Amp Up A QRP Ham Radio With MX-P50M

[@robpark5227]

I loved this video, so true ! I have an FT-817ND and HW-9 with so-so antennas, and calling to the void sux. So ordered one. It came sooner than expected, easy to set up, it's EXCELLENT and I love it. Just what I was looking for. Set mine up with manual T/R switch to allow the different radios. The small size and reasonable battery drain allows better portability than the bigger rigs. And 40W is just fine. It works perfectly and turned my QRP rigs into more FUN.

[@theislandboy8]

iv had this amp for almost 2 years and it's still going strong! I would recommend this to anyone, I did have to make the cabel to fit my ft 817, but it was easy to do!

[@ericj5325]

Same here 73 de KE0OZD

[@timk7749]

Same here.

[@kd5inm]

Same here, I've got the cable working for the FT-817ND

[@AndieMiller]

Liked for no other reason but the WHIPGREASE! :P

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

HAHAHA

[@grindz145]

Came for the whip grease. Stayed for the amplifier review.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Weight is 1 pound 2.4 oz. My wife had my scale and I couldn't find it until this morning.

[@HamRadio2]

Pacifico bound!

[@trevorbradleewest76]

Where did you get that micro floral shirt?

[@instinctsurvivalist]

Ordered mine not too long ago. I now have the time for trying it out with my FT817. Thank you for this video.

[@TheNoCodeTech]

If this did 6m, 2m & 70cm I'd buy it. Great video man.

[@francescaoregan8945]

Well covered and honest

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks.

[@javi_k6tnt]

Good info Josh on this little amp. FT-817/818 users will probably need to create their own ACC connector. I spliced up a Mac 8-pin Serial Cable. There are only two wires you need to connect, it’s easy but wires are thin. And don’t count on any customer service from vendor, I had no reply when I attempted to ask questions. Tons of info if you search. I do notice a draw on battery when left on, so I just leave it off if I am monitoring only. Good luck.

[@Capt_Duffy]

I'm using it for a couple of years with ft817 and z817 tuner, so far working alright. Z817 has a limit of 20 watts...so I don't go beyond 20 watts, but I did try 45 watts couple of times with same tuner and it worked, didn't see any smoke 😊

[@forgetyourlife]

isnt the tuner b4 the amp so it doesnt matter since forword power from the amp isnt going through the tuner anyway?

[@garycowger9579]

This is KB8UGP Gary in WV I worked QRP 5 to 10 watts and worked WAS less that 9 months and I made over 1000 contact less than a year !

[@adamrixey]

I have this amp and made a DIN cable to the FT817. Then I also have a 3 DIN Y cable I made so I can plug in the radio, amp and CAT cable when I want digital plus amp (half QRP power). The Y cable is not truly a Y. It connects the relevant conductors to the correct leg. Labeling is important. The receive power drain on FT817 is so low compared to 100W-able radios like the FT891 the amp saves battery on receive if that is important. - N4NAS

[@Andrew-dg7qm]

Thanks for the thoughts. I’m in HI and am leaning towards an FT-818 instead of a G90. I want to keep things portable but I want the amperage b/c we’re so remote

[@stevepatterson2290]

I just use a 891 , less bulk and power can be anything , for me its just simpler ,and works

[@kbjerke]

Never leave home without your Whip Grease. 73 de VE3GUN Karl

[@JamesHannibalKH2SR]

This amp looks very tempting for my KX2 🤔

[@kd5inm]

I have had one of the amps for over a year and it's a good amp, works great

[@Barty.Crowell]

The intro is my experience so far on 10M at 100W

[@atlassutton3806]

I know Im randomly asking but does someone know of a method to get back into an Instagram account? I was dumb forgot my login password. I would love any tips you can give me.

[@kameronaugustine3662]

@Atlas Sutton instablaster =)

[@atlassutton3806]

@Kameron Augustine i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@atlassutton3806]

@Kameron Augustine It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my account :D

[@kameronaugustine3662]

@Atlas Sutton happy to help =)

[@rjinnh3933]

Thanks for the Heads Up on this amp. I'll keep it in mind for my 'QRP-GUY/uBITx rigs.

[@randallwood8566]

Nice video. I have a KX3 as my first and primary radio. So I really appreciate this video. Thanks!

