Fred,
?
There is a different answer for each individual.? Do you want to operate CW regularly?? Do you use headphones regularly?? ?Do you want to gain skills in hardware, software, or both?? These questions can drive where you want to spend your time and money.
?
The trend is toward software, so the sbitx was my logical choice.
?
The reason for the v5 from AmateurRadioKits is that from a circuitry view, the v5 and v6 are the same.? The controls are mounted on the HFSignals board and externally on the AmateurRadioKits board.? ?The other main difference is the Raduino.? HFSignals added the TFT display to the v6.? That is not provided on the other radio.? I assume that performance is equivalent.? I have not built the AmateurRadioKits Micro BiTx.
?
If you want CW capability at the 25-watt level, then the sbitx is the choice.? The zbitx has not yet been delivered, so it is too early to rate that radio.? It looks like the zBitx is focused on a portable, 5-watt level.? CW works well on the sbitx, so I assume it will be the same as it uses the same software.
?
On the other hand, many hardware upgrades are possible on the uBiTx series.? I listed the obvious in my prior post.? In addition, upgrades are possible to the audio, both receive and transmit that would give experience in SMD and hardware mods in general.
?
So it is up to you to decide the best path forward.
73
Evan
AC9TU
