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QSX project retirement

 

Hi all

I hereby officially retire the QSX project which was started in 2018 and aimed to provide a low cost, high performance multi-band multi-mode QRP transceiver. QSX was an ambitious project, probably TOO ambitious. I did probably bite off more than I could chew. As a result of publicity around the project it also caused a lot of pressure and stress.?

But things developed regardless; and it was a happy?day when I decided to take a break from it, and put it on the shelf for a while while I continued with other developments. Numerous new kits came about including the QCX 50W PA, then the QCX+, QCX-mini, QDX, QMX and QMX+. Many people noticed and commented that many of these new kits took steps towards my original goals for QSX. I was getting there, step by step.?

Now with the implementation of SSB and CESSB in QMX+, there is at least a 95% overlap between the planned functionality of QSX and the planned/delivered functionality of QMX+. In many ways QMX+?surpasses the QSX plan in features and performance, and does so at a lower price ($125 compared to my $150 target for QSX, both without enclosure).?

I am measuring for example, IMD -40 dB PEP two-tone test results in QMX+ on 40m; that compares to -30 dB PEP measured on the 10W Linear module of a QSX, -35 dB PEP for Elecraft K3S (ARRL lab measurement in QST review) and -36 dB PEP for Elecraft KX2 (ARRL lab measurement in QST review). Of course two-tone testing isn't everything but as a single number comparison point, it's not a bad indication.?

So we'll continue and focus on QMX/QMX+ firmware development. And consign QSX to history, with respect to the ambition, innovation and ongoing development which it inspired, and whose end result is now the QMX-series.?

73 Hans G0UPL
 

Thanks for all you do. I am excited to see what the future holds for QMX+

Mike Krieger


On Tue, Mar 18, 2025 at 7:01?AM Hans Summers via <hans.summers=[email protected]> wrote:
Hi all

I hereby officially retire the QSX project which was started in 2018 and aimed to provide a low cost, high performance multi-band multi-mode QRP transceiver. QSX was an ambitious project, probably TOO ambitious. I did probably bite off more than I could chew. As a result of publicity around the project it also caused a lot of pressure and stress.?

But things developed regardless; and it was a happy?day when I decided to take a break from it, and put it on the shelf for a while while I continued with other developments. Numerous new kits came about including the QCX 50W PA, then the QCX+, QCX-mini, QDX, QMX and QMX+. Many people noticed and commented that many of these new kits took steps towards my original goals for QSX. I was getting there, step by step.?

Now with the implementation of SSB and CESSB in QMX+, there is at least a 95% overlap between the planned functionality of QSX and the planned/delivered functionality of QMX+. In many ways QMX+?surpasses the QSX plan in features and performance, and does so at a lower price ($125 compared to my $150 target for QSX, both without enclosure).?

I am measuring for example, IMD -40 dB PEP two-tone test results in QMX+ on 40m; that compares to -30 dB PEP measured on the 10W Linear module of a QSX, -35 dB PEP for Elecraft K3S (ARRL lab measurement in QST review) and -36 dB PEP for Elecraft KX2 (ARRL lab measurement in QST review). Of course two-tone testing isn't everything but as a single number comparison point, it's not a bad indication.?

So we'll continue and focus on QMX/QMX+ firmware development. And consign QSX to history, with respect to the ambition, innovation and ongoing development which it inspired, and whose end result is now the QMX-series.?

73 Hans G0UPL
 

Thanks Hans, wise observation, and the huge results on QMX are really more than enough to let us understand the reasons.
?
One humble request: if this is the closing thread about QSX, could you post here the photo of what you put on the shelf?
?
Thanks for all the exciting tech developments!
/Claudio, IU2TUL
 

In 1976 Heathkit released the HW8 kit for $139.95. That was what got me interested in QRP as a new ham. The QMX is a dream by comparison, and your documentation has enabled me to learn a lot more than just assembly.?
--
73, Dan - W2DLC
 

Always feels nice to clear the decks, check off the box, retire an outstanding obligation.

And: 95% convergence? The QSX is not retired; you just released v.2 and called it "QMX+"! This is definitely one for the "success" side of your ledger.

