With limited funds do to fix income and the desire for one more radio I don't really need, I am torn between getting a QCX Mini 40 m or QDX. Why the 40? Two reason 20 and 40 meters is what I use when I am camping or at the park. 160, 80, 60 meter antennas are just too big and for 40 meters, which is also large can be used with my MFJ-1889T, MFJ-BigEar portable Dipole, ATS-100 on a tri-pod. I am also working on a loop using a MFJ-9232 loop and finally a 9:1 unun matchbox with 30-40 ft of random wire and LDG 100Plus ATU. This same setup goes for 20 meters.
The second reason for the 40 meters is I screwed myself when I bought a tech special 40 meter mini (with no case). The owner said he was a major kit builder and the unit did not work and the bottom of the board was running hot. My experience with problems like that are typically simple. This was not. The VR was blown and 12 volts was all over the board so I paid for junk...However the junk has all the coils wound for 40 meters and they look very professionally wound and really hate to see them go to wastes, thus the 40 meter mini.
It should be noted I plan on doing a lot WSPR with my 20 meter and I would with my 40 meter with testing various antenna designs and setups. My 20 meter has the TXCO and I would order the TXCO for my 40 meter. I also am finishing up the GPS and 8/9 volt voltage regulator so I can run hot and heavy WSPR and not hot finals.
As far as the QDX goes it sounds awesome I do a lot of FT8 and other digital modes so this would be fun to have in such a small package. I really don't need it since I have a K3/10 and Xeigu G90 both running digital right now. Both with internal ATU's.? So do i really need one dedicated TRX for digital? Also add lead time to get one and it seems the unit is already having some redesigns. Thus maybe the 3rd or 4th run might be better.
My last option is don't worry about the 40 meter coils going to waste or one more project. Wait until a 40 mini comes up for sale at a reasonable price and hope I still have the cash to buy it. Money is tight in this house and I sell things to buy things and I have a postal MO coming now for something I just sold on qrz.com. So that is my dilemma. Any wise suggestion would be helpful..hopefully.
73 Harry K7OV
