At 72 (first licensed in 1965) and failing eyesight and a mild shake in my hands now, I've reached the end of kit building...it was fun while it lasted. GL/K6SDW
I feel you, as a ham since 83 now my eyesight is low and handshaking makes kit build impossible. Especially I’m sad about that for not able to build the fantastic endfed antenna Gil did.
When you are soldering something (especially something very small), just use more flux. When in doubt, use A LOT!) So you never fail. It's better to rinse with acetone or ethanol afterward than to have an ugly soldering that can easily short out something that not supposed to be shorted. AND, OF COURSE, when using copper braid to dismantle components, it must also be pre-coated thickly with flux, then the solder will be fluid and easily absorbed into the braid. Good luck!)
Some additional info that I hope is helpful for your viewers, as I really like this little QRP rig and want other hams to enjoy it as well. As long as purchasers understand that this is an inexpensive kit project for ham experimenters and not a commercial 'appliance' radio, and they read up on how it works, how to tune it, what its shortcomings are, etc, they will be more than pleased with the capabilities of these little rigs for the price. In fact, they may be amazed. I highly recommend those who buy the rigs go straight to the DL2MAN website and carefully read EVERYTHING about the rigs, review the schematics, and watch ALL of Manuel's (DL2MAN) videos. The assembly, and especially the tuning videos are essential viewing for anyone who wants to be happy with their purchase. I found the toroid tuning to be the most satisfying part of the build, as class E amplifiers are quite interesting in their operation. Oh, and buy some extra output transistors, as they are very inexpensive, and the rig has no SWR protection on the final amp stage, so they are not forgiving of silly mistakes like hooking up to the wrong antenna, or forgetting to hook up an antenna at all. I make that sort of mistakes a lot, so I found having a few spares handy of those 50 cent transistors was a real good idea. As class E outputs are very efficient they can be designed with inexpensive transistors, transistors that simply can't internally dissipate the amount of power they are feeding to the antenna, and without an expensive output protection circuit it is essential that these finals be properly tuned and are driving into a low SWR or the magic smoke gets out. DL2MAN made this design as versatile and functional as possible, but also as simple and inexpensive as possible. That meant no expensive output transistors, and no output protection circuits. So the ham who builds this rig needs to understand it's limitations and design compromises. Please note that DL2MAN (the hardware developer,) and PE1NNZ (the software developer,) are just hams who have used their skills to create this project for the ham community. They are NOT selling radios for a living. They have day jobs. Everything they do on this project is a GIFT to the ham radio community. The radios themselves are being sold by Chinese vendors who these 2 hams have essentially no control over, and who they get NO profit from. I'm certain the hams who understand these things, who buy these kits and follow the above advice will be more than happy with their purchase, possibly amazed with their rig's capabilities for the price. I was. I still am. Those who buy them expecting a commercial appliance product, who have no interest in understanding the workings of this radio except to plug it in and talk on it will not know what it is or how to use it, will blow it up and will probably end up dissatisfied. This is a project where the more you put into it the more you get out of it. I've gotten a lot out of it. It has taught me a great deal about transceivers, modulation, digital radio, and class E amplifiers. And I got a tiny, efficient, all mode, 5 band HF QRP rig out of the deal for just under $100. You can't beat that.
For unsoldering parts just use a small part of unsoldering wire with a tweezer. Otherwise you have to warm up the whole wire, which will cool down the temperature.
Gil. making mistakes and sharing them with us and how to solve them is so incredibly important. I actually was making a kit and soldered an entire IC to the wrong side of the board. Fortunately, someone had a video on how that is unsoldered. Anyway, thanks so much for this build and review.
So many TH-camrs gloss over the mistakes with the power of editing. Fault finding and problem solving can be a big headache, but when you can find and fix the problems then the satisfaction of using the end product is so much more fulfilling.
The screen is not as bright as it could be because it makes low frequency noise if it is. That's the mod that we do when removeing the two caps and adding the jumper. (1:30-2:45 th-cam.com/video/HjvviTPR8Is/w-d-xo.html )It's ok inside but outdoors in the sun it's hard to see. Tradeoffs... The audio could be better buts it's an sdr based on an 8 bit processor, ie like in the apple 2, trs80 Atari 400, Sinclair zx81 vintage, so for what it is it does really well and the cost is pretty low. Fairly easy to adjust the setting so that the tuning is correct. In cw there is a setting with the swr option that will show a measure of power out and efficiency. If you have 80% or more efficiency you are good. There are 3 choices you could build for sets of bands. Stock is what you have, hi bands is 20,17,15,12,10 and the third choice is 80,40,20,15,10. The best setup (caps and torroids) for good power and efficiency has been worked out only for the setup you have, but the software is ready.
