QRP DX: CW POTA WITH MY NEW QMX @ OLD FORT HARROD

[@BrianMoore-uk6js]

Great story about the QMX, glad it's working. If you don't already have one, you need an arborist line with 8 oz throw weight to get your antenna up into a tree. With practice, you should be able to get it over a branch up to about 30 feet on the first or second try.

[@KYFriedHam]

Yeah, I have a throw weight but I'm terrible with it! I definitely need to practice more with it.

[@Utahforrest]

Haha that’s a funny story! Glad you got it out to the field for an activation. Let me know what kind of enclosure you do for it. I ordered the high band assembled but it’s months out. And the low band as a kit. So it’s being shipped to me now. I’ve never build a kit radio before and I’m starting to wonder if I’ll regret doing this one as my first 😂

[@KYFriedHam]

Nah, you'll do fine. Just be patient and take your time. And make sure you have a good soldering station with a couple of different size tips. I'd recommend a small wedge or cone and a medium wedge or chisel tip. The QMX is 6 layer board and can be hard to heat up for some of the larger pads. Also, watch Hans' video with 52 build tips kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnO9kIaOhJJ_oq8si=fIXDPb2LSoc5bBXG. And don't let the toroids intimidate you. Everyone is afraid to wind toroids, but it's simple if you don't rush it!

[@socallars3748]

You'll manage! The QRP-Labs Groups-IO forum is loaded with experienced people who are excellent at troubleshooting and helping folks out. Hans too is very helpful and the instructions he writes are likely the best I've ever seen for a kit. I've built a QCX+ and two QDX radios with great results, I'm planning to give the QMX a try soon.

[@Utahforrest]

@@socallars3748 so funny enough in the time since my comment, I received the QMX built it unsuccessfully and shipped it off to W1NC in MA who did some quick repairs and mailed it back to me fully operational. Long story short I hadn’t scraped some of the enamel off one of the wires and a few cold joints. For my first ever build I’m really happy with it and just enjoyed the process. I’ve already ordered the mid-band QMX kit that just came out. I think I’ll get the build right the first time this go round! Haha

[@socallars3748]

@@KYFriedHam I built my QCX+ and QDX while my fingers were completely numb from chemotherapy induced neuropathy. If I could wind those toroids with frozen fingers, anybody can! Hans' directions make it virtually mistake proof, it just takes a bit of mental focus and if it goes wrong, you can always rewind. (I'm feeling much better now, BTW!)

[@KYFriedHam]

@@socallars3748 Congratulations! I'm glad you had a successful build and that you are feeling better. Hope to work you on that radio some day!

[@haletd]

I've got the QCX+ and QMX sitting in a box. I'm a bit nervous to build them. I'm going to use the QCX as practice before attempting the QMX. If you need a 3d printed case let me know I've got 3 printers and happy to get one to you.

[@KYFriedHam]

Sounds like a good plan. The QMX is not exactly hard, but it is very tightly packed. I have a 3d printer, just haven't had time to design a case. Thanks for the offer! 73 de KO4TFE

[@dugbohamradio]

It’s Alive! QMX needs pants 👖 😂! Once QRPLabs figures out all the gremlins this qrp rig will be a contender . Nice Sweden DX - the bands are awesome!

[@KYFriedHam]

😂Yep, working on his new duds. Yeah, it's an impressive little rig. I'm thinking of picking up the high band kit also.

[@dugbohamradio]

@@KYFriedHam I thought I heard that a few SOTA operators are trying to get Hans to release a 40-15 M version which be my choice. Fingers crossed 🤞

[@socallars3748]

@@dugbohamradio It's been released now and I believe it's actually 60-15M!

[@dugbohamradio]

@@socallars3748 this is awesome ! I building the TR-35 right now . And that’s on my list of next kit builds !