Category Archives: QRP

K1 Assembly Burp #3

Posted on December 18, 2015 by robert

I spent 65 minutes fabricating three SMT replacement for a SA612AN chip that is no longer available in through-hole.  The process involved in stripping 24 1″ wires, somehow holding them in place while soldering them to an adapter that is … Continue reading →

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K1 Assembly Continuing

Posted on December 17, 2015 by robert

The K1 RF Board assembly continues to move forward.  Today, 24 components were installed in 70 minutes.  Only a third of the RF board remains, with a bit under 16 hours spent so far.

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K1 Assembly Burp #2

Posted on December 15, 2015 by robert

I had a chance to install a dozen components today, but it took about 50 minutes.  This was because the two adjustable caps (C13 & C20) as supplied do not match the manual description or silkscreen outline.  Elecraft specifies a particular … Continue reading →

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K1 RF Assembly Continuing

Posted on December 13, 2015 by robert

After 2 hours 20 minutes of assembly time, there are 81 components on the RF board (a rate of about 1.75 minutes a component).  With 251 total components on the RF board, I’m about a third of the way away. … Continue reading →

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K1 Front Panel Completed

Posted on December 5, 2015 by robert

The Front Panel assembly had 75 components and took 265 minutes of assembly and verification time.  That works out to 3.5 minutes per component and 4.4 hours. At this point, I feel that I’m about halfway finished with the build … Continue reading →

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Heatsink “Accessory” for KX3

Posted on May 16, 2014 by robert

I love my 2-year old KX3, simply the best all mode QRP portable rig I’ve ever used.  The popularity of the radio is evidenced by an ever-growing marketplace providing accessories.  Due to thermal issues experienced by those running digital modes … Continue reading →

Posted in Digital Mode, Gear, JT65A-HF, JT9, QRP | 8 Comments

Zippy LiFe 4200 Battery Self-discharge Test: 4% perMonth

Posted on February 28, 2013 by robert

A month ago I published some test results indicating a Zippy LiFe 4200 battery did have a capacity near its manufacturer’s claims (in fact slightly better than the claim at a C/2 discharge rate (2.1 Amps).  That original curve is … Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative Power, From the OM, Gear, QRP | Leave a comment

A Complete “On-the-go” Ham Station Under Six Pounds!

Posted on January 24, 2013 by robert

Would you believe 5.75 pounds (or less)?  What’s in the “On-the-go” bag? Elecraft KX3 with Internal Tuner Elecraft Paddle and Hand Mic Headphones Two sets of Sanyo XX 2.4AH batteries (16 hours of operating) DC Power Cord w/Powerpoles & Cigarette … Continue reading →

Posted in From the OM, Gear, QRP | 11 Comments

A 12 Ounce QRP Antenna

Posted on June 22, 2012 by robert

My KX3 fits in a small video camera bag, along with all the accessories (mike, paddle, PC cables, DC cord, spare batteries, solar charger, etc.), with room to spare.  I wanted to add a light-weight antenna to make a complete … Continue reading →

Posted in From the OM, Gear, QRP | 2 Comments

KX3 in the CW CQ WPX Contest

Posted on May 28, 2012 by robert

Many things test the metal of receiver.  The ability of a receiver to survive a busy contest is certainly a key test. I had the opportunity to use my KX3 in the CW CQ WPX Contest this weekend.  20 and … Continue reading →

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