Charlie! Thanks so much for the disassembly video. My CFT1 gets delivered tomorrow and I'm very excited to tackle it. I'm a new builder but I've assembled two QMX rigs over the last few months. This rig looks very straight forward. I recently did a video with Jonathan's paddle and I have his EFHW showing up with the rig as well. 73 de KI7QCF
Appreciate the walkthrough, and then showing it off in the field. The tone is beautiful - seems like this radio could be used comfortably all day. So exciting to have a newcomer in the niche area of QRP kit design!
Hi guys! I actually asked Ara to let you guys play with his at a SOTA activation sometime in the future! I'm curious to see what the SOTA cat's opinion is on this new radio! 73 de KM4CFT
Hi Charlie, quick update. I have built my CFT1 now, and it’s had its first QSO. What an absolutely outstanding radio! I have done back to back testing with the obvious culprits and it by far the quietest sounding on RX, the audio is so smooth and buttery and makes picking out weak station very easy indeed. I could quite happily sit and listen to the CFT for hours (as I did this afternoon) without fatigue. There is a very good reason it is valued at a higher price, because in my opinion it is simply better, and well worth the extra. Kudos to Jonathan for producing such an excellent radio. 73, Lee M0VKR.
Great job Charlie! I like how you transcribe the code with errors and all. I do the same thing. Shows the viewers that we all make mistakes but just keep on rolling and nobody cares. Beautiful activation zone and looks like a great little radio. 73 Bob WV7W
Thank you. Glad you show the mistakes too. I was a bit self conscious on the first one or two that I released with mistakes but I think it is appreciated and useful to other to include.
Thanks for video. I wondered if the manual/instructions have a schematic? I was curious to know what the architecture is (superhet, DC, SDR?). I just like to know something about what I am building when it comes to kits. The CFT1 looks nice and sounds very nice on RX. The dedicated memory buttons are a nice feature.
The manual has a schematic. There is also a high resolution schematic available for download as well on the documents page of ham gadgets. The radio is a superhet.
You could totally make this into a smartphone like radio. Have a touchscreen on top and put layers for different bands and a tuner. Probably would cost a lot though.
Unfortunately all of those features would require hardware changes to implement. SWR reading requires an SWR bridge, power output requires either an SWR bridge or similar circuit, and cw decoder requires an S meter. Also, I literally don't have any space on the firmware to add any more features so I can't really make them even if i wanted to!
Well, they are both great radios. Hans and Jonathan are both great guys with good designs. I haven't used my QMX in the field yet so couldn't say. Maybe somebody else will read this and give a fair assessment.
@@RedSummitRFthanks for the response. I've continued asking around and haven't gotten any definitive answers as far as stand out features, but the CFT-1 definitely seems to have a few fans already. I'd love to see a comparison video that really breaks down the differences. Good job on the CFT-1 video, anyhow.
How well does the CFT1 tolerate high SWR. Am I going to blow the finals with an SWR of 3 on 17m? Same question, but could I use an autotuner (T1) and not risk the finals?
In our testing, the CFT1 handles high SWR extremely well. The advantage of using IRF510 in the finals is that they are incredibly overkill for QRP, so bad SWR isn't gonna be a problem. I also included over current protection so by the time the finals would be in danger the PTC fuse would have kicked in ages ago.
@@JonathanKayne Excellent. This gives the CFT1 a significant advantage over the QMX for both input voltage range and SWR tolerance. Add a 9:1 random wire and a T1 tuner for a perfect POTA kit.
Even if you do manage to blow the IRF510, replacing it will not break the bank. About $2 and readily available. I wonder if the IRF510 is why the TX power drops off a little on the higher bands?
I've said it before and I'll say it again... You can get a fully assembled and tested, ready to play, QRP-Labs QMX for less than half the price of this - QMX is enclosed in Aluminum, looks and feels premium for a great price, can do digital(not that I'm into that mode), will be able to do SSB, built in SWR meter. It's an SDR, which means features can and have been added with simple software updates. - CFT1 Has a cheap & thick 3D printed enclosure that's not really a premium feel for that price point, has to be built(a QMX kit costs less than 1/3 the price if you want to build something), can only do CW, Does have better voltage tolerance(not a big deal for experienced users), and has memory buttons(😮worth the $200 extra), I can't imagine what he'll charge for assembled kits, $450-500?. This radio doesn't offer anything groundbreaking that justifies this high price point. This kit should really have cost no more than $100-150.
