Category Archives: Radios

Posts that relate to HF radios used for QRP.

Four Days In May – 2016

I recently returned from the Four Days In May QRP event in Dayton, OH. Here are some thoughts on the fun of meeting QRP rock stars, seeing the debut of the Elecraft KX2, and hanging out with like-minded QRP Nerds.  I also share a couple of interesting QRP contacts.

Bottom Line: Plan to attend FDIM next year!

QRP ARCI: http://http://www.qrparci.org/
Elecraft KX2: http://www.elecraft.com
Steve WG0AT: https://www.youtube.com/user/goathiker
QRPMe: http://qrpme.com

FIRST LOOK: MTR-5B (Mountain Topper 5-Band)

LNR Precision (www.LNRPrecision.com) recently released the first  production batch of their new Mountain Topper 5-Band QRP radio.

The MTR-5B is THE new pocket-sized QRP radio to have.  Highly Recommended!

As soon as I took it out of the box and hooked it up, my first contact was CN8KD in Morocco on 30m.  I take that as as good omen for all of the fun I will have with this amazing little rig.

In this video, I show you the improvements over the (still awesome) MTR-3B radio. I then hook it up to an antenna and take it for a spin, letting you see the new four-line LCD display and some of the many cool features.

 

Getting Started with Digital Modes

Want to get your head around the concepts and hardware needed to start using some of the amateur radio Digital Modes? You’ve come to the right place!  This comprehensive video will tell you everything you need to know to get started and it lays the groundwork for a series of upcoming in-depth videos on RTTY, PSK31, JT65, and Winlink.

The following questions are answered in this video:

  • Why Digital?
  • What is Meant by Digital Modes?
  • How Does Digital Work?
  • What Kind of Radio is Needed?
  • What Kind of Computer is Needed?
  • Do I Have To Make My Own Cables?
  • What Cables Are Required?
  • What About Push-To-Talk?
  • How Does A Signalink Box Make Things Easier?
  • How to Connect Radios to a Signalink Box? (FT-817 and KX3)
  • The Importance of Setting Optimal Audio Signal Levels

Using the Mountain Topper QRP Radio

I got the last Mountain Topper QRP radio of 2015 from LNR Precision (according to Ryan).

I’ve been having a ball with this gem for the past 10 days.  In this video, I tell you about the radio and then show you how to use nearly every feature.  It’s a long video that I made for those who may be interested in this jewel-like little rig… which should be EVERYONE!