Many years ago I tried very hard to get a QRP+. Even arranged for
whole bunches of other people to get a group deal, then went
busted and had to sell mine before it ever ended up at my door.
A few years later I was going to be in Arizona for a conference. A
very nice local ham arranged to come and get me and my family and
drive to his house, have some dinner and play with his QRP+ I
would finally get to touch one.
Well Arizona in the summer seemed quite hot and dry.. the one
evening I went to his house.. heavy rain and thunder and lightning
all night.. I was doomed. Put one finger on it.. but he wouldn't
even turn the power on.
Recently I purchased one of the newer ones and it came Friday pm.
I have since been on 20, 40 both CW and SSB. The reason I was
hesitant to purchase one in the first place was the real
uncertainty of it on SSB. I am preparing a personal reaction to
the rig (not review) been taking notes.
My first contact was 40 mtrs CW.. Cuba, my first SSB was on SSB,
the band was not real good, as a matter of fact .. it was bad. I
worked Portugal first call.. he was looking to work a bunch of
people, but before saying 73, I mentioned I was on a new rig
running 3 watts. Well had trouble shutting him up after that :-)
Getting very favorable reports on both modes.
Was a bit hyper last night between the tuner working and the new
rig. so after everyone was asleep.. went into the shack at about
11pm (usually much after my bedtime) for the heck of it.. turned
on 160 mtr with my dipole.. lo and behold a contest.. this one
always cracks me up.. even with high power, hams sit and yell back
and forth just trying to get the exchange completed. I am brace..
despite that commentary in QST about how evil and inconsiderate I
am expecting the ham on the other end to put up with my meager
station that I don't really have a right to operate.
Well after not getting thu on my first.. worked about everyone
else I heard.
I like how easy it is to use. I like the CW keyer. the filter
seems ok.. not sure I like having to switch it between CW and
SSB.. wish memories memorized the filter settings. like the
memories and the fast tuning. The QSK is just fine. The receiver
seems plenty good. I got the matching Icom mike.. the SSB works
really well.. reminds me of my Argonaut 509, had no problem with
SSB/QRP on it.. and i used it mobile. the split feature is neat.
I was surprised, really thought it would be smaller and lighter..
it sure seems sturdy. I am annoyed with the meter in CW send
mode.. it makes noise.. wish I could disable the meter in send
mode and just have it work in receive for S meter.
I am really happy with the rig so far.
73
Jeff, AC4HF
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