brilliant video! Every year when you change your smoke alarm batteries you could have a blast seeing how many contacts you could squeak out of the old batteries. A very heart felt thank you for sharing as always.
Excellent "probe" into just how far one can carry a fit of QRP mania. Seriously, a big part of the success was the care that went into making the end-fed antenna and deploying it. An old hand at this gave some great advice recently: use a RESONANT antenna, well-matched to the transmitter. Any inefficiency in the whole system will significantly affect results at this power level. Great video.
Thanks George - I agree, and all my antennas so far with getting back to radio have been resonant wires that I have made for one or two bands. Glad you liked the video and thanks for your feedback. 73 from Mort/G4BSK
I remember reading about someone at Arrl years ago modified a HW 8 to put out 10 milliwatts and got Worked all States. My best was a Tuna Tin transmitter running a pair of 2N3904s on 40 meters. St. Kitts.
Excellent video. I have the older QCX+ and I love it.I have worked all over Europe from here in Florida USA on 40 meters. Antenna is a half wave end fed cut for 80 meters and strung to the top of a pine tree in a V configuration. All the very best, N2SN.
I've just tried this Tom with a 3D printed cover - works well and I hope to show it in a video soon. Thanks for your feedback, glad you enjoyed the video - 73 Mort/G4BSK
Alkaline batteries have very high internal resistance and normally limit power out to about 1 watt or so, LNR Mountain Topper users have known this now for some time but using a rechargeable type of battery such as some of the hobby RC airplane/car types or the very popular Bionano battery 9-volt pack will give you more power out. I am pretty sure you were averaging about 1 watt based on my own experience using an alkaline 9-volt TV remote battery, I have used them many times in the past and lots of fun to see how long you can last. Great video and great fun to test the limits, keep up the great videos. 73 J
I did a similar test in August of this year with my 40 meter QCX mini. The plan? Work 1 hr. at 9v/200mAh with 2 watts #parksontheair #pota activation. Results? 23 #QSOs 11 states in 50 minutes on 40m. Still had 8.10 Volts left after 50 minutes. From Kentucky in the U.S. had contacts from WI, VA, NJ, D.C., NC, FL, just to name a few. Only stopped because I had to leave.
I had a look at the license terms - and at first glance it seems like the FT817 would be ideal. It's so versatile, you can cover just about any mode or band. They go for around £300 to £400 pounds SH and represent a very cost effective way into amateur radio. I hope it all goes well for you, 73 from Mort / G4BSK
Hi Jake - just the red one - I put two connections on the antenna to give the option to connect a radial or ground but it hasn't been necessary. With these very small, low power end fed half wave antennas I haven't found that necessary so far. There are very good videos about making this type of antenna and the traps by K6ARK (a great channel) - instead of trying to make them super small and light like he does, I have opted for a winding bracket and insulators to help me take them out in the field, all 3d printed. Best wishes, Mort / G4BSK
brilliant video! Every year when you change your smoke alarm batteries you could have a blast seeing how many contacts you could squeak out of the old batteries. A very heart felt thank you for sharing as always.
The QCX mini never fails to impress. I've never tried it on a pp3 battery. Great idea 👍
Excellent "probe" into just how far one can carry a fit of QRP mania. Seriously, a big part of the success was the care that went into making the end-fed antenna and deploying it. An old hand at this gave some great advice recently: use a RESONANT antenna, well-matched to the transmitter. Any inefficiency in the whole system will significantly affect results at this power level. Great video.
Thanks George - I agree, and all my antennas so far with getting back to radio have been resonant wires that I have made for one or two bands. Glad you liked the video and thanks for your feedback. 73 from Mort/G4BSK
I remember reading about someone at Arrl years ago modified a HW 8 to put out 10 milliwatts and got Worked all States. My best was a Tuna Tin transmitter running a pair of 2N3904s on 40 meters. St. Kitts.
Excellent video. I have the older QCX+ and I love it.I have worked all over Europe from here in Florida USA on 40 meters. Antenna is a half wave end fed cut for 80 meters and strung to the top of a pine tree in a V configuration. All the very best, N2SN.
Thanks, glad you liked the video. 73 from Mort / G4BSK
Thank you for a very instructive video on the QCX Mini. I may be buying one in the next month for 20m and your comments were appreciated. 73.
Glad it was helpful!
Great stuff. I love watching about QRP proving that not a lot of power is needed to get out.
G4GHB.
A great video as always. I'm amazed at how much can be achieved by so little.
That’s awesome, you are inspiring me.
I love the QCX Mini…. I wish they would extend the case to accommodate 3x 18650 cells, and a BMS. That would be amazing…
I've just tried this Tom with a 3D printed cover - works well and I hope to show it in a video soon. Thanks for your feedback, glad you enjoyed the video - 73 Mort/G4BSK
Alkaline batteries have very high internal resistance and normally limit power out to about 1 watt or so, LNR Mountain Topper users have known this now for some time but using a rechargeable type of battery such as some of the hobby RC airplane/car types or the very popular Bionano battery 9-volt pack will give you more power out. I am pretty sure you were averaging about 1 watt based on my own experience using an alkaline 9-volt TV remote battery, I have used them many times in the past and lots of fun to see how long you can last. Great video and great fun to test the limits, keep up the great videos. 73 J
Glad you like the videos - thanks for your feedback and info - 73 Mort G4BSK
I did a similar test in August of this year with my 40 meter QCX mini. The plan? Work 1 hr. at 9v/200mAh with 2 watts #parksontheair #pota activation. Results? 23 #QSOs 11 states in 50 minutes on 40m. Still had 8.10 Volts left after 50 minutes. From Kentucky in the U.S. had contacts from WI, VA, NJ, D.C., NC, FL, just to name a few. Only stopped because I had to leave.
That's great Jim - it's always encouraging to hear more QRP success stories !
Really cool. What QRP was meant to be..
Interesting game, hope to meet you next year =)
Next time I will make a trx specially for the game 😁
Very cool idea... 73 de Brazil 🤘🏽
Just the rig I'm looking for, but not sure if I'm allowed to use it at Foundation Level?
I think you would be okay, definitely check with your local club
I had a look at the license terms - and at first glance it seems like the FT817 would be ideal. It's so versatile, you can cover just about any mode or band. They go for around £300 to £400 pounds SH and represent a very cost effective way into amateur radio. I hope it all goes well for you, 73 from Mort / G4BSK
@@Q26Video That's valuable info to me many thanks (M7PVX)
I love qrp 73
Nice video, thanks for sharing! 73 PA5BAS
Is your antenna wire connected to both black and red posts on the transformer? Couldn't see in the photo
Hi Jake - just the red one - I put two connections on the antenna to give the option to connect a radial or ground but it hasn't been necessary. With these very small, low power end fed half wave antennas I haven't found that necessary so far. There are very good videos about making this type of antenna and the traps by K6ARK (a great channel) - instead of trying to make them super small and light like he does, I have opted for a winding bracket and insulators to help me take them out in the field, all 3d printed. Best wishes, Mort / G4BSK
Realmente emocionante 👏🏻
72
I watch all your videos - awesome! 72
Does it have SWR meter?
You can find out all about the QCX Mini here : www.qrp-labs.com/
👍❗️73. KV5P
excellent video and lots of information about a radio i have just sent for, after watching this video. cheers : brian zl3xdj.
Thanks Brian, I'm sure you will love your radio - good dx and 73 from Mort G4BSK