I just bought one of these, fully assembled (growing old is not for sissies - Bette Davis). Thanks for your defence of the Gadsden flag. I always had one my my bicycle when touring, but now I hesitate to do that in North America. Perhaps if I go back to France, although I've cycled there four times (Paris-Brest-Paris) already. Now I will have a radio I can carry with me. Salut, 73 Barry VE7VIE and WV2J
well Gil ... love your channel and you are my goto guy on kit building. Have done several of the QRP Labs kits and now just ordered this little kit. Thanks for a great channel.
Thanks for making this video Gil. I've been looking at getting one of these from Aliexpress myself. Looks like a great little radio. Something I can even put in our disaster prep box.
Thank you, it was an amusing video. Tuning fhe filters for correct value and power level is an art unto itself, which you can experience once you have got the 12V connector. Best of luck. The official housing kit includes a support ring for the speaker, which you missed.
Uh ooooh! After seeing this, I canot control my radiomania! I'll probably buy the kit, and soon... I am VERY pleased that it has 80 meters which is the usual failing for QRP rigs - no 80 meters which has been my most useful band for NVIS nights out camping.
I followed this radio from early on and finally pulled the trigger on an approved distributor. This radio blows away so many qrp rigs. Genius design. The manufacturers couldn't deliver a lightweight qrp rig but, dl2man did it. The Chinese clones are junk. Be sure to get the approved radio.
Thanks Gil. Very impressive design and kit. If I understand correctly, the (tr)uSDR is based on the G0UPL QRP Labs QCX and was developed by DL2MAN and PE1NNZ plus many others. It must one of (perhaps the) most impressive all band/mode QRP transciever kits available.
Well that was quick! We only emailed about it what felt like two weeks ago! Mine is due to arrive this week hopefully I’ll have it in time to travel to Africa. 4x 18650’s with a drop down voltage rectifier to bring it down to 15v initially
The extra parts are normal. An earlier video about the uSDX mentioned getting the extra cores. A nice build, and thanks for your post... de WB2VUO here near Buffalo, NY
It’s a truly remarkable radio, Gil. I’d recommend going to the (tr)uSDX troubleshooting forum that DL2MAN setup and follow his procedure to optimize power output and efficiency. It’s very simple to achieve 5W output and >80% efficiency on all bands. Incredible!!
@@RadioPrepper have you try to replace the tips for it some times i know mine at work will have hard time keeping the heat dude to the tip needing to be replace
Well Gil, that right radio for prepper operation you’ve been talking about finally came along. From your experience with the volume control it sounds like it’s RF gain only and no AGC. Also don’t worry about soldering things in wrong. I constructed the Tennadipper, pre digital display version, and soldered the 8 leg PIC chip, in reverse polarity. Mercifully I was able to remove it but not without losing one of the pins but I was able to tack solder the pin back on the PIC chip in the correct polarity and it works. I was younger than you when I did it. No, it’s not you.
I've been looking at the (tr)uSDX radio too. I would order a kit to assemble but I don't have a 3D printer or better yet a buddy that has a 3D printer for making the case. The price of a mail ordered 3D printed case with shipping when added to the cost of the radio kit is just $10-12 dollars (US) under the cost of a fully assembled radio from the DL2MAN recommended suppliers. . I don't mind winding toroids but I don't think I'd miss that much fun if I get them to do it. I wouldn't miss doing the OLED mods either!
Hi. Great video. I have one of these and they are incredible. On my first test on 450mw I had OSOs from the West of Scotland into the Orkney Islands on 40m and Paris on 20m both good reports with the Orkneys giving me a 5/9. Highly recommend these amazing radios.
Plug 3.5mm x 1.35mm e.g CUI Devices PP3-002D Also, when the flux pen runs out, see if you can pry out the end, if so then you can refill it from a bottle of liquid flux, pop it back in, wrap a piece of vinyl tape around it and you are good to go at much cheaper than a new one.
Gil! I’m glad you got a good one! I bought another kit that hasn’t been approved yet and was not so lucky. I have another one on the way to get one on the air!
