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QSX Hans' new kit?


 

Cannot wait to melt some more solder!

Nigel

M0NDE


On Wed, 15 Aug 2018, 5:00 pm Mark G6PMN via Groups.Io, <g6pmn=[email protected]> wrote:
oh now this looks awesome! (QSX40 vid)


 

Previous customers get first shot..especially those who built the QCX80, as compensation for the agony of T1!
--
de K2TL.. since 1964


Clint Sharp
 

I¡¯m looking forward to seeing it, I¡¯m guessing STM32F103, Si5351, IRF520 and FST3253? I¡¯m curious about the FM though. I think this one might make it into my shack as a permanent addition

On Wed, 15 Aug 2018 at 17:34, Nigel Evans <nigel.m0nde@...> wrote:
Cannot wait to melt some more solder!

Nigel

M0NDE

On Wed, 15 Aug 2018, 5:00 pm Mark G6PMN via Groups.Io, <g6pmn=[email protected]> wrote:
oh now this looks awesome! (QSX40 vid)

--
Clint. M0UAW IO83

No trees were harmed in the sending of this mail. However, a large number of electrons were greatly inconvenienced.


 

Who will be the first to work WAC and DXCC with this? I throw down the gauntlet...!


 

From the video (for those who don't have time to watch):

  • 24-bit SDR architecture
  • The QSX40 will initially be a monoband (40m) CW/SSB/digital transceiver
  • A future filter module will allow 10-band operation (10-160m, including 60m)
  • Monoband version will cost (about) $75; 10-band will be about $150 (including optional enclosure)
  • Two mic jacks: Android/iPhone type and RJ45
  • USB jack for direct keyboard and CAT control
  • CW, PSK31 and RTTY decoding w/o computer
  • Built-in sound card for FT8 and other digimodes
  • SMD parts are pre-installed
  • 90 page very detailed and illustrated manual
  • Built-in test equipment for alignment
  • Drilled, punched and labeled enclosure will be an option


 

I sensed some fear in his eyes. He was probably thinking about what's going to happen when opening this for pre-orders. :)
With the QCX flood just now ebbing, he's going to be jumping right back into the fire.
As always, this looks like he did an amazing job. I can't wait to build mine!

Nice Job Hans!
Get some sleep. You're going to need it! :)

Mike M.
KU4QO

On Wed, Aug 15, 2018 at 12:00 PM, Mark G6PMN via Groups.Io <g6pmn@...> wrote:
oh now this looks awesome! (QSX40 vid)



 

On Wed, Aug 15, 2018 at 10:29 AM, John AE5X wrote:
10-band will be about $150
How does one accomplish a feat such as this?? I am so looking forward to an official announcement from Hans once he stops shivering at the thought of the initial order volume.


 

There are some interesting facts about the value of this radio. ?For example, the HW-16 from Heathkit, from what I found, was $99.95 USD in 1971. (It was released in 1967.) It was a 3 band radio, 80-40-15 meters, and transmitted in about 250 KHz of those bands. ?The radio was CW only, although there was an add-on box to expand the capabilities. ?Translated into 2018 dollars and accounting for inflation, that represents a cost of about $619.10.

The HW-8 came on the market in 1976 at a cost of $139.95. ?This was a four-band radio, CW only for 80-40-20-15 meters. ?Technical aspects of the radio set aside, compare to the proposed 10 band QSX and the cost of a complete radio, all bands, all modes, with built-in digital mode capability. ?The adjustment for inflation of the HW-8 brings the price up to $621.64 USD. ?Compare that to the proposed cost of the QSX, complete with case, not to mention parts count, at $150 USD. ?The differential is almost $472.

I am totally gobsmacked.?

73,

Charles - NK8O


 

I haven't yet had a chance to watch the video but I wonder if Hans has
made available a pdf of his presentation?

I didn't or should I say I have not yet purchased a QCX. When they were
first introduced I waited while others had their chance to get theirs as
I as usual already had many projects on the go and felt I could do
without yet another for a while. Now that Hans has caught up with demand
for QCX and this new one is on the horizon, I hesitate on the QCX as
this new one would be better suited to my needs with respect to it's
digimode receive capability.

Interesting times indeed as someone already noted.

cheers, Graham ve3gtc

On 8/15/2018, "John AE5X" <ae5x@...> wrote:

From the video (for those who don't have time to watch):

* 24-bit SDR architecture
* The QSX40 will initially be a monoband (40m) CW/SSB/digital transceiver
* A future filter module will allow 10-band operation (10-160m, including 60m)
* Monoband version will cost (about) $75; 10-band will be about $150 (including optional enclosure)
* Two mic jacks: Android/iPhone type and RJ45
* USB jack for direct keyboard and CAT control
* CW, PSK31 and RTTY decoding w/o computer
* Built-in sound card for FT8 and other digimodes
* SMD parts are pre-installed
* 90 page very detailed and illustrated manual
* Built-in test equipment for alignment
* Drilled, punched and labeled enclosure will be an option


 

How does one accomplish a feat such as this???

BY using the available technology wisely.? Many things have happened since the
"old days" the biggest is raw computing power from the 32bit systems on a chip.
The other big event is DDS got cheap and the newer NCO like the SI570 and
Si5351 proved to be both useful and suitable for RF applications.? We are not tied
VFOs that wanted to drift and crystals that if we really wanted a specific frequency
were expensive so we built with common mass manufactured frequencies.? Add
to that the availability to fast CMOS switches 4053 and others and we get increased
flexibility in old architectures and invites new ways to achieve them.? SMT parts?
are a doorway to more in less space as well as improved performance.

