Nice collection of QRP radios. I love my KX2 for portable but still like using my YouKits HB-1B. I have to agree, it is a fun little trails radio. KU3X
Just received my X-108G today and have a FX-9A 10 band coming. The only radio I have with internal batteries is the PFR-3 and the 817. My go to radio has been the MFJ-9296, but many guys on the Bushcraft USA forum do not copy CW so making a sched is useless and trying to cut a little weight of the 817. 72 es 73 Lee, WA8QFE (BushRadio on Bushcraft USA and Survival.com forums)
Thanks for the video. Im wishing for a KX3 one day soon!!! So... I have an 817 and I recently upgraded with a WindCamp battery and charge cover... In your vid, I believe I heard you say something along the lines of "I have the windcamp battery and charge cover with on/off switch, so I wont blow the finals." Im decently acquanted with my 817 but I havent done much research on it beyond the manual, so Im hoping you could clarify what you meant and/or did I just mis-hear you? Does keeping the switch off, while not in use, somehow keep the finals from being damaged? Thanks for any response! Have a good one. PS: nice collection!!!
Leaving batteries in the FT817 and letting them discharge used to make the FT817 unstable and if that happened you became a member of the blown finals club of B.F.C. forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/ft-817-zero-power-ideas-before-i-repair.216076/
+VE3FAL1_Fred Hi Fred, thanks for the quick reply. I never knew anything about that issue but I havent done a large amount of research either so Im glad I know now! Thanks for the link... About the KX2 and KX3, I really like both and feel they both have their uses and to be honest, Im sure if I had both, Id likely get more use from the smaller KX2 but I doubt Ill ever have both and Im just not sure how much Id miss the 2 outer bands, etc? After I weigh everything up, I probably will go with the KX2, but Im a ways from being able to get either at this point... I appreciate your input. Have a good one! 73 N8TIP
My name is John WFB, I am a in BC Kelowna VA7MQ. I have been trying to find the source for buying the YOUKITS TJ5A transceiver i the US but so far have not been able to find the source. Can you help me please? TXS & 73's
Don R not that I know of. I have the Mk2 and Mk3 and love them. Just picked up another KX1 4 bander to add to my collection and awaiting the new X5105 and the MCHF to get to my door
Holy cow Fred - you make it hard to keep up with the Jones' !!! I saw this video because it was suggested after I did a search on MCHF. A nearby ham just got one. Sure looks good. He bought a case that was over $100 USD and it seems the SMT completed boards are maybe $400 USD so getting into the KX2 price range. Yet, it looks really super compact and sounds good on the videos.
Your dislike of the FX-9A is readily apparent, but the only basis you offer for it is that it is "quirky" without any personal definition of the word. In your other videos, you demonstrate clearly that its audio output stage is weaker than other radios. Could you clarify your other complaints? I am in no way affiliated with the FX-9A; I just have a problem with unfounded bias, and your video demonstrates that you have strong pre-conceived notions about products from the maker of the FX-9A. Would it change your opinion to know that many of the internal components of these radios are made by the same manufacturers, that the actual receive and transmit stages are designed to a common blueprint? Just asking.
Actually the bias is because the rig was not right from the factory. It was sent back and replaced with an updated 2017 version and it works like a hot damn. So zero unfounded bias. I treat all rigs as equals , if quirks, I state, if not I state. I like to play ,sell and trade rigs to be able to try them all. I just actually received new source-code for the FX9A yesterday and awaiting instructions on how to install.
I should add there was a poor solder joint as well as a virtual relay issue that was causing my poor reception. The cw had issues with characters, adding characters whilst sending. Once again the builder and Frankie at Windcamp have taken it upon them to fix the KNOWN issues with this radio to make it a great radio.
Nice comparisons Fred, thank you for taking the time ... excellent video .... Dave, G4AKC
Verz nice review Fred. Thanks a lot for your time. Good job!
Nice collection of QRP radios. I love my KX2 for portable but still like using my YouKits HB-1B. I have to agree, it is a fun little trails radio.
KU3X
Fred a very nice collection of rigs 8-) I too carry the HB1B mk II everywhere with me and use it often =)
Thanks Fred. I was kinda hoping the x5105 would've been included but it was a good overview.
73!
Tim
VA1TIM
Tim Delaney X5105 is still just new and I had a pre-production model but would not include it
Nice collection of QRP rigs - But I will keep my tough, little Yaesu FT-817ND.