I have this tiny rig more than a year. On of the previous versions of course. And I love it! I also bought and built this version, but haven't had time to test it in the field yet. :( 73 de OK2MTB
Can't imagine how they're managing SSB with this architecture. But if it really can output SSB, wouldn't it be suitable for PSK31? And if it is, I'm on board!
Gil, you should look into Pinecil soldering iron. Genius design, highly adjustable and inexpensive. I really like mine and I set it up to run on a lithium battery pack.
Hello Mr. Prepper, another question if I may: I am currently starting amateur radio with 27MC (11meter band). Can you tell me if this radio would also do 27MC on 11 meter please? (I could see 10 and 12 meters are supported in another fw) If it could also do that, it would be my dream :-) Thanx
@@RadioPrepper You are talking about a CME, not an EMP, which is deliberately caused by a nuclear explosion. CMEs are inevitable, hopefully not EMPs. But they are starting to seem more likely!
Bonjour Gil... finalement c'est ta vidéo qui m'a convaincu de passer à l'achat (compulsif) de ce petit transceiver. Il va rejoindre mon qrpver minion mini.
I wonder why not a single radio just uses usb-C for power... Instead of using all those antiquated non-standard DC jacks. There are countless batteries on the market that output 12V and more on that standard. I got an ultralight super efficient one but can't use it of course. I wonder if we can solder some USB-C port instead with some logic to tell the PSU/battery what to output. Is that a generation thing?
@@RadioPrepper That could be maybe an interesting subject to explore and make a video? Converting DC ports to USB-C would be super useful for SOTA kits. I think there are some cables that can do that too, but just being able to plug a normal cable would be neater. Edit: I think I found some modules that can be soldered. And as you are in a bug-out/prepping thinking frame, being able to plug in with basically any modern charger and cable, and get full power. That would be a much stronger "safety". Bluetooth might be more complicated to integrate, even for solo radio designers like here with the (tr)usdx. I guess. But yeah even big companies don't seem to think about that very much.
@@RadioPrepper youtube seems to have deleted my last comment, maybe because I said a certain selling platform that ends with "press"? So I'll post the important information again. I found the right keywords for searching the different solutions available. "PD to DC 12V" for adaptor cables that will take usb-C on one side and output 12V in a DC jack. The second is "PD decoy module" which is a small PCB with a usb-C port that can be soldered and will provide the power directly in the radio (or anything else).
@@RadioPrepper Bummer. I was paranoid about that happening. I cut some off then filed the rest down. Pretty easy b/c it's aluminum. I suppose you could put ink on the set screw of the knob, then tighten onto the shaft to make an impression. Then you know exactly where to cut.
These are latching relais! They only needed a small amount of power, to switch from one state to the other! Like a toggle switch, once it has 'switched' the state, no more power ist needed. The relay can stay in that 'set'-state for 10 years, or 5 seconds, until the programm/you, will alter the state for a good reason. (Switch to an other frequency/band, etc., ... ! ) One of the most power saving devices I could imagine! Simple and very effictive. After the relay is 'set', (let me say to state 'a') you only power it up again, to alter the state of the relais, from 'a' to 'b' (reset) and vis versa! 73 de Markus ; db9pz
Hey just a comment on getting old I am 56, and I was suffering from a lack of focus, and forgetting things that I never would have forgotten, so much so that some friends actually mentioned it to me. I started taking collagen peptides from Sun warrior, a fair price vegan collagen builder, ( lots of research to find a good brand and effective) and after a week I started noticing a clearer mind and sharper thinking (started to feel like myself again). Just a thought 🤔
th-cam.com/video/YomT80uyhxg/w-d-xo.html Solar powered Vfo cal th-cam.com/video/78Kn5H8BOFw/w-d-xo.html Print the ring for the speaker if you have not. If making lots of mistakes, be sure to scrub hands after soldering, I think even a little lead poisoning makes me stupider. Try more light when soldering too, it looks like you are in the shadows. The screws are M3-0.5 , maybe 12mm, 14 or 15 might be better. Recommended to tap before placing screws to prevent cracking.
