Taking the QRP Labs QMX out for its inaugural activation!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

qrper.com/2024/03/woo-hoo-finally-taking-my-qrp-labs-qmx-on-a-pota-activation/?swcfpc=1 Click the link above to read full details about this activation, including all equipment links, at QRPer.com.

[@w2aew]

TNX Tom - so nice to get you in the log again. Sophie appreciates the shout-out too! Very nice signal - honest 579 into NJ.

[@ke4est]

The QMX is a great little radio. I built mine a few months ago and after a firmware update to fix a CW, it is working great and I am enjoying it. I have used it several times for FT8 and CW activation's. Thanks for another video!! Keep them coming.

[@patrickhall5739]

Great activation. I just finished the build on a low band version a couple of weeks ago and made a digital activation at a local park. Very cool radio. 73!

[@richardtwyning]

Excellent video! Good to see the QMX in action. Glad I got my order in before you put this out, because the demand will probably rise 😁

[@mrjikey]

Great timing on your video, I just received my factory built QMX in the mail yesterday. 😉 Planning to hit an ATNO on the ID/MT boarder with my brother tomorrow, and put it through its paces. Michael - N7CCD

[@billjobes1851]

I'm currently building the QMX kit. To your point, there's an option to make it either a 9V radio or a 12V radio. The kit does require careful attention to build details; there's a lot in a tight space and care must be taken to avoid solder bridges along the way. I hope you like winding toroids, as there are, I believe 11 transformers that must be wound. Mine's a low-band kit. I just ordered the high-band version. They are being promptly shipped at this time. So glad to see you putting one through the drill. Hans has created a fantastic portable rig at a fair, dare I say 'unbeatable' price.

[@NGinuity]

I have two QMX's now and still don't have my KH1. That kit is REALLY crazy and I've been designing and building kits for 25 years now. I put one together myself and the only advice I will give is to make absolute sure the enamel is clean off of that wire. I had so much trouble with the stuff they sent. The second one... saw preassembled for 50 bucks and WORTH it :-). Only trouble is the wait list is like 6 months long right now. Love that radio.

[@harihurtig6157]

@@NGinuity I can very recommend an enamel stripper. This costs a few bucks and is very worth it for building such kits. I'm using a Bernstein 5-181. Similar tool from Knipex is 1511120. I've build numerous kits with self-wound toroids and never had an issue with bad contacts tanks to the stripper tool.

[@NGinuity]

@@harihurtig6157 oh hey, thanks for the recommendation! I'll check it out. Anything is better than scrape and pray, haha.

[@tomking8597]

I’m going to have to finish mine. That thing is so quiet. Great job as usual.

[@votisb]

Love my QMX. I built a Rev 1 Lo Band - such a clever design, Hans is a genius! Compared to the 'commercial' offerings of the same firm factor its at least as capable if not more so and the price is unbeatable..

[@randalltom9750]

Thomas... pair that puppy with a 3aH 12v TalentCell. I have six QRP Labs transceivers, and they all work/pair great with the TalentCell.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Good point, Rand! Thanks!

[@BackcountryGearShed]

I picked one up and you're absolutely right, it pairs perfectly. It's like it's made for the QMX.

[@Kd9bpy]

Just ordered the qmx+ kit....plan on pairing it with my 4states tuner, km4ack efhw, american morse dcp, bioenno 3ah (3) batteries, buddi pole solar charge controller....have my phone and a tablet for digital....hauling all of this (soon) on my Kawasaki klr650 Adventure Motorcycle.

[@JonathanKayne]

I think it's a good thing you took a year to do a field activation with the QMX. Every time Hans releases a firmware update it gets closer to being a more perfect field radio. The early firmware versions were missing some features that (at least I do) consider essential so I had to shelf it. The AGC update is where I consider it truly field ready. However, that thump is still present and it distracts me so I am waiting until Hans gets that fixed before I start doing regular activations with it.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I look forward to less thump in the audio for sure.

[@redtide08]

Is the thump in the local output audio only or also noticeable in the transmission?

[@JonathanKayne]

@@redtide08 only on the audio output. It was cause by the DAC switching between transmit and receive. Fortunately Hans fixed this in a firmware update released at the beginning of this month. Its still there but it's so small that you don't really notice while operating.