When you roll that whole thing into a ball you get capability that is very low cost
and built on software that can be improved unlike soldered parts.

Doesn't hurt to be attentive to the small details that can corrupt even a good design.
This is a very good design with the spare no details approach.

Allison



 

Wow!

I admit I've never been much of a QRPer or kit builder. I'm here
because I bought a U3S to use as a beacon exciter when I got into
2200m and 630m.

BUT... I've been looking for an affordable 10m SSB transceiver to
pair with a 'loaner' 23cm transverter. This might be an attractive
option for that PLUS give me a backup (albeit low power) when my
main rig eventually dies, PLUS give me a rig I can use portable
which is something I now lack and sometimes wish I had. With so many
potential uses I don't think I'll be able to resist this one. :-)

Don't worry Hans. Even though I am an experienced builder (mostly
from scratch) I promise to read and follow the step by step
instructions! ;-)

Paul


 

I'm not saying that it can't be delivered for $150, although that is quite a stretch even though Farhan is delivering the uBitx for less than that.? What I am concerned about is Hans rushing the QSX to market and ending up like the uBitx that does not meet FCC spectral purity emission standards and with harmonics and spurs that the "experts" are finding nearly impossible to get rid of.? Hans, PLEASE make sure the QSX, as delivered, will meet FCC specs and that the radio is not riddled with unwanted signals.? Consider the fact that the majority of hams building these low priced kits are doing it with nothing more than a soldering iron, basic hand tools and a $20 DVM, and either don't know or don't care about the trash they are putting on the air waves.? W0DF


 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

either don't know or don't care about the trash they are putting on the air waves.? W0DF

?

You must be talking about another group of hams that I don¡¯t know. ?I find that a rude inconsiderate and arrogant comment. Completely unneeded.

?

Frank? W1FRA

?

?

Sent from for Windows 10

?


 

Dave W0DF,

Did you watch the YOTA interview with Hans?? He mentioned the QSX will have the same built-in test tools like the QCX.? My conversations with Hans at FDIM and later at Hamvention gave me a very high level of confidence that Hans is extremely capable.? He's been working on the "new project" for many months, so I expect the QSX to be of the same high quality as the other QRPLabs products.

Larry AC8YE

On Wed, Aug 15, 2018 at 4:35 PM, Frank W1FRA <allenfr@...> wrote:

either don't know or don't care about the trash they are putting on the air waves.? W0DF

?

You must be talking about another group of hams that I don¡¯t know.? I find that a rude inconsiderate and arrogant comment. Completely unneeded.

?

Frank? W1FRA

?

?

Sent from for Windows 10

?



 

An all band rig at that price level isn't unprecedented; the uBitX
already does it. I expect the QSX to offer higher performance and thus
be a great rig. On the minus side, it probably won't have open source
firmware. (But I hope it will be designed for easier reflashing than
the QCX!) I'm definitely interested in building a QSX!

We are getting a lot of benefit from off-label uses of technology that
was developed for the computer industry. The Si5351A was designed as a
clock generator, not a VFO. The FST4253 was made as a switch for
various analog signals inside digital devices; using it as a mixer
wasn't even remotely the intent. But they work well, and at prices far
lower than chips that are actually designed for high performance radio
use (like various chips from Analog Devices).

I'm looking forward to the day when a chip designed for something else
lets us build an inexpensive DDC/DUC SDR. That day is not yet upon us.
There is more than one way to build a high performance HF radio, and
it will be fun to be able to play with all of them and experience the
advantages and disadvantages of each.

On Wed, Aug 15, 2018 at 2:52 PM, N1BUG <paul@...> wrote:
Wow!

I admit I've never been much of a QRPer or kit builder. I'm here
because I bought a U3S to use as a beacon exciter when I got into
2200m and 630m.

BUT... I've been looking for an affordable 10m SSB transceiver to
pair with a 'loaner' 23cm transverter. This might be an attractive
option for that PLUS give me a backup (albeit low power) when my
main rig eventually dies, PLUS give me a rig I can use portable
which is something I now lack and sometimes wish I had. With so many
potential uses I don't think I'll be able to resist this one. :-)

Don't worry Hans. Even though I am an experienced builder (mostly
from scratch) I promise to read and follow the step by step
instructions! ;-)

Paul



 

Dave,
>>>I'm not saying that it can't be delivered for $150, although that is quite a stretch even though Farhan is delivering the uBitx for less than that.? What I am concerned about is Hans rushing the QSX to market and ending up like the uBitx that does not meet FCC spectral purity emission standards and with harmonics and spurs that the "experts" are finding nearly impossible to get rid of.? Hans, PLEASE make sure the QSX, as <<<

I'll only say that until its seen, your comments are unfounded and premature for this radio.
I also am very aware of the other radio.? It is off topic to discuss it here.

Allison


Karl Schwab
 

Looks like I will be putting my QCX 20m xcvr on the shelf in the near future!? 73, de Karl, KO8S


 

Hi All.

Well QCX did over 5000 in 12 months.
I am tipping this one to do close on 10000 easily.
Hold onto your hat Hans, its going to be a wild ride!
Hams love toys, and this is an awesome xMas present!
73 Nick VK4PP


 

In the video he talks about next steps being all bands 10W

On 15/08/2018 17:18, John AE5X wrote:
I wonder if it will eventually be offered for other bands...


 

In order to handle the overflow of QSX kits, here's a sneak peek at QRP Labs' USA new distribution center.....



I understand it's located in Michigan, Benton Harbor, I believe.

--Al
WD4AH