Gil .... good job on the build =) Long time and several moves .... I'm back =) I have one of these radios due with-in a week and glad to see it works great as to be expected =) Maybe make a video and blog post =) de N5VMO Pat
@@RadioPrepper It has been a wild four years of moving and losing track of parts and radios in boxes somewhere in storage =) The little rig should be here in a few days ( April 28th - May 5th =) Batteries and antennas is waiting in the GO - Bag ready =) de N5VMO Pat
I had an extensive talk with Guido PE1NNZ who is de guy behind de software of this project. Reason for this call that i checked out the code as being fairly experienced in doing SDR projects i was convinced this CPU would be far to lichtweight do accomplished the job. When checking both code en schematics i initialy was confused, then i understand what a genious had thought it over. It certainly does not work as SDR-radios in general work. Not only is the code full of smart and highly optimized shortcuts, also the way the transmitter works it an approach totaly new to me and verry clever though out. As a result of chat with Guido, i wrote a article for a Dutch magazine which will be published shortly. Next to the uSDR by Manuel and Guido i own two Chinese ripoff's that i strongly discourage. Both build quality and software versions of these are lousy and incompatible to the firmware found on github while the price is the same as the original.
Hiya..you gotta stop these vids..costing me a fortune!! Recently built qrp labs qcx mini..thought no more kit for now..had followed the development of this rig and was tempted but your vid tipped me over the edge..just ordered one!!! 73.....
OMG, is this really happening ? Thank you so much Gil. Watching your channel for quite some time, now I am a part of it :) Get in touch with me, if you need something. 73 Manuel; DL2MAN
Thanks for another review of the truSDX.
At 72 (first licensed in 1965) and failing eyesight and a mild shake in my hands now, I've reached the end of kit building...it was fun while it lasted. GL/K6SDW
Yes me too 74 now, I have made two. Found out my limitations on building this and needed help from UK group build Ian Watson " thanks Ian".
G4VDX
I feel you, as a ham since 83 now my eyesight is low and handshaking makes kit build impossible. Especially I’m sad about that for not able to build the fantastic endfed antenna Gil did.
There has to be OMs around willing to help...
@@RadioPrepper They even have Pre-built versions for the ones of us with failing eyesight for a few dollars more `( $40 USD =)
When you are soldering something (especially something very small), just use more flux. When in doubt, use A LOT!) So you never fail. It's better to rinse with acetone or ethanol afterward than to have an ugly soldering that can easily short out something that not supposed to be shorted. AND, OF COURSE, when using copper braid to dismantle components, it must also be pre-coated thickly with flux, then the solder will be fluid and easily absorbed into the braid.
Good luck!)
Some additional info that I hope is helpful for your viewers, as I really like this little QRP rig and want other hams to enjoy it as well.
As long as purchasers understand that this is an inexpensive kit project for ham experimenters and not a commercial 'appliance' radio, and they read up on how it works, how to tune it, what its shortcomings are, etc, they will be more than pleased with the capabilities of these little rigs for the price. In fact, they may be amazed. I highly recommend those who buy the rigs go straight to the DL2MAN website and carefully read EVERYTHING about the rigs, review the schematics, and watch ALL of Manuel's (DL2MAN) videos. The assembly, and especially the tuning videos are essential viewing for anyone who wants to be happy with their purchase. I found the toroid tuning to be the most satisfying part of the build, as class E amplifiers are quite interesting in their operation. Oh, and buy some extra output transistors, as they are very inexpensive, and the rig has no SWR protection on the final amp stage, so they are not forgiving of silly mistakes like hooking up to the wrong antenna, or forgetting to hook up an antenna at all. I make that sort of mistakes a lot, so I found having a few spares handy of those 50 cent transistors was a real good idea.
As class E outputs are very efficient they can be designed with inexpensive transistors, transistors that simply can't internally dissipate the amount of power they are feeding to the antenna, and without an expensive output protection circuit it is essential that these finals be properly tuned and are driving into a low SWR or the magic smoke gets out. DL2MAN made this design as versatile and functional as possible, but also as simple and inexpensive as possible. That meant no expensive output transistors, and no output protection circuits. So the ham who builds this rig needs to understand it's limitations and design compromises.