[@redtide08]

@@JonathanKayne thanks much for the reply! I just received a mid-band QMX kit that I'm looking forward to building soon. Thanks for the video as well!

[@ai5dd]

I got my QMX High Band version yesterday, I ran into the voltage shut-off issue when using my Bioenno 12v which was putting out a little over 13 volts and disabling transmit. I found the TelentCell puts out 12v and doesn't cause any issues. The shutoff defaults to 7v to 13v if you are over 13 by .1 it will trigger. I also love the internal menu SWR tuner witch lowers the voltage by 50% which puts out about 25% of the wattage, which is great for tuning. 72

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Brilliant! Yes, I think I'll use one of my Talent Cells witht he QMX next time.

[@TridentMissileTech]

Got my QMX back in February. Ordered it in late April. QMX has now replaced my 5 QCXs as my most frequently used radio. Still waiting for my KH1. I ended up building a lead with anderson pole connecters at each end. Within those wires are two diodes. That allows me to continue to use my 12.6 v battery. It brings voltage down to 11v. Once my battery loses some of its charge, I will remove the lead and connect radio straight to the battery. Great thing about QMX is it will flash voltage if it’s too high. To my shock, I love cw Morse key better than my other keys. I bought two and hope to get another on father’s day.

[@hotshotbfcms]

What diodes did you use to bring the voltage down? I've been looking for a 9v Bioenno 3ah and can't find one. de WJ5K

[@TridentMissileTech]

@@hotshotbfcms any 1N4000 series diode will work with a 5watt radio. I used one of the larger of the series. I was given about 1000 diodes from a previous employer. They were all from the 4000 series so I think even the smallest had a forward max draw of 1amp. A diode of that series drops a forward voltage of 0.6 volts so two will drop 1.2 volts. I typically use a 10 ah battery that puts out about 13 v for a long time. The QMX shows 11v with the diode lead in place. Once it shows 10v, I will remove the lead extension that has the two diodes. Get the bigger 12.8 or 13.6 v LiFePO batteries and use diodes to bring voltage down. That way, you can use same battery for other radios that need higher voltage.

[@stuartmartin3408]

Hi Thomas, you need to power the QMX with the voltage it’s built for, the output transformer is wound depending on the supply voltage you want to use.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

So I'm happy with 9V and tend to use that and yield 3W output. I have to be a bit careful because I don't have too many batteries that cap off voltage around 12V--many are closer to 13.2 or so.

[@stuartmartin3408]

@@ThomasK4SWL No worries Thomas, it is a nice little radio , I have a kit on my bench now building it for a friend. Yep you do have to be careful with the battery voltage, some Lifepo4 batteries end up at 14v after charging. I use a little voltage regulator called a UBEC I think it’s for radio control models but it works well and keeps the voltage at 12v. It’s nice and small, perfect for the QMX.

[@mrtechie6810]

@@stuartmartin3408 can it be built for 13.8 volts?

[@stuartmartin3408]

@@mrtechie6810 Hi, no I’m afraid not, it can only be built for 9v or 12v and you must wind the output transformer accordingly. If you go for the 12v then make sure you don’t go over 12v supply. 13.8v is highly likely to damage the power amplifier transistors. QRP labs describes all of this very well in the assembly guide which is free to download on the website. Some diodes in series will allow you to drop the voltage, silicon rectifiers diodes are normally 0.6v drop each, 3 in series would do fine. Make sure it’s a 1 or 2 amp diode for some headroom, a QMX at 12v draws about 750mA to 800mA on transmit on the lower bands.

[@BobBroeking]

Nice video Nice pavilion.... that is your go to place. We looked at Asheville three times to retire there before picking Ocala, FL... not to say we will not end up there. A cycling friend just moved there from Ocala. If I needed a 1 to 1 choke on coax for a random wire antenna to protect my radio would the ABR240-UF with PL-259s and 5 Ferrites coax suffice or do they really not operate as a choke for RF on outside of cable?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I should think that would suffice.

