.6+1.1 Height" x 10.3 Length" x 7.9 Width". Looks like QMX+ will and some accessories will fit nicely.
~ Larger Harbor Freight APACHE 1800 Case - 4+*1" Height" x 12 Length" x 9.125 Width". If I need the extra space for parts. *1" Lid.
QRP Labs QMX+ 2.17 Height" x 5.75 Length"* x 4.17" Wide". * without protrusions (knobs and connectors)
In my Main WindCamp bag OR a Hard Case are: QRP Labs QMX+ radio 2.17'' Height x 5.75'' Length x 4.17'' Width without protrusions (knobs and connectors) (In line to have built) with power cord and 2200mAh 3S Battery 11.1v Turnigy Lipo 40C battery inside. Putikeeg Double key metal brass colored, 1/8 Phono key cord, X-Tenna and 6' BNC RG-8 Coax, Logbook 4"x 3", Mechanical Pentel Pencil(leads,eraser), Optional Mini Mono speaker Anker Soundcore, Optional K7VIQ Personal POTA & SOTA Bi-Fold Landscape Leaflet - Should fit my Wind camp bag better. Brief intro on Ham Radio both POTA & SOTA
Small hardshell case from Amazon Basics Passport Essential 4.72" x 3.66" x 0.63", Small delicate or easy to lose items like earphones, battery, adaptors.
Arborist bag weaver, Arborist 12 oz throw weight weaver & Marlow Throw Line, See my Page: Arborist Throw Line Bag Kit
Harbor Freight APACHE 1800 Weatherproof Protective Case 4-3/8 in H., 9-1/4 in L., 7-1/2 in.W. , Ship Weight 1.90 lb., Inside Length (in.) 8-1/8 in.
Not in the pack or at home: Supulse LiPo charger, Electro Resales 12W QRP Dummy Load Antenna, POTA & SOTA Trifold assorted Leaflets
Backup equip: 3d plastic key, QRP Guys EFHW (LICW build), Earphones(extra), Also have a diabetes type hard case I may test out for size. XT-60 battery plug for radio power cord. Inline Volume Control Koss 155954 VC20, Earphone.
Future options: Tuner(possibly built into radio case Our yard camp picnic table
General Low Power Xota Info.
What is it? Low power 5W communications.
Parks On The Air Portable Amateur Radio.pdf
Building Positive Park Relations: Elevating Our Role As POTA Activators QRPer Article
Leave No Trace - Principles of outdoor ethics .PDF - Plan ahead and prepare, Travel and Camp on durable surfaces, Minimize campfire impacts, Respect wildlife, Be considerate of other visitors.
For me if I get going on CW and low power rig , my goal will be to use it more like Porch On The Air (Can't be POTA as Acronym is taken then PoOTA) ??? - or - Patio On The Air(PaOTA)??? Yards On The Air is taken too by Youth On The Air. HOMA - There is Home On The Air , but there is nothing there to indicate a low power home radio is being used. All kidding aside it would be just using QRP On The Porch.
I need to cut and matching this one to 40 meters for a antenna. Resonant on 40m - 20m - 10m with 67' antenna wire (70ft INCLUDED) *Tunable on 17/15m with a tuner
Variable Ratio End Fed Half Wave Antenna 49-1 / 56-1 / 64-1 windings PLUS 70 ft Wire
v3 Improvements; Additional, larger attachment holes, Improved ground/counterpoise connections, Updates to improve manufacturability, Complete End Fed Half Wave HF Portable 'Switch' Antenna Package Incl. Wire. Fully Assembled Variable Ratio End Fed Half Wave HF Portable antenna. No other company is making this design antenna. The ultimate in flexibility for remote operations., Custom made PCB, Female BNC feed point connector, Inductance ratio selectable from 49:1 / 56:1 / 64:1, 140-43 Toroid, 60w SSB, SWR ~1.1 - 1.7. Resonant on 40m - 20m - 10m with 67' antenna wire (70ft INCLUDED) *Tunable on 17/15m, (3) Gold bullet connections for optional counterpoise wires, 70ft of 26ga Antenna wire, Custom wire winder, Attachment carabiner X-Tenna Faqs
Includes; 40m - 20 - 10m fully assembled and tested antenna, (3) 2.0mm gold plated male bullet connectors (for optional counterpoise), (70ft) 26ga copper antenna wire, Custom antenna wire winder, Wire attachment carabiner, This is an efficient, low cost, lightweight antenna for any aspiring or seasoned Amateur Radio Enthusiast to use in a portable setting such as Parks on the Air (POTA), Summits on the Air (SOTA) or out camping/backpacking.
I assembled a QRP Guys EFHW antenna transformer on a Zoom LICW build. I might like to try mounting the QRP Guys transformer on the plywood winder I made to go with it.
I am pondering cutting and matching this one to 40 meters for a smaller antenna. You also want the antenna to be at least 1/4 wavelength long for each band you plan to use. To work 40m the antenna is at least 10m or 33' long.