Please note that DL2MAN (the hardware developer,) and PE1NNZ (the software developer,) are just hams who have used their skills to create this project for the ham community. They are NOT selling radios for a living. They have day jobs. Everything they do on this project is a GIFT to the ham radio community. The radios themselves are being sold by Chinese vendors who these 2 hams have essentially no control over, and who they get NO profit from. I'm certain the hams who understand these things, who buy these kits and follow the above advice will be more than happy with their purchase, possibly amazed with their rig's capabilities for the price. I was. I still am. Those who buy them expecting a commercial appliance product, who have no interest in understanding the workings of this radio except to plug it in and talk on it will not know what it is or how to use it, will blow it up and will probably end up dissatisfied. This is a project where the more you put into it the more you get out of it. I've gotten a lot out of it. It has taught me a great deal about transceivers, modulation, digital radio, and class E amplifiers. And I got a tiny, efficient, all mode, 5 band HF QRP rig out of the deal for just under $100. You can't beat that.
Great info, thank you!
Gil I smiled regarding the rotary encoder, I have done the same things myself. I use a solder sucker rather than wick each to his own. Keep smiling.
Will do 😀
For unsoldering parts just use a small part of unsoldering wire with a tweezer. Otherwise you have to warm up the whole wire, which will cool down the temperature.
Love your honesty regarding the mistakes - makes a change to see a real life project with everything included and not censored for ego!
good to see you Gil
Gil. making mistakes and sharing them with us and how to solve them is so incredibly important. I actually was making a kit and soldered an entire IC to the wrong side of the board. Fortunately, someone had a video on how that is unsoldered. Anyway, thanks so much for this build and review.
Failure is a good teacher.
So many TH-camrs gloss over the mistakes with the power of editing. Fault finding and problem solving can be a big headache, but when you can find and fix the problems then the satisfaction of using the end product is so much more fulfilling.
The screen is not as bright as it could be because it makes low frequency noise if it is. That's the mod that we do when removeing the two caps and adding the jumper. (1:30-2:45 th-cam.com/video/HjvviTPR8Is/w-d-xo.html )It's ok inside but outdoors in the sun it's hard to see. Tradeoffs... The audio could be better buts it's an sdr based on an 8 bit processor, ie like in the apple 2, trs80 Atari 400, Sinclair zx81 vintage, so for what it is it does really well and the cost is pretty low. Fairly easy to adjust the setting so that the tuning is correct. In cw there is a setting with the swr option that will show a measure of power out and efficiency. If you have 80% or more efficiency you are good. There are 3 choices you could build for sets of bands. Stock is what you have, hi bands is 20,17,15,12,10 and the third choice is 80,40,20,15,10. The best setup (caps and torroids) for good power and efficiency has been worked out only for the setup you have, but the software is ready.
Great info thanks!
I just bought one of these, fully assembled (growing old is not for sissies - Bette Davis). Thanks for your defence of the Gadsden flag. I always had one my my bicycle when touring, but now I hesitate to do that in North America. Perhaps if I go back to France, although I've cycled there four times (Paris-Brest-Paris) already. Now I will have a radio I can carry with me.
Salut, 73
Barry VE7VIE and WV2J
well Gil ... love your channel and you are my goto guy on kit building. Have done several of the QRP Labs kits and now just ordered this little kit. Thanks for a great channel.
Thanks for making this video Gil. I've been looking at getting one of these from Aliexpress myself. Looks like a great little radio. Something I can even put in our disaster prep box.
And not feel the weight!
Thank you, it was an amusing video. Tuning fhe filters for correct value and power level is an art unto itself, which you can experience once you have got the 12V connector. Best of luck. The official housing kit includes a support ring for the speaker, which you missed.
Thanks, I didn't miss it, it was too tight..
Uh ooooh! After seeing this, I canot control my radiomania! I'll probably buy the kit, and soon... I am VERY pleased that it has 80 meters which is the usual failing for QRP rigs - no 80 meters which has been my most useful band for NVIS nights out camping.
Absolutely, and I rarely use bands above 20m, perfect!
Merci beaucoup pour cette vidéo et quel plaisir de retrouver le plaisir du kit très en vogue à l’époque de Heathkit….!
73´s F1JJM Laurent.
Hey Gil, don't be too hard on yourself for making mistakes. This is the first time you've ever been this old! 😁
LOL, and it's not getting better ;-)
I followed this radio from early on and finally pulled the trigger on an approved distributor. This radio blows away so many qrp rigs. Genius design. The manufacturers couldn't deliver a lightweight qrp rig but, dl2man did it. The Chinese clones are junk. Be sure to get the approved radio.
As always awesome explaining, very interesting Gil
DL1DN's battery box add on for these is really cool.