[@daijoactual]

It's a lovely radio. I mean for CW you had this form factor for ages but for digital it's just great to have something that small that you can plug directly to the computer without any additional cables. My FT-817/SignaLink-combo probably been retired from serious portable use...

[@daijoactual]

Also run my built for 12V on 9V. Gets out there.

[@PhilG0BVD]

Thomas, my Christmas present 5 Band assembled QMX arrived on 28th March 🙂my JPC-12 vertical not yet arrived. Very pleased to watch your video today. 73 Phil G0BVD North Devon UK

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Woo hoo! Enjoy your QMX in lovely Devon county!

[@hotshotbfcms]

Hey Thomas, looks like you are doing well and still at POTA! I got my QMX a month or two ago. I've operated a few times with my standard Bioenno 12v 3ah battery. I didn't notice a problem, but I'm now worried that I'm probably messing up with this little rig, as the Bioenno 12v battery starts out around 13.8-14v. So, guess I will order a 9v Bioenno for the little radio. Also, I was laughing at you when you were working split at the top of the activation. LOL Ask me how I knew? LOL Thanks for your videos, vy73 de WJ5K, Rob in MS.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha! I hate to say it, but that wasn't the only time I've ever accidentally operated split! :) I'm sure your QMX is fine--I think it protects itself from any harm to the finals.

[@antonanker583]

I got my QMX recently, firmware 1-00-018 (published 01-May-2024), and there seems to be an undocumented feature concerning the battery. At least I couldn’t find it in the manual. If the radio is over powered the battery icon flashes. After unpacking the radio I plugged in my usual 12v, 3Ah LiFePO4 battery, which charges to well over 12v, that I use for my QCX, and saw the flashing icon. Thought nope, flashing icons indicate trouble and despite protection circuits I’m not going to transmit. Ordered a 9v, 3Ah LiFePO4 battery immediately. Waited 6 months for this little gem so another week or so for the battery to arrive won’t hurt.

[@ChroniclesofHamRadio-yh2ed]

They just announced a mid band 15m-60m kit. Ordered. Looking forward to seeing the kit soon.

[@DaveW6OOD]

Another ordered.

[@ai5dd]

I am fast becoming a big fan of QRP Labs,. After getting my 20 meter QCX build on the air last night, I'm building a 40 meter version starting tonight with the T1 toroid winding :) I will build it in segments over a few days. I am getting a QMX soon as well for 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10. 72 de AI5DD p.s. I am building mine with the AGC and TCXO addons (QCX).

[@captbart3185]

Tom, This video finally got me to pull the trigger on the QMX radio. I'm pretty much home bound for a few months so I'm setting up a small station in the bedroom so I don't need a tuner yet. Quick question; do you think a really portable tuner is worth while? You often don't seem to need one and I do have a nice portable/adjustable antenna but I'd like your opinion on which tuners you prefer, if you need one. Thanks

[@ThomasK4SWL]

A portable tuner can give you flexibility and frequency agility (taking a resonant antenna to a non-resonant band). It's true, though, that I so rarely use an external ATU with my radios that lack an internal ATU (like the QMX). I just find it so easy to use a resonant antenna instead.

[@JosephAnthonyJosefius]

I ordered a QMX back in late December 2023, I was 800 something in line, now as of today it's down to around 280. So by April or early June I'm hoping. 72/73 de AI5DD P.S. Mine is the high band version.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Excellent! I think you'll love it.

[@TheShawna1]

I went through all my wall warts to find a bose 12 volt that actually puts out 12 volts exactly after hearing of similar problems.73’jim kb1pfl

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Well missed you on this one too ! Tom this was one of those days I kept hunting checking RBN etc. all morning long. then decided to go do few chores. and came back to see I missed you. whilst I was gone you came on. that happens a lot. but we'll keep in hunting till we click! thanks for the great video! and activation even thought we missed you. 72 de Ellis WA1RKS

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Next time, OM! :)

[@hakanlindhen500]

Hi Thomas! What equipment do I need to just practice the morse? A key and something to make the sound? Where can I buy it?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

What you need to pair with a key is a Code Practice Oscillator. There are many of them out there...some kits, some fully assembled. DX Engineering has a variety (some can get quite expensive, others around $30). Also, most modern radios have a way that you can configure them to have CW sidetone with no power. Some call it CW Practice Mode. Most modern radios can do this.

