[bars] Inexpensive HF QRP?

[Christopher Lennon]

Actually that really is helpful.  If ft8 is primary, and other things can
be sacrificed then a QRP Labs QDX would work.  As a kit they are cheap and
a relatively easy build.  Built there is a long lead time.  More modes: CW
and SSB and a QMX would be good.  That kit is a tougher build, and built
there is a long lead time.  The QRP Labs offerings have a built in sound
card, so interface with the computer for digital modes is easy

The Xiegu G90 and G106 require extra equipment to interface to the computer
for digital modes is required. DE19 to do that can be found at Radioddity.

Chris
W2BPL

Sent from my phone.

On Wed, Aug 27, 2025, 12:21 PM Juan Jiménez via bars <bars at w1hh.org> wrote:

> I've been an engineer since 1983.
>
> I am looking for suggestions, not precise answers. All I know is that I
> have a limited budget and he would like to do FT8 and try other modes.
> Anything above $200 will be too expensive. He's not a relative or anything
> like that.
>
> 73,
> K1CPR
> Juan
>
>
> On Wed, Aug 27, 2025 at 1:29 PM Jwahar Bammi <jbammi at mac.com> wrote:
>
>> Your requirements are vague (at least for us engineers who need
>> precision), don’t know if you want all mode, CW only and what you consider
>> inexpensive:
>>
>>
>>
>> My Top choices for all mode and “cheap” as in $$, would be in order
>>
>>    - QRPLabs – QMX or QMX+  - all mode, killer receiver, CW, SSB (with
>>    current firmware) and (limited) Digital (can’t do multi-tone)
>>    - BG2FX  FX4-CR ($550, don’t know if you consider that in your
>>    inexpensive category). Updated with Open Source V2 firmware this
>>    - Xiegu G90 (often on sale for < $450 from Radioddity)
>>
>>
>>
>> if you are looking for CW only and $$ cheap in order:
>>
>>    - Any of the QRPLab rigs QCX, QMX, QMX+
>>    - CFT-1 from KM4CFT
>>    - Any of the LNR Precision Mountain Topper (5-B)
>>    - QRPme Tuna tin radios
>>
>>
>>
>> 73 de ws1m
>>
>> Bammi
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* bars <bars-bounces at w1hh.org> *On Behalf Of *Juan Jiménez via bars
>> *Sent:* Wednesday, August 27, 2025 9:19 AM
>> *To:* w1hh <bars at w1hh.org>
>> *Subject:* [bars] Inexpensive HF QRP?
>>
>>
>>
>> Any suggestions for an inexpensive HF QRP rig? I am going to Argentina
>> for my godson's wedding in November, and I want to take something to gift a
>> (very) handicapped member of my wife's hometown HAM club over there.
>>
>>
>>
>> No Alibaba or anything like that, they are posting ads for rigs at a
>> little over a dollar and over $100 in shipping, trying to snag unsuspecting
>> fools.
>>
>>
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> K1CPR
>>
>> Juan
>>
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