I think most people have an open mind about new radio designs, and let things shake out a little before forming opinions. It's an incredible accomplishment to design and bring to market a radio at the age of 25. I've said it before and I'll say it again . . . value is measured differently from one individual to another. It's worth every penny to me.
Nice, I've built two QRP-Labs QCX-Minis, I would love to build this kit. 72 de AI5DD joe. p.s. I had to hide the video since I didn't want to see the translations (I like to head copy)
Charlie! Thanks so much for the disassembly video. My CFT1 gets delivered tomorrow and I'm very excited to tackle it. I'm a new builder but I've assembled two QMX rigs over the last few months. This rig looks very straight forward. I recently did a video with Jonathan's paddle and I have his EFHW showing up with the rig as well. 73 de KI7QCF
I hope you enjoy the build and use!
@@RedSummitRF will do! Also - somebody told me you’re also a BYU fan. Hope to catch you at a game this fall maybe we can SOTA the Y.
@@Utahforrest ah cool! I am a BYU fan and Alum. I usually fly down for one game a year. Will let you know. No plans yet.
Appreciate the walkthrough, and then showing it off in the field. The tone is beautiful - seems like this radio could be used comfortably all day. So exciting to have a newcomer in the niche area of QRP kit design!
Hi guys! I actually asked Ara to let you guys play with his at a SOTA activation sometime in the future! I'm curious to see what the SOTA cat's opinion is on this new radio!
73 de KM4CFT
I agree, it yes, I find the radio very pleasant to operate.
Thanks Jonathan
Hi Charlie, quick update. I have built my CFT1 now, and it’s had its first QSO. What an absolutely outstanding radio! I have done back to back testing with the obvious culprits and it by far the quietest sounding on RX, the audio is so smooth and buttery and makes picking out weak station very easy indeed. I could quite happily sit and listen to the CFT for hours (as I did this afternoon) without fatigue. There is a very good reason it is valued at a higher price, because in my opinion it is simply better, and well worth the extra. Kudos to Jonathan for producing such an excellent radio. 73, Lee M0VKR.
Great job Charlie! I like how you transcribe the code with errors and all. I do the same thing. Shows the viewers that we all make mistakes but just keep on rolling and nobody cares. Beautiful activation zone and looks like a great little radio.
73
Bob WV7W
Thank you. Glad you show the mistakes too. I was a bit self conscious on the first one or two that I released with mistakes but I think it is appreciated and useful to other to include.
That looks like a cool little rig. Easy enough for a beginner to build, but practical and not just a toy.
Definitely - thanks for your comment.
Looks like a well thought out, purpose built rig! I really like the easy to navigate menu system. 73, Patrick KF4LMZ
Thank you Patrick
Great rig Charlie and love the memory sign off button.
The memory buttons are great, yes
great video Charlie, looking forward to getting mine soon.
Right on, Lee. Enjoy!
Thanks for the demo and review
You bet, Joe
Super nice rxer on this little guy
Thanks, Jay
Thanks for video. I wondered if the manual/instructions have a schematic? I was curious to know what the architecture is (superhet, DC, SDR?). I just like to know something about what I am building when it comes to kits. The CFT1 looks nice and sounds very nice on RX. The dedicated memory buttons are a nice feature.
The manual has a schematic. There is also a high resolution schematic available for download as well on the documents page of ham gadgets.
The radio is a superhet.
@@JonathanKayne Thanks for the reply. I shall take a look.
You could totally make this into a smartphone like radio. Have a touchscreen on top and put layers for different bands and a tuner. Probably would cost a lot though.
Like the RFinder cell phones?
thank you
Thanks for watching and supporting
40m: 8W, 30m: 5W, 20m: 5W, 17m: 3W, 15m: 3W. Nice.
Thanks for your continued support, my friend.