[@JustMe-dv5ix]

Hans has now updated the firmware for the QMX, now it has AGC

[@AddFilmmedia]

Well, that took me back to the early 80s. I had a traditional key back then though…

[@abumac1963]

I see, I am not the only one transmitting in Split and asking: "Why is there nobody out there"" ;-)

[@ThomasK4SWL]

🤣

[@patring620]

W1SFR, Steve, of KX3 Helper fame, likely made that padded stand. He makes precision keys now. Nice guy. Pretty interesting.

[@MyHamRadioJourney]

Thomas, I just bought this radio, and it is working great. I noticed that when you key the receiver, it stops. My radio keeps receiving when I am keying. How can I change this setting for the delay? I read the manual over and over and can not find it. Thanks for all of your videos. 73s.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You're talking about the T/R delay. I don't have my QMX with me right now and would need to reference the manual to answer that. I'm not sure if you can change that setting or not.

[@MyHamRadioJourney]

@@ThomasK4SWL Thank you, sir. I turned on the Semi Break In, but it did not work. I feel maybe there is a delay setting somewhere. Thanks for your videos and your response. 73s

[@NGinuity]

Hey Thomas I have some upgraded VFO and volume knobs for the QMX that I printed on my 3d resin printer and bands that I printed with some TPU filament (rubberized feel to them). I would be more than happy to send you a set if you'd like to try, as my thanks for a really nice channel. I don't sell them because I got the design from someone else but you are welcome to a set.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

That sounds cool. I sort of like the existing knobs. Would be curious how you designed yours.

[@AddFilmmedia]

Hey Thomas. I just stumbelled in to your video. In the equiptment list the link to the antenna you use isn’t valid… Would it be possible for you to add a new link to just the antenna? All the best. /Lars, Sweden

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Here you go, Lars: chelegance.com/products/jncradio-mc-750-100-watts-portable-hf-gp-antenna/?wpam_id=3

[@ВикторАрзютов-е1ъ]

NICE !!!MNI TNX!!!73!!!from US4ET Victor.

[@Seattle_Drummer]

No chapters brother, Just an FYI, Thanks for the content. K7PX

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you for the heads up! They should be in there now. Forgot to insert them!

[@robertallbright]

Receiver sounds good Looking forward to the RSGB review later Thanks Thomas 73 Rob G3RCE

[@adrianhelwig]

Thomas, great videos thanks for that, short question: what is the prosign you are sending very often after GA I cannot get it?, 73, Adrian, DH1AHL

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It might be UR (You Are and then the sig report) or it might be OM (Old Man).

[@adrianhelwig]

@@ThomasK4SWL it is at min 23:40

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@adrianhelwig Yes, that's "GA" (Good Afternoon) and "UR" (You Are) followed by the signal report.

[@adrianhelwig]

@@ThomasK4SWLthanks, now I can hear it, it was somehow w/o brake between letter so that‘s the reason I got confused, 73, DH1AHL

[@nrfchannel8580]

Nice activation. Thomas Whats App us to spott?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I just use the POTA website: pota.app

[@Philip-KA4KOE]

6856.....your favorite!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Indeed it is!

[@KC2BKM]

If not for you I would have never heard of Zeb Vance.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You know, I really should be recognized by NC Historic sites! :) Ha ha! :)

[@PhilG0BVD]

What's the stand Thomas you have your QMX on? 73 Phil G0BVD North Devon UK

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It's one I bought at a Four Days in May event a decade ago, I believe. Not sure who made them.

[@qrplife]

accounting for inflation, the assembled QMX would have set you back $88 in 1997 money 😂

[@ThomasK4SWL]

At the time, that would have been crazy talk. An $88 multi-band transceiver? We would have thought it a hoax!

[@yt5bos]

QRG

[@barrywendon5168]

TNX Thomas another good video as always 73 de G6JMX

[@williamcarter_CPA_CGMA]

Nice Activation. I have had mine on order since late 2023. Worth the wait. Thanks for the tips about voltage. Very helpful. Bill KG4FXG