I hope the QMX+ with SSB boosts QRP-Labs into a more comfortable profitability with less stress on the principal. You have found your niche and you have your own quirky audience cheering you on!

72 de Todd W2TEF
 

Congratulations Hans!
?
Please don't retire the 10 watt power amp as well!
?
thanks,
?
M
 

Hi Mario?
?
Please don't retire the 10 watt power amp as well!

Sure! We are currently preparing 500 more of the 10W Linear kit. I have the PCBs on the way with FedEx and everything else is here in hand already!

73 Hans G0UPL
 

Thanks - like the QMX it too is unique!
?
M
 

You have found your niche and you have your own quirky audience cheering you on!
Todd,
Who are you calling ‘quirky’?
I think we’re all ‘Just Plain Insane’… and wouldn’t have it any other way!!!
:)
?
Mike?
KK7MMN
 

Hans,
I bought a 10w linear for the impending QSX many years ago, tested but never used....is there a chance I could use it with the QMX+ and your new SSB upgrade?
?
73 Ken G4APB
 

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Hi Hans,

I was wondering about this when I saw the QMX would eventually have SSB support. Not at all unexpected, but certainly brings about some closure.

I recall when you were starting to work on QSX, there were discussions around feature accessibility for blind hams, like morse or spoken readout of menus and other operating parameters. What’s your position on that as regards QMX Plus? Will something be available, or will we need to do something with CAT control and an external device??

Vy 73,


--
Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV, WRVB670?-?Erie, PA
Email: buddy@...
Mobile: (814) 431-0962



On Mar 18, 2025, at 7:01?AM, Hans Summers via groups.io <hans.summers@...> wrote:

Hi all

I hereby officially retire the QSX project which was started in 2018 and aimed to provide a low cost, high performance multi-band multi-mode QRP transceiver. QSX was an ambitious project, probably TOO ambitious. I did probably bite off more than I could chew. As a result of publicity around the project it also caused a lot of pressure and stress.?

But things developed regardless; and it was a happy?day when I decided to take a break from it, and put it on the shelf for a while while I continued with other developments. Numerous new kits came about including the QCX 50W PA, then the QCX+, QCX-mini, QDX, QMX and QMX+. Many people noticed and commented that many of these new kits took steps towards my original goals for QSX. I was getting there, step by step.?

Now with the implementation of SSB and CESSB in QMX+, there is at least a 95% overlap between the planned functionality of QSX and the planned/delivered functionality of QMX+. In many ways QMX+?surpasses the QSX plan in features and performance, and does so at a lower price ($125 compared to my $150 target for QSX, both without enclosure).?

I am measuring for example, IMD -40 dB PEP two-tone test results in QMX+ on 40m; that compares to -30 dB PEP measured on the 10W Linear module of a QSX, -35 dB PEP for Elecraft K3S (ARRL lab measurement in QST review) and -36 dB PEP for Elecraft KX2 (ARRL lab measurement in QST review). Of course two-tone testing isn't everything but as a single number comparison point, it's not a bad indication.?

So we'll continue and focus on QMX/QMX+ firmware development. And consign QSX to history, with respect to the ambition, innovation and ongoing development which it inspired, and whose end result is now the QMX-series.?

73 Hans G0UPL
 


Hi Buddy

I recall when you were starting to work on QSX, there were discussions around feature accessibility for blind hams, like morse or spoken readout of menus and other operating parameters. What’s your position on that as regards QMX Plus? Will something be available, or will we need to do something with CAT control and an external device??

My position on that is that the same accessibility features as had been planned for QSX should also apply to QMX+. I see no reason why not. I think it is important. But there are still other items which must be completed first.?

Forgive me if you and I have corresponded on this before and I can't recall off the top of my head. But do you yourself have a vision impairment and if so would you be willing to correspond on the accessibility topic off-list when the time comes? If so I can make a note on my list.?

73 Hans G0UPL
 

Ken,
?
You could use the 10W QSX amp the on the QMX with an appropriate attenuator, but there isn't much point.
The difference between 5W out and 10W out is half of an S unit on the receive side.
?
Jerry, KE7ER
?
On Tue, Mar 18, 2025 at 11:27 AM, KEN G4APB wrote:

Hans,
I bought a 10w linear for the impending QSX many years ago, tested but never used....is there a chance I could use it with the QMX+ and your new SSB upgrade?
?
73 Ken G4APB
 

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Hi Hans,

We have not, but I’ve been following from other correspondence you’ve had with other of my friends.?