Thanks good report
Good stuff!!
Just received my X-108G today and have a FX-9A 10 band coming.
The only radio I have with internal batteries is the PFR-3 and the 817.
My go to radio has been the MFJ-9296, but many guys on the Bushcraft USA forum do not copy CW so making a sched is useless and trying to cut a little weight of the 817.
72 es 73
Lee, WA8QFE
(BushRadio on Bushcraft USA and Survival.com forums)
Ty for the share
Nice collection. Have you tried the Elad Duo ?
Thanks for the video. Im wishing for a KX3 one day soon!!! So... I have an 817 and I recently upgraded with a WindCamp battery and charge cover... In your vid, I believe I heard you say something along the lines of "I have the windcamp battery and charge cover with on/off switch, so I wont blow the finals." Im decently acquanted with my 817 but I havent done much research on it beyond the manual, so Im hoping you could clarify what you meant and/or did I just mis-hear you? Does keeping the switch off, while not in use, somehow keep the finals from being damaged? Thanks for any response! Have a good one. PS: nice collection!!!
I prefer my KX2 over the KX3, smaller and less buttons to hit or break. I take mine on canoe trips and camping trips without any issues.
Leaving batteries in the FT817 and letting them discharge used to make the FT817 unstable and if that happened you became a member of the blown finals club of B.F.C.
forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/ft-817-zero-power-ideas-before-i-repair.216076/
+VE3FAL1_Fred Hi Fred, thanks for the quick reply. I never knew anything about that issue but I havent done a large amount of research either so Im glad I know now! Thanks for the link... About the KX2 and KX3, I really like both and feel they both have their uses and to be honest, Im sure if I had both, Id likely get more use from the smaller KX2 but I doubt Ill ever have both and Im just not sure how much Id miss the 2 outer bands, etc? After I weigh everything up, I probably will go with the KX2, but Im a ways from being able to get either at this point... I appreciate your input. Have a good one! 73 N8TIP
My name is John WFB, I am a in BC Kelowna VA7MQ. I have been trying to find the source for buying the YOUKITS TJ5A transceiver i the US but so far have not been able to find the source. Can you help me please? TXS & 73's
Where is a place for x5105?
most of this stuff is ridicously expensive for no good reason
OM Fred - why do you like HB1B better than KX1? I am using KX1 and think it's great. tu...
Don R never said I liked it better then KX1, at least cant see that. I have used them all and the KX1 and HB1B are like sisters
Thanks Fred, that says alot for HB1B. Is there anything that people are asking for with HB1B next version, or is it fully refined?
Don R not that I know of. I have the Mk2 and Mk3 and love them. Just picked up another KX1 4 bander to add to my collection and awaiting the new X5105 and the MCHF to get to my door
Holy cow Fred - you make it hard to keep up with the Jones' !!! I saw this video because it was suggested after I did a search on MCHF. A nearby ham just got one. Sure looks good. He bought a case that was over $100 USD and it seems the SMT completed boards are maybe $400 USD so getting into the KX2 price range. Yet, it looks really super compact and sounds good on the videos.
you need a x5105 for your collection ;)
I have one in my collection, had the pre-production version now the Version 1
Your dislike of the FX-9A is readily apparent, but the only basis you offer for it is that it is "quirky" without any personal definition of the word. In your other videos, you demonstrate clearly that its audio output stage is weaker than other radios. Could you clarify your other complaints? I am in no way affiliated with the FX-9A; I just have a problem with unfounded bias, and your video demonstrates that you have strong pre-conceived notions about products from the maker of the FX-9A. Would it change your opinion to know that many of the internal components of these radios are made by the same manufacturers, that the actual receive and transmit stages are designed to a common blueprint? Just asking.
unfounded bias would be if he never used one and still knocked it....
Actually the bias is because the rig was not right from the factory. It was sent back and replaced with an updated 2017 version and it works like a hot damn. So zero unfounded bias. I treat all rigs as equals , if quirks, I state, if not I state. I like to play ,sell and trade rigs to be able to try them all. I just actually received new source-code for the FX9A yesterday and awaiting instructions on how to install.
Thanks Brad Snyder
I should add there was a poor solder joint as well as a virtual relay issue that was causing my poor reception. The cw had issues with characters, adding characters whilst sending. Once again the builder and Frankie at Windcamp have taken it upon them to fix the KNOWN issues with this radio to make it a great radio.