The New CFT1 Portable Transceiver: POTA Activation & Overview!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

qrper.com/2024/08/introducing-the-new-cft1-five-band-portable-cw-transceiver-kit/?swcfpc=1 Click the link above to read full details about this activation, including all equipment links, at QRPer.com.

[@JonathanKayne]

Thomas, Thank you so much for agreeing to beta test the radio! Without you, I probably would never have gotten invested enough in POTA and SOTA and CW to even consider taking on something as monumental as designing an entire transceiver! And when I told you about this possible project in December, I myself was skeptical about doing it as well. What ultimately pushed me to take the plunge was when my grandfather passed away and I wanted to do something to honor his legacy. I am a firm believer that we stand on the shoulders of giants and that this was a group effort. People like you, Alan, Don, and all the beta testers were instrumental to the making of this radio and helping ensure it was as great a radio as can be! 73 DE Jonathan KM4CFT

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Hey, it's been an honor to watch you develop this radio, test it, and implement all of the feedback. You're truly talented engineer and a swell guy to boot. I really hope you continue innovating and sharing your work when you have time! Brilliant job, Jonathan. Just brilliant. -Thomas (K4SWL)

[@KD9ZHF]

The shoulders of giants are better for antennas! ;-)

[@Utahforrest]

Saying “if you need a manual for this radio I need to redesign the user interface” is one of the most gangster things I’ve ever heard.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I approve this message!

[@billjobes1851]

As a builder of several QRP-Labs radio kits, which I LOVE, I admit I was skeptical of this new radio, especially its price. But after watching your very informative comments on the fantastic user interface (which begins around 16:20 in this video), I may well have to purchase one ! Its ease of operation interface seems exceptional. The pudding proof will be in its actual performance compared with the competition. I predict it will be very popular with hams averse to reading the manuals !

[@blugoose86]

The rig is impressive. I watched Evan's video yesterday. This rigs seems like someone wrote a best selling novel on the first try. Great job Jonathan.

[@Lee-M0VKR]

Hi Thomas, I have built my CFT1 now, and it’s had its first QSO. What an absolutely outstanding radio! I have done back to back testing with the obvious culprits and it by far the quietest sounding on RX, the audio is so smooth and buttery and makes picking out weak station very easy indeed. I could quite happily sit and listen to the CFT for hours (as I did this afternoon) without fatigue. There is a very good reason it is valued at a higher price, because in my opinion it is simply better, and well worth the extra. Kudos to Jonathan for producing such an excellent radio. 73, Lee M0VKR.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Excellent, Lee! Yes, it is an exceptional radio with a surprisingly amazing receiver. I've even found that it can handle contest conditions with ease. Not many teeny field radios can do this. And, you're right: no listener fatigue. I look forward to reading about your adventures with it! ;)

[@Lee-M0VKR]

@@ThomasK4SWL We are due to return to Dartmoor in a few weeks time, so will get the CFT1 ready for its first field deployment, really looking forward to testing it out in the field, I think I already know the outcome though! I have used it a lot in the shack over the past couple of weeks, its just so nice to listen too.

[@Andrew-dg7qm]

thank you for sparing us the ads

[@garystout4300]

Thomas, I placed an order today based off of your great video! This looks like a winner! Thanks again, Gary, NY9R, 73

[@pcramil]

Looks pretty neat! My only question is, what sets this apart from other mini QRP radios like the QMX or trusdx? I understand the menu is nice, but is that worth the much higher price?

[@MadGoat]

We don’t need to bring the trusdx do we? It’s like the mopeds of radios. It’s a fine radio for what it is, but wouldn’t be anyone’s first pick.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It's very activator-friendly with dedicated CW message memory buttons and the menu system is so simple, you need no nifty reference. Also, I like the audio. I love QRP Labs rigs too. You can't go wrong with either companies.

[@w2aew]

I *will* be doing a assembly video, but probably not until September....

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Looking forward to it!

[@NC0Q]

Came here to find out if it has QSK. Found out you are an incredible POV videographer. My gosh I’m entranced. Oh, and the rig seems to have darn decent QSK. Great video, sir, and I am looking forward to meeting you on the air.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Aw shucks. Thank you! And welcome to the channel! :)

[@KD9ZHF]

Bought it. Love supporting him and his innovations. We need more Jonathans in the hobby. Is there room for mods inside?

[@JonathanAdami]

sup? :D VK4ALE but I'm a software dev, so I'll see myself out :D

[@JonathanKayne]

There should be some room for mods, especially under the bottom plate. There is also a header for the key so that you could put a capacitive touch key in as well.

[@KD9ZHF]

@@JonathanKayne, Thank you! Congrats on your new radio! I look forward to using it. I believe your grandpa would be even more proud of you than he already was. Keep doing what you do best. Shine on!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Woah! It's capacitive touch key ready? That's a big selling point!

[@JonathanKayne]

@@ThomasK4SWL yeah I was inspired by Adam K6ARK so I threw that in. It's just a simple header that you can wire one of Adam's capacitive touch boards to.