Yep, I saw that!
I have two now, this little rig is a "GEM"
Thanks to DL2MAN and PE1NNZ
G4VDX.
Oh man this is absolutely amazing!!! Can't wait to see more!!! Thank you Gil
Coming right up!
Thanks Gil. Very impressive design and kit. If I understand correctly, the (tr)uSDR is based on the G0UPL QRP Labs QCX and was developed by DL2MAN and PE1NNZ plus many others. It must one of (perhaps the) most impressive all band/mode QRP transciever kits available.
Indeed! My QCX kit had a small board in it to turn it into a truSDX...
Well that was quick! We only emailed about it what felt like two weeks ago!
Mine is due to arrive this week hopefully I’ll have it in time to travel to Africa. 4x 18650’s with a drop down voltage rectifier to bring it down to 15v initially
Oh man, I'd love to go to Africa!
The extra parts are normal. An earlier video about the uSDX mentioned getting the extra cores. A nice build, and thanks for your post... de WB2VUO here near Buffalo, NY
Great video Gile and great radio! Thanks !
It’s a truly remarkable radio, Gil. I’d recommend going to the (tr)uSDX troubleshooting forum that DL2MAN setup and follow his procedure to optimize power output and efficiency. It’s very simple to achieve 5W output and >80% efficiency on all bands. Incredible!!
It truly is!
@@RadioPrepper have you try to replace the tips for it some times i know mine at work will have hard time keeping the heat dude to the tip needing to be replace
Thanks, I did.
Impressive radio. Thank you for sharing. 73
Well Gil, that right radio for prepper operation you’ve been talking about finally came along. From your experience with the volume control it sounds like it’s RF gain only and no AGC. Also don’t worry about soldering things in wrong. I constructed the Tennadipper, pre digital display version, and soldered the 8 leg PIC chip, in reverse polarity. Mercifully I was able to remove it but not without losing one of the pins but I was able to tack solder the pin back on the PIC chip in the correct polarity and it works. I was younger than you when I did it. No, it’s not you.
Hi, there is an AGC option in the menu...
@@RadioPrepper, oh no kidding! Thanks for the info Gil.
72,
WD5L
Nice build, now I want one.
Good work Gil
I've been looking at the (tr)uSDX radio too. I would order a kit to assemble but I don't have a 3D printer or better yet a buddy that has a 3D printer for making the case. The price of a mail ordered 3D printed case with shipping when added to the cost of the radio kit is just $10-12 dollars (US) under the cost of a fully assembled radio from the DL2MAN recommended suppliers. . I don't mind winding toroids but I don't think I'd miss that much fun if I get them to do it. I wouldn't miss doing the OLED mods either!
Hi. Great video. I have one of these and they are incredible. On my first test on 450mw I had OSOs from the West of Scotland into the Orkney Islands on 40m and Paris on 20m both good reports with the Orkneys giving me a 5/9. Highly recommend these amazing radios.
Awesome!
Plug 3.5mm x 1.35mm e.g CUI Devices PP3-002D
Also, when the flux pen runs out, see if you can pry out the end, if so then you can refill it from a bottle of liquid flux, pop it back in, wrap a piece of vinyl tape around it and you are good to go at much cheaper than a new one.
I have four connectors on the way :-)
Gil! I’m glad you got a good one! I bought another kit that hasn’t been approved yet and was not so lucky. I have another one on the way to get one on the air!
I have this tiny rig more than a year. On of the previous versions of course. And I love it!
I also bought and built this version, but haven't had time to test it in the field yet. :(
73 de OK2MTB
Great, I will buy a second one..
Perfect. Thanks!
Too cool!
Can't imagine how they're managing SSB with this architecture. But if it really can output SSB, wouldn't it be suitable for PSK31? And if it is, I'm on board!
Gil, you should look into Pinecil soldering iron. Genius design, highly adjustable and inexpensive. I really like mine and I set it up to run on a lithium battery pack.
I heard about it on a drone channel...
I would like to buy one of these radios.Is the software pre-loaded? I have no software experience.
Note that some hams are even turning them into handi-talkies. 5 band, all mode, HF, work hundreds or thousands of miles, handi-talkies. :)
Fascinante, incrível!!!!
Wow Girl I want you! That is amazing love your videos and hope to catch you on the bands one day. 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Keep an ear out for me on week-ends!