3/16 Ply Wire Winder I found a pattern online and printed and cut out of 3/16 MDF core plywood and painted it blue. I have a spool of wire I bought to use with the transformer above. I will cut to length for whatever, and if ever, I get a radio to use with it.
~ Mini DudeTenna antenna winder
I got a Blue Mini DudeTenna antenna winder for 4.39 w/ shipping from Ham Radio Dude on Etsy. - Mini Wire Winder with BNC included - HRD Industries -Mini DudeTenna / End Fed Half Wave, Dipole, Etc.
It is designed for a Fair Rite 5943000601 toroid that cost a $1.11 but shipping a toroid is $10. So I will use for a small single band antenna. Being so small perhaps for 20 meters.
~ Small Paddles
The Putikeeg dual paddle key is a small generic chinese sold as "Gold anodized stainless steel" is more likely a brass colorized aluminum alloy that has a look that I like. $5.40 the plastic keys cost me more.
I have a selection of plastic and metal keys a couple usable for portable use.
I picked up an arborist 12 oz weaver weight and throw bag and some arborist Marlow throw line for mobile my Arborist kit and to get my yard antenna in our back trees higher.
I chose these after watching YouTube and reading QPRer posts by Thomas Witherspoon (K4SWL) https://qrper.com/.../the-arborist-throw-line-is-an.../ From what I have seen of him, I decided he has good opinions based on some good experience.
Whether Arborist or a ham: Leave nothing behind, but a good time and Leave no trace, to be a nature Ace.
Leave No Trace - Principles of outdoor ethics .PDF - Plan ahead and prepare, Travel and Camp on durable surfaces, Minimize campfire impacts, Respect wildlife, Be considerate of other visitors.
Bk grnd. Uncle Gerald's tree farm.
Band 160 meters
Frequency (MHz) 1.805, 1.810, 1.815, 1.820, 1.825, 1.830, 1.835, 1.840, 1.845, 1.850
Special Frequencies (MHz) 1.813 (slow speed practice), 1.828 (ARRL code proficiency exams)
Band 80 meters
Frequency (MHz) 1.805, 1.810, 1.815, 1.820, 1.825, 1.830, 1.835, 1.840, 1.845, 1.850
Special Frequencies (MHz) 1.813 (slow speed practice), 1.828 (ARRL code proficiency exams)
Band 60 meters
Frequency (MHz) 5.357, 5.367, 5.377, 5.387, 5.397
Special Frequencies (MHz) ---
Band 40 meters
Frequency (MHz) 7.020, 7.030, 7.040, 7.050, 7.060, 7.070, 7.080, 7.090, 7.100
Special Frequencies (MHz) 7.023 (slow speed practice), 7.050 (ARRL code proficiency exams)
Band 30 meters
Frequency (MHz) 10.115, 10.125, 10.135, 10.145
Special Frequencies (MHz) ---
Band 20 meters
Frequency (MHz) 14.040, 14.050, 14.060, 14.070, 14.080, 14.090, 14.100
Special Frequencies (MHz) 14.068 (QRP calling frequency)
Band 17 meters
Frequency (MHz) 18.070, 18.080, 18.090, 18.100
Special Frequencies (MHz) ---
Band 15 meters
Frequency (MHz) 21.060, 21.070, 21.080, 21.090, 21.100
Special Frequencies (MHz) ---
Band 12 meters
Frequency (MHz) 24.920, 24.930, 24.940, 24.950
Special Frequencies (MHz) ---
Band 10 meters
Frequency (MHz) 28.070, 28.080, 28.090, 28.100 MHz
Special Frequencies (MHz) --- 28.450(Slow Code Net)
Summary of where to find slower and faster code. - Google CW Doc
Slow CW Training and Skeds - Pacific Groups
LICW QSO Protocol Generator LICW
Contest QSO Generator General
My CW Low Challenges
Will be a fun reward toy after all the work it took to learn Morse code.
I have been able to receive characters with Farnsworth spacing at 25 wpm. When it come to QSO's I can receive at 18/6. I can send best at 16/6 so this has been what I am practicing at. As of Sept. 25, 2023. In 2024 I started practicing at 12/7-8 to join LICW classes. It took 7 months to get to 12/7 because of the decrease of Farns Spacing but now I am practicing at 12/8(July 2024).
I hope to practice some code on the IC-7300 - Sept 10, 2023. perhaps on the Thurs 10 M VRC slow code - I have not yet- July 2024
- Barriers to entry:
Skill: CW takes knowing Morse code, CW Freqs are less crowded, CW uses less power and get out further per watt. Get past the Morse code barrier and all the band area's open up to you.
Complexity: CW uses very simple equipment but trades this for the skill of the operator. Digital is an option relying on the equipment, radio, and computer modem to connect to, and if you have the skill to get equipment hooked up and talking to each other then the communication one running is dead simple. Does not sound like as much fun for mobile human coms use. A do at home thing, emergency use, for back end data transfer.
Bk grnd. Uncle Gerald's tree farm.