[@Take5W3GTR]

Another great video. Love these live videos you throw out. Thanks so much. W3GTR

[@Windmill97]

I sold KI5TMS the radio he used to make that QSO with you. An SW-3B. He’s tearing up the airwaves with that thing and loves CW.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Brilliant!

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

👍Thanks for video. The CFT1 RX audio sounds very nice. This is the first time I have seen one. My first impressions is that it is similar in appearance to a QRP Labs QMX/QCX. No idea if it's a convential superhet, DC or SDR but certainly sounds nice and the XTAL filter certainly seems effective.

[@JonathanKayne]

It's a superhet.

[@randalltom9750]

I own six QRP Labs transceivers. A side by side comparison might change my mind... but I doubt it.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You're thinking of the the wrong way, my friend! Think of how the CFT1 will only *compliment* your QRP Labs radios. :) The more, the merrier!

[@BrianMoore-uk6js]

Very nice call sign, KN4CFT (Controlled Flight into Terrain) .

[@JonathanKayne]

I usually say Calling For Trouble but that works too!

[@rabbit6914]

The throw-bag toss was Olympic level -- gold medal for that one. The radio seemed excellent and polished, at a reasonable price. Hope the pre-built (and tested) version becomes available soon. -- n4gf

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Some days, I'm one with the throw line! :) (Other days, less so!!!)

[@TridentMissileTech]

Looks a lot like QMX. QMX was only 155 dollars put together and calibrated. 350 dollars is a lot for a kit. Not special enough other than different bands from the QMX to spend 350 for one that is built.

[@ai5dd]

Ah, you did make a video on this rig, thanks Thomas! btw I love winding torroids, it's relaxing for me :) I also tried to listen for you(via ham alert) on frequency but was unable to hear you :(

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you for trying, OM. :) Would have been great to get your OK signal!

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Yep! once again you caught me asleep at the switch! I was here, but feeding my face with some coffee and toast, and never seen your spot til it was too late! I did go an listen! so either I was too late or just could not hear you? but let's face it priority's are in order. First feed the face then feed the mind and ears. sro Tom! will do better next time . de Ellis WA1RKS

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha! If I'm to be overlooked, I'm happy that it was a cup of coffee distracting you. That, I can understand! :) And, hey, I'll get you in the logs soon, I'm certain!

[@skepticalmechanic]

Thank you love your channel! 73’s AD2ER

[@haletd]

Looks like a great little radio. I don't need another QRP radio but I'll will probably get the kit at some point. Thanks for all the great videos Thomas. Your channel was a big part of getting me back into this hobby. --K5OHY

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you for the kind words. I'm honored!

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

I could hear you slightly with QSB. I tried a few times, but no luck here in MT.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Oh I would have loved to log you, OM!

[@ExtremeSquared]

I love when kits don't use usb-C as power. Usb-C makes sense for miniaturized devices like cellphones. Otherwise it's a pretty garbage power connector if you care about durability or user service of cables or connectors.

[@MadGoat]

That price is absolutely insane! You can get a ready to play out of the box QMX for about half the price of this, or a QMX kit for less than 1/3 the price of this kit. Really hard to justify spending this kind of money on this kit, which looks to have a mostly 3d printed enclosure based on what I could see in the video instead of an aluminum enclosure. The price point should not exceed $100 USD

[@sadelta1]

I'm so surprised... same LCD, same knobs, the menu is practically identical. I'm eager to see an assembly review to find out if the inside is also a copy of the QMX.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Cosmetically, there are a lot of similarities with the QMX and QXC-Mini (I know Jonathan is a big fan of QRP Labs). Inside? It's his own design. It's not as complex as the QMX, so easier to build. The menus are easier to navigate and he gave priority to four CW message memories with buttons on the front face plate. Massive selling point for me. I love (and I do mean LOVE) my QRP Labs products, but the CFT1 is more activator-friendly. Plus, Jonathan is a great guy and dedicated this radio to his grandpa who passed recently. His grampa would be mighty proud that his design was so brilliant from day one. You can't go wrong with a QMX or a CFT1...both home-grown radios. The price is actually not that bad when you consider it's product made here in the USA, too. Right there with the amazing Penntek TR-35 in price.

[@sadelta1]

@@ThomasK4SWL Sending a recorded message with the QMX is as simple as double-tapping the right knob, selecting the message (it will remember your choice for next time), and pressing 'Menu' to send it in repeat mode. Essentially, just two buttons. It's quite straightforward. I do wish he had either thanked Hans for the inspiration or created an original design. That said, it's great to have options, and people will ultimately choose the one that suits them best. However, claiming that this radio is better than the QMX is quite a bold statement.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@sadelta1 So Jonathan and Hans both shared their work and hung out at Four Days In May this year. I wouldn't claim the CFT1 is "better than the QMX." The QMX is freaking brilliant. The CFT1 is, too, in its own way. The CFT1 is a more simple radio--CW only, less menu options, dedicated message memories. The QMX is an insane bit of effective engineering with SO many possibilities. I own two QXC-Minis, two QMXs (hi and low band), a QDX and have a QCX Plus in kit form ready to be built. All of these products are great, in my opinion. Personally, I love the fact that our QRP community lends itself to homegrown innovators! If one is too pricey, just don't buy it. You can't go wrong. :)