Good job except for mounting upside down. lol. It worked out well in the end.👍
Rub the solder wick with your flux pen, It makes it work much better.
I use a little solder paste on the solder wick ... it aids in flow to the wick =)
nice video Gil
Hello Mr. Prepper, another question if I may: I am currently starting amateur radio with 27MC (11meter band). Can you tell me if this radio would also do 27MC on 11 meter please? (I could see 10 and 12 meters are supported in another fw) If it could also do that, it would be my dream :-) Thanx
This one does not. Another version should come out soon with higher frequencies, but not sure if it will transmit out of band..
Nice..................
awesome review, want one now... How would you go about tuning that thing? What is there to tune?
My next step... DL2MAN has a tuning video on his site...
@@RadioPrepper Thanx, i will look that up!
Very nice build for me the scarey part is the toroid coils
it isn't so bad. It just takes a lot of time to wind them :)
No need to be scared. If you can push the end of a wire through a hole and count then you can make toroid coils and transformers.
Actually crochet needles are useful for pulling the wires through....
Hi Gil. Another great video. What is the power meter that you used? I'm struggling to find one for qrp.
It's a kit, WM-2.
Well, semi-prepper, how will it hold up from an EMP, manmade or solar?
Like any other radio, which is NOT unless in a Farraday cage...
Just hide it under your tin hat.
I will say that an EMP is a somewhat common occurence. We simply did not detect them before the last big one in 1859.
@@RadioPrepper You are talking about a CME, not an EMP, which is deliberately caused by a nuclear explosion. CMEs are inevitable, hopefully not EMPs. But they are starting to seem more likely!
Bonjour Gil... finalement c'est ta vidéo qui m'a convaincu de passer à l'achat (compulsif) de ce petit transceiver. Il va rejoindre mon qrpver minion mini.
Super :-)
Which type of antenna did you feed with your QRP device?
EFHW.
@@RadioPrepper With the T1?
I wonder why not a single radio just uses usb-C for power... Instead of using all those antiquated non-standard DC jacks. There are countless batteries on the market that output 12V and more on that standard. I got an ultralight super efficient one but can't use it of course. I wonder if we can solder some USB-C port instead with some logic to tell the PSU/battery what to output.
Is that a generation thing?
Might be... And no Bluetooth..
@@RadioPrepper That could be maybe an interesting subject to explore and make a video? Converting DC ports to USB-C would be super useful for SOTA kits. I think there are some cables that can do that too, but just being able to plug a normal cable would be neater. Edit: I think I found some modules that can be soldered.
And as you are in a bug-out/prepping thinking frame, being able to plug in with basically any modern charger and cable, and get full power. That would be a much stronger "safety".
Bluetooth might be more complicated to integrate, even for solo radio designers like here with the (tr)usdx. I guess. But yeah even big companies don't seem to think about that very much.
Even just an adaptor would be very useful..
@@RadioPrepper youtube seems to have deleted my last comment, maybe because I said a certain selling platform that ends with "press"? So I'll post the important information again.
I found the right keywords for searching the different solutions available. "PD to DC 12V" for adaptor cables that will take usb-C on one side and output 12V in a DC jack. The second is "PD decoy module" which is a small PCB with a usb-C port that can be soldered and will provide the power directly in the radio (or anything else).
I'll look that up thanks!
Hi gil, does this need setting up with a nano?
Not that I know of...
What size connector do you need for power? I order a radio and want to order the power connector so I have it before it arrives. Thanks
3.5x1.3mm
I suggest you cut the encoder shaft short and use a lower profile knob.
I did!
@@RadioPrepper Show us ! Maybe there's a nice substitute encoder part we could use in the kits.
I actually cut the shaft a little too short and had to put a drop of epoxy on the button..
@@RadioPrepper Bummer. I was paranoid about that happening. I cut some off then filed the rest down. Pretty easy b/c it's aluminum. I suppose you could put ink on the set screw of the knob, then tighten onto the shaft to make an impression. Then you know exactly where to cut.
HF NVIS short skip 500km on 500mW
Manual band switch should be better for this trx, because relays draw too much power .
Aren't they latching relays?
@@RadioPrepper omg, i don't know. :)
Me neither!
These are latching relais!
They only needed a small amount of power, to switch from one state to the other! Like a toggle switch, once it has 'switched' the state, no more power ist needed. The relay can stay in that 'set'-state for 10 years, or 5 seconds, until the programm/you, will alter the state for a good reason.