[@hkomm1]

yep...I have one, works fine...used with 817 all night last year field day...psk-31

[@hkomm1]

@@frankwc0o franz zurcher franz zurcher 7 months ago yep...I have one, works fine...used with 817 all night last year field day...psk-31

[@cylurian]

@@hkomm1 Where did you buy it? From what vendor? I want to use one for my IC705. thx

[@hkomm1]

@@cylurian amazon

[@tangoseal1]

Funny intro --- I just use the Voice recording on my radio to call CQ lmao

[@503Nick]

Intro was hilarious

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks Nick!

[@koshiir_ra]

Amp looks tempting for my X5105 🤔

[@joekrepps]

Love the "SpongeBob Squarepants" clip. But...what timing! I'm becoming a little disillusioned with my FT-817ND. Been undecided between getting an amp or an old school Kenwood "hybrid" rig. Cost wise, it's almost a draw. Just started watching the video. Let's see where it goes. Many thanks for putting this up!

[@bOOmslangboy]

Aaaand You almost killed Your power meter :D Nice save! ;)

[@mikes6844]

I’ve pondered a while whether or not to buy one. My KX3 will run up to 15 watts as long as I have enough volts to drive it. I’m still undecided! When band conditions dictate and have a resonant antenna I do okay. The opposite can be a little demotivating. Here in the UK, spring/summer is the time I get out and about more including holiday rents just in time for the summer doldrums. Even having 100 watts can be a bit disheartening. I did think about an additional 100 watt radio along the lines you mention just to keep the number of units to pack to a minimum. Then portable power becomes an issue. Problem is I love my KX3. 😊👍🏻 73 de M0AZE Mike

[@tristan4777]

vk2qr has done a detailed review, may be worth a look for anyone wanting to buy one.

[@Hamdalorian]

I approve of the resident evil 4 merchant guy

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Hahah you caught it!

[@fastfred529]

Josh I finally received it.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

What do you think?

[@fastfred529]

I like it. Will be easy to carry in a backpack for hiking to a Summit. Tried it on my 20 meter speaker wire dipole, but 10 minutes was not enough time to make a contact. I need play with it some more and to try it on another antenna.

[@fastfred529]

@@frankwc0o bought from AliExpress, very slow shipping.

[@fastfred529]

@@frankwc0o still working great, recently got my 1st 10 meter contact.

[@lyledal]

"PLEASE cq..."

[@bigcav73]

Have you figured out how to get CAT control and TX/RX switching set up simultaneously?

[@AdamosDad]

I have tried so many times with that very same microphone, with very little results except for 80 meters, there they hear me in the noise, so I quickly give them 73's and say thank you and good night.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

On the x5105? Make sure you have mic set to EXT.

[@AdamosDad]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Roger that.

[@fastfred529]

Hey Josh I ordered that amp a month ago from AliExpress. I have my father Yaesu FT-817 and just got my General. de W1FRD

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

How do you like it so far?

[@fastfred529]

Josh I am still waiting for it to be delivered.

[@fastfred529]

I shared you video with the 2metercrew on discord. Said the video was made for me.

[@fastfred529]

Discord is 2mc/hrtv

[@kd5inm]

I have the amp for over a year and it works great with the 817ND

[@stevemorrisby6705]

I'm not interested in the front panel. I want to know what the circuit board and RF output looks like.

[@danielshelley4732]

Great Video thank you. I would love some advise from you. I am a UAV Pilot in RSA with a aviation radio license. One of my biggest saftey issues is getting communication with manned aviation with our hand held radio on the ground usually doesnt reach most of the aircraft we need to talk to, in order to communicate our location. I have been searching for ways to connect an amp to our hand held aviation radios for increasing transmitting power. What type of amp would you suggest for that fequency band? Best Regards

[@N4GW]

I have an x6100 Xeigu, how would i hook the PTT to the amp?

[@gregorykenley5997]

Josh - several fellow hammers tell me that I should not connect my Xiegu G90 to the MX-P50M without using a Relay Buffer Interface to protect my Finals. Others tell me that this protection is only for older Amplifiers? What are your thoughts about the risk of directly connecting the MX-P50M to the G90 without using the indirection of the Relay Buffer Interface ? Greg

[@kk0dj]

I wonder if using "for" instead of "this is" might be the cause of no responses? That my increase your QSO count as well? 😁

[@chilskater]

I bought Japanese version of ICOM IC-706MK2 S(10watt transmit of HF) and would like to buy HF Amplifier. This would be good options

[@joeshmoe7899]

Where is the cat control vid?

