(tr)uSDX in a QRP Gear Bag for CW

The (tr)uSDX QRP radio is a versatile and highly efficient radio that rightly belongs in a QRP gear bag. Be it as a "bugout pack" or simply as a portable, QRP, SOTA or POTA transceiver, the (tr)uSDX is quite small yet it packs a big punch.
Specifically, it does the following:
- runs CW, SSB (LSB & USB)
- works the 80m, 60m, 40m, 30m, and 20m bands
- consumes 80mA on RX and 500mA on TX
- stores 6 CW messages for auto retrieval
The beta version of the (tr)uSDX transceiver, 2.00u, allows audio over USB. This means that the transceiver connects via a single USB cable to a PC running WSJT-X. No need for breakout boxes, CAT control cables, Audio cables, or other add-ons.
0:00 - Intro
01:03 - Components
04:15 - Power Up
04:40 - Menu Options
07:01 - CW Callout
08:52 - AZ Spot
10:35 - NC Spot
11:56 - Chicago Spot

[@jankersten6212]

I'm learning CW and I'm very impressed with your demo. GREAT!!! greetings from the Netherlands

[@quantumradio]

Thank you for the comment! Yes, CW is indeed a journey and I view it as more of a marathon rather than a sprint. FYI I've noticed an improvement in my CW copying & sending from a year ago so it is a cumulative effect. It's a fun journey. Enjoy the ride & 73!

[@janiceemery2008]

I am learning CW also. I am very intrigued by this radio. I think it is its size and how well it does for the size it is. Do you really like the radio and would you recommend it? Thank you for sharing this video. I love it.

[@quantumradio]

Thank you for the comment. The (tr)uSDX is my one and only POTA rig now a days and works great on CW mode. I've taken it to state parks in my area and even activated (CW) a park in England with it. I'm sure there are better, & more expensive, portable radios out there but I'm quite satisfied with it. As far as a recommendation, I hesitate a bit and would prefer to only share my experiences with the radio since we each have favorites and different criteria. I like its low current draw (˜50mA on Rx and ˜500mA on Tx), portability, versatility (CW and SSB modes), and low price (US$149 on Amazon). I hope that helps & 73!

[@jankersten6212]

I'm a newbie, how do you know where you are heard?

[@quantumradio]

Thanks for the comment & welcome to the hobby! You can use PSKReporter's map function (www.pskreporter.info/pskmap.html )to find out where your FT8 signal's being heard. BTW PSKReporter as well as the other programs mentioned here can be found doing a quick google search on your browser.
If you can do FT8, then you can also do WSPR and wsprnet.org has map & tabular displays showing where you were heard.
Also, you can access KiwiSDRs (rx.skywavelinux.com/ ) or WebSDRs (websdr.org/ )around the country/world and tune into your SSB transmission frequency; then you'd call out CQ from your transceiver & check out which KiwiSDR or WebSDR hears your SSB signal. Remember that signal skip may keep the nearby receivers from picking you up and you may need to try the ones about 1000 miles or even farther.
Lastly, there's ReverseBeacon ( www.reversebeacon.net/main.php?max_age=10,hours&hide=distance_km ) if you want to call out on CW. With that one, your CW call will be picked up by automatic decoders and your info will be displayed on the ReverseBeacon map display. Hope that helps & 73!