Yes, I do have a visual impairment. Well…blind in one eye and can’t see out the other. Been a happy Elecraft owner for about 20 years anda cw guy :)?

I fully understand the need for prioritizing things like getting performance right, especially when we’re talking about adding new modes. Let me know how I can be of assistance.

Vy 73,


--
Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV, WRVB670?-?Erie, PA
Email: buddy@...
Mobile: (814) 431-0962



On Mar 18, 2025, at 3:39?PM, Hans Summers via groups.io <hans.summers@...> wrote:


Hi Buddy

I recall when you were starting to work on QSX, there were discussions around feature accessibility for blind hams, like morse or spoken readout of menus and other operating parameters. What’s your position on that as regards QMX Plus? Will something be available, or will we need to do something with CAT control and an external device??

My position on that is that the same accessibility features as had been planned for QSX should also apply to QMX+. I see no reason why not. I think it is important. But there are still other items which must be completed first.?

Forgive me if you and I have corresponded on this before and I can't recall off the top of my head. But do you yourself have a vision impairment and if so would you be willing to correspond on the accessibility topic off-list when the time comes? If so I can make a note on my list.?


73 Hans G0UPL
 

QSX SK 72 WE HARDLY KNEW YE
?
?
 

On Tue, Mar 18, 2025 at 08:06 PM, Jerry Gaffke wrote:
Ken,
?
You could use the 10W QSX amp the on the QMX with an appropriate attenuator, but there isn't much point.
The difference between 5W out and 10W out is half of an S unit on the receive side.
?
Jerry, KE7ER
?
On Tue, Mar 18, 2025 at 11:27 AM, KEN G4APB wrote:
Hans,
I bought a 10w linear for the impending QSX many years ago, tested but never used....is there a chance I could use it with the QMX+ and your new SSB upgrade?
?
73 Ken G4APB
?

Hi Jerry,
?
I was more thinking of using the 10w linear because of its reported ‘bomb-proof’ resistance to high VSWRs rather than higher power. I often run with poor match antennae. Plus I wanted to put it to use ?
?
73 Ken g4apb?
?
 

Ken and Jerry,
?
The 10W linear does not have a TR transfer switch built-in and is missing the required low-pass filters with band switching.? These were part of the QSX effort.? As Jerry points out, doubling the power is not worth the extra effort required.? Going to a 50-watt or better amp is a better choice.
?
After he takes a well-deserved break, Hans could modify the 50w QCX amp to be linear, multiband, and integrated with the QMX.? This would align with the Elecraft KX line, which has an optional 100-watt amp.
?
My 2 cents.
73
Evan
AC9TU
?
?
 

Hans said…..Sure! We are currently preparing 500 more of the 10W Linear kit. I have the PCBs on the way with FedEx and everything else is here in hand already!
?
So what are all these going to be used with?
?
ken g4apb?
 

Hi Ken
?
Hans said…..Sure! We are currently preparing 500 more of the 10W Linear kit. I have the PCBs on the way with FedEx and everything else is here in hand already!
?
So what are all these going to be used with?

It's always been the case that some QRP Labs customers by complete transceiver kits (or prior to QCX, the Ultimate3 kit as a complete weak signal modes standalone beacon); other?customers like to purchase kits as modules in their own homebrew projects.?

73 Hans G0UPL
 

Hi Evan,
The 10W linear does not have a TR transfer switch built-in and is missing the required low-pass filters with band switching.? These were part of the QSX effort….
?
Just my point..what QRPLabs products (complete transceiver kits?) CAN be used with this amp ( ideally without extensive modification). Like you said, the 50W amp is not a linear, so not an option for use with the QMX/SSB. Again, NOT after the 3db power increase, just querying the use of the 10w amp as the original specs on this were how rugged it was, but input is too sensitive for use with U3S or QDX or QCX without silly amounts of attenuation.?
?
73 Ken g4apb?

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