[@470smith]

Great video, what would you recommend. The Micro 50pa Plus or the amp in your video?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Micro 50pa Plus. Easy recommendation

[@470smith]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Thank you! 73

[@thomasutesch6600]

Have you done a video on using a dual band amp for 144 MHz and 440 MHz to use with a HT?

[@Ammed_KN6STX]

What do you think of the DIY599 PA500 Amplifier???

[@vampolascott36]

You neglected to tell us how clean the output of this amp is. You're right that SSB QRP is an exercise in futility unless we're in the peak of the solar cycle or you're using an uber antenna. And if you've got an uber antenna, why would you waste your time on a QRP transceiver when you can afford the very best? CW and digital are the only modes that makes sense using QRP with the current band conditions, and 45 clean watts would be the most realistic option if you want to make contacts. I've made FT8 contacts while tuning my mag loop on the fly on my apartment balcony using less than 5 watts though, so anything's possible I guess.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s not the review, but spoiler alert. it has clean output

[@vampolascott36]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Nice! 45 watts will be great for getting heard. Especially with FT-8.

[@Livingthegoodlife9000]

What would be the proper way to hook this up to a Xiegu 5105. Thanks!

[@thereinateam]

"What are ya buying" Love the Resident Evil nod. Would this work with a Buddipole?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes it would work.

[@pondus5002]

Hello Will tis amp work with Camelion magloop antenna 3.0 and Xiegu 6100 ?

[@SuperCapsfan101]

Just ordered some whip grease online, from a Nigerian prince, no less!

[@yugbe]

"The 7300 isn't really back-pack-able" You need a bigger backpack! (J/k)

[@AdamosDad]

I have a G90 that I run into an Ameritron ALS 500m, it puts out 215watts, if I could get an input of 64watts it would put out 600watts. I'm in a bit of a quandary, do I wait till I can buy a 100watt radio like a Yasue ft-991a, or instant gratification by getting a cheap amp, in-line to excite the Ameritron. Dang, choices, choices.

[@nvrumi]

I would love to see someone run an output analysis of these little amps. I'm wondering about their spectral purity and filtering on the back end. I bought one of Virgil Stamps miniPacker HFPA amps, which makes about 35w and it very useful for my QRP rigs. I remain curious about the inexpensive Chinese PAs. Thanks.

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

I was also wondering what the output filtering is like on these. On eBay UK you can buy a 45W linear amp kit (PCB and components only for about £10). I don't know if it's the same basic circuit used in the MX-P50X??. I cannot see any schematic for the kits. However, looking at the components, I cannot see anything that looks like low pass filters. Given the much higher cost of the MX-P50X and that it has a band selection switch, I suspect it has low pass filtering??

[@daveryan2148]

Perhaps he could do it on video for everyone?

[@vonbayernDE]

@@Steve-GM0HUU what the amp kit called?

[@daa3417]

I doubt there is any filtering, if you were using this on a regular basis you really should be using a LPF which can be had for not a lot but they do hurt the portability of the rig.

[@RonanCantwell]

Whip grease.... Love it. It's like tube-lube and cone-cream for guitar amps. 😂

[@UnderTheBigOak]

I'm sorry, what? My mind went elsewhere.

[@TheFossilChannel]

interesting thoughts, thanks for the video. I have filmed a video on my three radio bags i use for go bags sota and pota. I have the 817, kx3, and x5105. I think you might find them interesting.

[@dwatson4]

How would you activate the amp if your Qrp radio doesn’t have an accessory port to activate the amp? Could I build an interface to handle that?

[@burungbaguette]

The resident evil merchant reference.. haa! But I could be wrong tho

[@allenbryant]

Someone needs to figure out how to use all of those Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee etc batteries that are floating around out there. I have 8 5ah Makita batteries that are just longing to power a radio.

[@Barty.Crowell]

There are plenty of designs for 3d printable battery adapters that seem pretty easy to assemble

[@Barty.Crowell]

Otherwise you could just crack them open and pull the battery packs out and do as you please...

[@ruddyff]

I did that 2 weeks ago with a milueakee battery got the 3d adapter from Amazon

[@allenbryant]

@@ruddyff what about the circuit necessary to get the voltage from 18 to 13.8ish

[@elvinpena8788]

I used an old damaged/shorted multi-chemistry (green type have enough room inside to fit a voltage regulator) Ryobi 18v+ battery charger, gutted it, stripped the PCB from all it's components except the battery contacts where the battery sits in, then cut and discarded the other half of the board to make room for a 24v to 12v 25amp golf cart voltage regulator. I soldered the voltage regulator input leads to the PCB board battery contact points with a 25 amp inline fuse. The regulator output cables come out the of the existing housing power cable hole and added Anderson power-poles and a fuse holder to the output lines. I get 12.23 volts out of it with a Ryobi 18v (about 22 volts fully charged) battery. Soon will add a USB charging port to it. My radios display voltage so no plan to add a meter yet.

