Chip (Kl5KWQ) Building QRP HF Transceiver

For many new amateur operators, just getting through licensing exams and acquiring their “ticket” can be enough of a chore.  Not so for Chip (KI5KWO).   To paraphrase Elwood in the movie classic, Blues Brothers, he’s on a mission.  That mission is to build his own QRP HF transceiver, take a deeper plunge into the hobby, and use his rig to plow through the planet’s atmosphere for contacts.

The Transceiver

His rig of choice; the QRP Labs, QCX-Mini. It’s a low-power, single band, CW mode radio that he’ll build for use on 20 meters.   QRP, meaning low power, is an apt description as the QCX-Mini’s maximum output is five watts.  Ah yes, did I mention that he’ll have to take a crack at learning CW to effectively utilize this radio?

Chip gives QRP Labs good marks for the QCX-Mini instruction manual.  “The assembly manual provided with the kit is excellent. It walks you through each step with clear illustrations.”

He’s also making good use of JARC’s new soldering station.  Chip notes, “Since I am only building the radio at the club, it may take me a while, but I’m enjoying the process and have fun talking with other members about it.”

The Goals

Chip has two main goals in pursing the project.  “First, I’m using it to learn about electronic circuits and build my technical knowledge about amateur radio, and second, it’s an incentive to learn Morse code.”

To learn the code, he uses and app called Morse Mania (Android, Apple). Chip has gotten the basics down for letters and is now learning numbers.  “I’m taking it slowly learning just 2 characters per week.  .  . Once I have the letters and numbers down, then I will probably start using an online service like LCWO to gain proficiency in copying code.  I look forward to the day I can power up the rig and start listening to QSOs and gain enough confidence to key down.”

For circuits and soldering, building a radio is a good way to learn, and in many cases, see from a schematics and physical perspective, the components that makes a transceiver what it is.  Chip added, “I started out by building a dummy load that can be used with the radio. Building the dummy load was the first time I have tried to solder electronic components together, so it was a great way to jump in and get my feet wet.”

He notes that, ‘There are plenty of kits to build on the website, so as I progress in my soldering skills and grow my station, I can build a 50 watt amplifier or build another radio for a different band.”

A Supportive Network

Chip has also taken full advantage of his membership with the Jefferson Amateur Radio Club (JARC).  “Being new to the hobby, I’m really appreciative of JARC’s support network. My first interaction with the club was when I came to test for my licence and the welcoming VEs made me feel right at home. Participating in the club and being in the clubhouse is a great opportunity to learn more about amateur radio, as there is always an interesting conversation to be had. I truly appreciate all of the members that have taken the time to introduce themselves and continue to elmer me as I learn about this wonderful hobby.”

Of course, no radio is complete without an antenna.  That’s the next project on Chip’s list; and, he’s looking forward to Doug’s (WF5O) presentation on wire antennas at an upcoming club meeting.

If you’re interested in getting involved in amateur radio or want to learn more about JARC click here for more information.

By –

Greg (K5DEU)

Chip (KI5KWO)