(Switch to an other frequency/band, etc., ... ! )
One of the most power saving devices I could imagine! Simple and very effictive.
After the relay is 'set', (let me say to state 'a') you only power it up again, to alter the state of the relais, from 'a' to 'b' (reset) and vis versa!
73 de Markus ; db9pz
Awesome, I suspected so!
Hey just a comment on getting old I am 56, and I was suffering from a lack of focus, and forgetting things that I never would have forgotten, so much so that some friends actually mentioned it to me. I started taking collagen peptides from Sun warrior, a fair price vegan collagen builder, ( lots of research to find a good brand and effective) and after a week I started noticing a clearer mind and sharper thinking (started to feel like myself again). Just a thought 🤔
Cool, yep, I'm 55.. Will try Lion Mame mushrooms...
I sold my QDX lately. 😱 But I want this radio now.
Why did you sell it?
What antenna are you using?
A magnetic loop, 5m perimeter.
Wow, very tiny. But this is nothing for me to solder it together.... I'm not so good in that! 73 from Zurich!
th-cam.com/video/YomT80uyhxg/w-d-xo.html
Solar powered
Vfo cal
th-cam.com/video/78Kn5H8BOFw/w-d-xo.html
Print the ring for the speaker if you have not.
If making lots of mistakes, be sure to scrub hands after soldering, I think even a little lead poisoning makes me stupider.
Try more light when soldering too, it looks like you are in the shadows.
The screws are M3-0.5 , maybe 12mm, 14 or 15 might be better. Recommended to tap before placing screws to prevent cracking.
merci pour le partage ,mais ne pourriez vous pas faire aussi vos vidéo en français , vous avez un indicatif français
Mon indicatif est à la base AK4YH ;-)
essayer de penser d'abord a vos compatriotes , des tutos en anglais il y en a des tonnes dans tout les cas merci a vous pour le partage
Oui, mais il y en a si peu...
Gil .... good job on the build =) Long time and several moves .... I'm back =) I have one of these radios due with-in a week and glad to see it works great as to be expected =) Maybe make a video and blog post =) de N5VMO Pat
Welcome back Pat!
@@RadioPrepper It has been a wild four years of moving and losing track of parts and radios in boxes somewhere in storage =) The little rig should be here in a few days ( April 28th - May 5th =) Batteries and antennas is waiting in the GO - Bag ready =) de N5VMO Pat
I had an extensive talk with Guido PE1NNZ who is de guy behind de software of this project.
Reason for this call that i checked out the code as being fairly experienced in doing SDR projects i was convinced this CPU would be far to lichtweight do accomplished the job.
When checking both code en schematics i initialy was confused, then i understand what a genious had thought it over.
It certainly does not work as SDR-radios in general work. Not only is the code full of smart and highly optimized shortcuts, also the way the transmitter works it an approach totaly new to me and verry clever though out.
As a result of chat with Guido, i wrote a article for a Dutch magazine which will be published shortly.
Next to the uSDR by Manuel and Guido i own two Chinese ripoff's that i strongly discourage.
Both build quality and software versions of these are lousy and incompatible to the firmware found on github while the price is the same as the original.
Please send me a link to that article!
@@RadioPrepper i will as soon as it is officialy published (meanwhile i'l prepare a translation)
Hiya..you gotta stop these vids..costing me a fortune!!
Recently built qrp labs qcx mini..thought no more kit for now..had followed the development of this rig and was tempted but your vid tipped me over the edge..just ordered one!!! 73.....
That's why I'm poor too!
DO Not buy Chinese clones. Look at the original pages.
It's an approved clone...
This one is approved by the authors of the design. And the seller is super nice.
Dear Dr.Nick，This is the official approve seller😂😂
One of them!
Ham Radio Crash Course just reviewed tiny radios. He agrees.
OMG, is this really happening ? Thank you so much Gil. Watching your channel for quite some time, now I am a part of it :) Get in touch with me, if you need something. 73 Manuel; DL2MAN
Excellent Manuel and thank you for the great video tutorials :-)
I just ordered one just based on the excellent reviews. But I wish it had 6-20 rather than 20-80. I have a KX3 but don't want to risk it on mountains!
Hi, looks very interesting, have you tried it in CW mode? Martin G0PJO
Yes, it's in the video..