[@EvanVanderStoep]

Ah whipgrease! This is why I love the discord server!

[@itswift]

"cold open"?

[@Darkwoods77]

Hey Josh, I have a xiegu g106, I ordered the MX P50. I've heard some people have been having problems with the relay switching on some hf rigs. Have you ever tried it on the xiegu g106 qrp transceiver? Any information on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and 73's JR

[@BrianConklin]

Great video! I liked the intro skit. That was fantastic! I prefer these to the live streams. :-) 73 KJ7RDY

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Shorter videos come out once a week.

[@RobMacKendrick]

"What shall I do?" Uh... buy a straight key? Little of the old on-off, to paraphrase A Clockwork Orange? But seriously, thanks for this in-depth video. I too am looking for some oomph. If I'm reading you correctly, there's no RX VOX capability here, right?

[@808pathfinder]

how much Volts was going in ? was the bat. fully charged? was a charger hooked up to it ? you should see 50w if you have 13.8v

[@frankwc0o]

I use the IC705 with this amp. I noticed yesterday with my 1/4 wave ground plane antenna for 20meters that my IC705 states that the SWR is below 1.5 for 40 meters! I don't believe it. So I tried it and I was talking to someone 30 miles away. Have you noticed that on the IC705, you will read a low SWR on bands that the antenna doesn't support?

[@thomaslessing5625]

i have see in your video the xiegu x5105 and i have the Mx P50 HF AMPLIFier und have the problem whih the. red cable the black cable is ground but as to connect in the ACC cONECTING in THE TX XIEGIE X5105 can you help i am whitsticker in germany thanks and 73 Thomas DG1XT

[@happyending486]

Hello..can the Amplifier works on CW mode ? Thanks

[@lorenzobiundo8059]

Can you use it for 11 meters?

[@christophersmith1155]

I want to use a Stryker 955hpc 10/12 meter radio in the field. It has 10 watt dead key and 90 watt PEP. What battery should I use ?

[@theotherguy3083]

Will this unit work on 2m and 70cm radio?

[@Ianysm]

No its hf only im afraid

[@janetwinslow2039]

Looks great, but can it be used with *any* QRP transmitter? Many home-brew or older QRP transmitters have no control switching unless modified, and that's not always possible. Does it need control switching or can the RF input do the switching? Thanks.

[@ronlyke]

Great video, Josh. Can you tell us how you wired the connection(s) to the KX2? Thanks, Ron W2PLK

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I looked up the pinouts online for the kx2 acc port and wired it to the two leads that come with the amp for keying.

[@ronlyke]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Thanks, Josh---I'll have to research "Pinouts". I always enjoy your videos.

[@fastfred529]

Okay I have been using the amplifier since June 28. It is working great, often I can start a contact with the amp and then try five watts and can be heard without moving their s-meter. For 80 meters I use a 100 foot long wire into my LDG z11 tuner with no ground. Don’t touch the tuner switches or get a Rf burn. Made contacts in Washington and Arizona. My other antenna for 40-6 meters is the EARCHI 9:1 end fed. Using it vertical on a 28 foot pole that is part pvc and part crappie fishing pole. Have 32 feet of 16 gauge speaker wire wrapped around it the entire length. It is fed with 50 feet of RG8x to the Z11 tuner. Have made 40 meter contacts to Vancouver, NC , Idaho, and San Diego. Have also work 10 meters with a friend 35 miles away with both 45 and 5 watts.

[@milaremi]

Curious about your thoughts of possibly using this with the forthcoming I-705, Josh?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Sure. It will likely work fine.

[@itrstt66]

what's a hip grease?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Whip grease. It’s a joke.

[@itrstt66]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse ok, like greasing the antenna hoping for better performance?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Indeed

[@AlexHabermannwholovestheworld]

How much for the whipgrease?

[@zhaqirhussein]

Where's store amplifier ?, how much money ?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

eBay. Search for "MX-P50M"

[@Ianysm]

What about running this into the 811 amp for even higher output. .have you tried that as that's what i need

[@stacksmasher]

How do I use this with a tuner? Can you even use it with a tuner?