[@MadGoat]

​@@ThomasK4SWL Made in USA/UK/Türkiye is pretty irrelevant. People want bang for the buck. And it's also over $500 CAD with shipping for a DIY kit. I know you're doing KM4CFT a favour by reviewing this, but people want something that either blows the competition away in features (not just a few buttons) at that price, or something at a similar level of tech like this, at a reasonable price < $200. I mean, I'd pay up to $200 for this kit, but why bother when I can get a fully assembled and tested QMX that can be purchased for $172.47 or $122.47 for the kit with an aluminum enclosure(nothing 3D printed)? The TR-35 was only $320 (still cheaper), and not as desired as the TR-45 which, sadly, I'll probably never own :( Don't mean to sound super cranky, but there are ways of making things like this cheaper, instead of having the CW "stars" not talk about the outrageous price.

[@johncarty6138]

Can you ask the maker if he could a cw user for a blind operator that includes all controls and menus? Blind ops have no fully accessible radio. Enjoy your vids.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I will pass this along to him.

[@TimHarperW5TAH]

Johnathan, Please Add 80 meters!!!!

[@e4949]

How do you do a firmware update with this radio? It does not appear to have any external computer assess port available. Also, the audio seemed to be overloading the speaker in your video. It that an AGC issue? Is it better with earphones?

[@JonathanKayne]

Firmware can be done through the ICSP header internally. However, you won't ever really have to do a firmware update since we extensively tested the radio to ensure it would be rock solid out of the box.

[@andrewwilliss6500]

Hi Thomas, does this rig have an S meter? de VK5LA

[@EvanK2EJT]

No, it does not

[@stevet7522]

Is this worth the extra cost compared to the QMX?

[@MadGoat]

@@stevet7522 a kit at twice the price of an assembled and tested QMX, or over 3 times the price of a QMX kit… personally not worth it for me.

[@alzeNL]

You have such nice POTA locations - gorgeous benches next to high trees.. just watch in envy :D

[@rabbit6914]

And the parks are never crowded. Perhaps that's due to Thomas's good timing, but it seems miraculous 😀

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It is a bit of timing, in truth. I'm often at parks at odd ball times. :)

[@ThomasK4SWL]

We are, indeed, very fortunate here in WNC.

[@travisdrake2940]

Thomas, I know your all about the CW but you need to do some more phone SSB I love your videos but want to work you on the air sometime

[@yrath5034]

That's your sign to start learning CW!

[@travisdrake2940]

@@yrath5034 trust me, I've tried. Big family and just haven't had the time to sit down and learn it as much as I want. I do get on CW with the automated messages in my radio and using Morse expert on my phone to decipher.

[@skepticalmechanic]

Thomas wants you to learn code! I love what this guy does for Amateur radio! 😊

[@travisdrake2940]

@@skepticalmechanic I want to learn it too. Being a young dad of 3 makes it difficult for me to learn things like CW I've been trying I just struggle to make time.

[@prburley]

@@travisdrake2940I listen to the Kurt Voglman stuff while driving, I started at 17wpm so it sounds musical. I don’t even own a key.

[@sadelta1]

He couldn't even choose a different LCD or knob design to make it at least a bit distinct from the QMX? Even the menu items are identical. I wouldn't be surprised if the electronics are similar as well. But why would anyone opt for this and pay twice as much, or more, than what a QMX costs?

[@JonathanKayne]

@@sadelta1 to answer your question, the electronics inside are completely different. Internally, it's closer to the elecraft KX1 than the QRP labs radios (which use SDR) The CFT1 has one touch memory buttons, more voltage tolerant (can do 13.8v, and QMX cannot) and a far simpler menu system.

[@sadelta1]

@@JonathanKayne thanks but that did not answer the price difference question. It is nice to have more rigs for QRP CW activations and operators are free to buy the one they like the most, but this one in particular just seems too close to a device that is already in the market but with a huge price bump. If it had an internal battery and ssb capabilities... But... Come on... It is a kit identical to the qmx but x3 the price...

[@DL1GKC]

… and it has not 20W power like the 10 bands FX-4CR to justify the higher price compared to the QMX

[@TimHarperW5TAH]

Lost me when you said 40, 30,20,17 and 15 meters. Where is the 80 M band!?!?... no 80 meters and I can't use it for late-night NVIS work. ......

[@Nicktgrief]

sounds brilliant (from a non CW person) I think this was one of your activations I couldn't hear sadly ... you need a 1kw PA for is 🤣. Great fun as always . Nick G8SYE

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha! You know, on occasion, our local star opens a propagation path to the UK. I hope I do enough activations this year that you'll be able to catch me. :) K4SWL / M0CYI

[@KD9ZHF]

Now it will sell out!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

😆