I wish it had 80 meters. 80M at night is amazing, NVIS is very useful. ADD 80 M!!!
$349.95 + Shipping !!! You would be better off going for the Xiegu G90
Some folks really like the G90
Hello - Yes - I was considering the G90 for a log time - I eventually bought one - being a CW op I find the G90 a super CW rig.
Very similar conceptually to the TruSDX with the sandwiched RF and main boards, but obviously a little higher end (and a little more $$$ 😂)
true
Nice looking radio I think I am going to try to purchase one Any other options coming in firmware like power output, cw decoder, swr reading etc
Unfortunately all of those features would require hardware changes to implement.
SWR reading requires an SWR bridge, power output requires either an SWR bridge or similar circuit, and cw decoder requires an S meter.
Also, I literally don't have any space on the firmware to add any more features so I can't really make them even if i wanted to!
Looks good but it is pricy in my opinion. $100-$150 would have been a better price range.
I would love to see a water resistant version!
Water resistant radios are always a plus! I've had a few different radios in my pack during rain and was worried.
what diferences are betwen rhis and a qmx 5?
Are there any stand out features that set this apart from the QRP Labs QMX?
Well, they are both great radios. Hans and Jonathan are both great guys with good designs. I haven't used my QMX in the field yet so couldn't say. Maybe somebody else will read this and give a fair assessment.
@@RedSummitRFthanks for the response. I've continued asking around and haven't gotten any definitive answers as far as stand out features, but the CFT-1 definitely seems to have a few fans already. I'd love to see a comparison video that really breaks down the differences. Good job on the CFT-1 video, anyhow.
@@BackcountryGearShedme too
How well does the CFT1 tolerate high SWR. Am I going to blow the finals with an SWR of 3 on 17m? Same question, but could I use an autotuner (T1) and not risk the finals?
In our testing, the CFT1 handles high SWR extremely well. The advantage of using IRF510 in the finals is that they are incredibly overkill for QRP, so bad SWR isn't gonna be a problem.
I also included over current protection so by the time the finals would be in danger the PTC fuse would have kicked in ages ago.
@@JonathanKayne Excellent. This gives the CFT1 a significant advantage over the QMX for both input voltage range and SWR tolerance. Add a 9:1 random wire and a T1 tuner for a perfect POTA kit.
Great details on this from the guy who designed it!
Even if you do manage to blow the IRF510, replacing it will not break the bank. About $2 and readily available.
I wonder if the IRF510 is why the TX power drops off a little on the higher bands?
I've said it before and I'll say it again... You can get a fully assembled and tested, ready to play, QRP-Labs QMX for less than half the price of this
- QMX is enclosed in Aluminum, looks and feels premium for a great price, can do digital(not that I'm into that mode), will be able to do SSB, built in SWR meter. It's an SDR, which means features can and have been added with simple software updates.
- CFT1 Has a cheap & thick 3D printed enclosure that's not really a premium feel for that price point, has to be built(a QMX kit costs less than 1/3 the price if you want to build something), can only do CW, Does have better voltage tolerance(not a big deal for experienced users), and has memory buttons(😮worth the $200 extra), I can't imagine what he'll charge for assembled kits, $450-500?.
This radio doesn't offer anything groundbreaking that justifies this high price point. This kit should really have cost no more than $100-150.
Completely different designs though in terms of the radio side. I doubt you could do the crystal filters any cheaper.
I think most people have an open mind about new radio designs, and let things shake out a little before forming opinions. It's an incredible accomplishment to design and bring to market a radio at the age of 25. I've said it before and I'll say it again . . . value is measured differently from one individual to another. It's worth every penny to me.
Just like the truSDX format, However the truSDX kit is much cheaper
There are a few differences but yes, I think the control board is like the truSDX
Too pricey!!! Rather get another QMX. For that price put an ATU in it.
Nice, I've built two QRP-Labs QCX-Minis, I would love to build this kit. 72 de AI5DD joe. p.s. I had to hide the video since I didn't want to see the translations (I like to head copy)
Thanks. Very good on hiding the scrolling translation. Very smart to keep pushing yourself.