[@mikevhx5682]

Just put a tuner on the output( no internal radio tuner), tune it on bypass first to not overheat the rf power transistors

[@bobc.7958]

I have been running this amp for just over three years with a FT-817 with great luck. My biggest concern prior to buying was how clean it's output was. Turns out it's pretty good. Check out this link, gm4slv-geek.blogspot.com/2015/03/mx-p50m-amplifier-for-ft817.html Mine experiences lots of digital and SSTV use with long key down cycles. Added a small muffin fan to the fins to manage the heat. It's wired into the power switch and turns on with the DC power.

[@brentfraunfelder892]

Does the amp work on 2m snd 70cm on the 817 yaesu radio? Tnx 73

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Only 10 meters and lower.

[@martinsalt1839]

Is it possible to buy the control cable for the KX2 ready made ?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Not that I know of. It’s an easy cable to make though.

[@AdamosDad]

So that was eBay out there in the ally?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

That is what eBay has been reduced to during covid-19

[@AdamosDad]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Yup, 73's kd9oam ¯\_😷_/¯< 144 MHz> ¯\_😷_/¯

[@absoloneresponder9669]

Shout out new subscribers

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Shout indeed.

[@dennisschultz1175]

What is the difference between this and the minipa50?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I don't know for sure, but I assume not much.

[@dennisschultz1175]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse The minipa50 has auto band switching while using the 817/818.

[@EpicArmsandOutdoors]

Hey man! I'm trying to decide between the NA-771 whip and the retractable version. Is there any noticeable difference between the two?

[@javi_k6tnt]

Epic Arms and Outdoors caution on the retractable version, easy to bend & break if u are tough on your gear, I ruined one after a month of use.

[@brianbgarber]

Had a chance to work this with the 705 yet?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Not yet. 👍

[@brianbgarber]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I ordered a 705 & LC-192 this morning, cannot wait!!!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I got it working last night. Works great!

[@brianbgarber]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Oh man... now I'm gonna have to buy one. 🤣

[@vonzigle]

What is whipgrease?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Its a long running joke from the HRCC Discord.

[@forgetyourlife]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I hear its also good on muffler bearings.

[@randymiller7788]

5 watts max is needed for QRP

[@WaIdo93]

Quote from RE4?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

RE3 I believe was first, but he might be in 4.

[@xSikks]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse It was 4.

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

Wonder how noisy it is on its 3rd harmonic ?? 😳😬😃KC3ONO

[@paulkinas7926]

not to plug anyone elses work, but take a look at the KB9RLW (Kevin L) KZbin offerings. He tested the amp quite vigorously in 2 or 3 videos, and if you watch them I think you will have your questions answered. I personally have used the amp about 3 years now mated to my "817" without any problems. Works as advertised. Scored it for about $120 on EBay, after watching them for a while... Overall a nice little amp when you get tired of QRP sometimes (-: Paul NA9M

[@joeshmoe7899]

I wonder if a signalink rear plug can be used for amp ptt.

[@stridermt2k]

Is this FCC type accepted?

[@stephenwilliams5201]

Nice. A full wave. So so. And being a opertunist. I like to work. Look for openings . And all the while its a Tentec 555 that works here. ps pixie2 s run here. And are my pets. De kv4li

[@CripSkillz]

Whattttt ya didn't want the whip grease 🤣

[@lindsayhicks8152]

Should have gone with the whip grease.

[@ErnestGWilsonII]

Your MFJ 4230DMP Link in your video description is busted

[@aurtisanminer2827]

I’d rather use ebay than amazon myself.

[@de_w8tam]

It'd be pretty interesting to see what it's inside it. 73 de w8tam

[@forgetyourlife]

smoke is inside.

[@de_w8tam]

@@forgetyourlife It'll be interesting to see how long it stays inside. :D

[@Johnyrocket70]

I got a toptek amp for my gmrs ht. I hit 10 different repeaters in So California. Talked to a guy in Ventura the other day on the other side of the repeater in long beach. I hit all the mountain repeaters 1 is 80 miles away covering hundreds of miles all the way to Rosarita Mexico

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

That is pretty sweet. Nicely done.

[@jwhardig]

Life is to short for QRP.

[@bigdaadio.K2WW]

Are you sending CQ "for" KI6NAZ, is that someone else? Where does this lingo come from? Any idea what the dirty IMD looks like on a spectrum analyzer? Is this amp FCC "type accepted"? YOU as an amateur, are responsible for the dirty signal not this Chinese manufacturer- Something that should be taught in the CRASH course