mcHF - Anyone else got one?

[TheBay]

I wanted a Qrp/Portable radio and was going to get a Elecraft KX3 or KX2.

I stumbled across this - http://www.m0nka.co.uk/?page_id=2

So I ordered one about 2 weeks ago and have been putting it together, pretty straight forward and the only time consuming bit
is winding the toroids and transformers - however I like such tasks so I found that fun.

I'll get some videos and pictures up on here soon, but so far very impressed with this little SDR based transceiver!

[Johncanfield]

I have an Elecraft K3s and a Kenwood TS-590s, the Elecraft is a magnitude better than the Kenwood.  The receiver and DSP in the K3s is amazing. If your mcHF doesn't work well for you, you will not be disappointed with the KX3.

de John WB5THT

[twistedxknights]

been looking at making one after I get my current project completed. joined a facebook group that has a bunch of people builgin it. look like one even negotiated a deal on a nice compact case for it. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1794230080790075/?fref=nf

[TheBay]

been looking at making one after I get my current project completed. joined a facebook group that has a bunch of people builgin it. look like one even negotiated a deal on a nice compact case for it. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1794230080790075/?fref=nf

Welcome to the group, I'm Dale on there.

[twistedxknights]

been looking at making one after I get my current project completed. joined a facebook group that has a bunch of people builgin it. look like one even negotiated a deal on a nice compact case for it. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1794230080790075/?fref=nf

Welcome to the group, I'm Dale on there.

I'm Peter

[TheBay]

been looking at making one after I get my current project completed. joined a facebook group that has a bunch of people builgin it. look like one even negotiated a deal on a nice compact case for it. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1794230080790075/?fref=nf

Welcome to the group, I'm Dale on there.

I'm Peter

Nice to meet you, feel free to ask questions etc on the group.
Lots of helpful people on there

[The_Penguin]

I stumbled across this - http://www.m0nka.co.uk/?page_id=2

This looks pretty damn cool!  I haven't been active on HF since the 80s but have been thinking about playing with QRP portable, and really like the looks of the KX3, but not the price tag, this might be a good alternate.
Looking forward to your pics/videos.

[djacobow]

Speaking of HF transceivers across the quality spectrum, has anybody experimented with a bitx40?

40m SSB-only, Si5351 VFO

$59.

Shipped.

http://www.hfsigs.com/

[retrolefty]

Speaking of HF transceivers across the quality spectrum, has anybody experimented with a bitx40?

40m SSB-only, Si5351 VFO

$59.

Shipped.

http://www.hfsigs.com/

I've got the prior $45 analog VFO version. VFO drifts pretty bad on mine, so the S15351 is an improvement. However it's sound is awful in my opinion. Lack of AGC or ALC is a big deal. Trying to follow a roundtable conversation requires constant volume control manipulation. I miss the fast attach/slow decay AGC really needed for decent QSOs on SSB. I don't think it's crystal filter is as good as it could or might be. However for it's price it's still a steal and very worth trying out for people looking to see if they might enjoy HF ham radio or not.

[w2aew]

Speaking of HF transceivers across the quality spectrum, has anybody experimented with a bitx40?

40m SSB-only, Si5351 VFO

$59.

Shipped.

http://www.hfsigs.com/

I've got the prior $45 analog VFO version. VFO drifts pretty bad on mine, so the S15351 is an improvement. However it's sound is awful in my opinion. Lack of AGC or ALC is a big deal. Trying to follow a roundtable conversation requires constant volume control manipulation. I miss the fast attach/slow decay AGC really needed for decent QSOs on SSB. I don't think it's crystal filter is as good as it could or might be. However for it's price it's still a steal and very worth trying out for people looking to see if they might enjoy HF ham radio or not.

Several folks have built a simple AGC circuit for it - here's one:
http://bitxhacks.blogspot.com/2016/11/agc-for-bitx.html

[djacobow]

I think I'm going to order one, despite its limitations. I have an IC-7300 at home, but I think it would be fun to have a "rig" at work for when I get bored. My building is high on a hill, so not a bad place to hang a random wire out...