Taking the QRP Labs QMX out for its inaugural activation!

Рет қаралды 9,027

Күн бұрын

qrper.com/2024/03/woo-hoo-fin...
Click the link above to read full details about this activation, including all equipment links, at QRPer.com.
HOW TO SUPPORT:
You'll notice I have no ads in my videos. If you'd like to directly support me you can do so via Patreon or my PayPal Coffee Fund.
QRPer and SWLing Post on Patreon:
/ qrpswl
Coffee Fund:
www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
***GEAR***
Note: All Amazon, CW Morse, ABR, Chelegance, eBay, and Radioddity links are affiliate links that support QRPer.com at no cost to you.
-- QRP Labs QMX (Low-Band Version) (qrp-labs.com/qmx)
-- Anker Soundcore Mini Speaker (amzn.to/43Wf0nP)
-- High Visibility Jacket ABR240-UF with PL-259s and 5 Ferrites (Use Coupon Code ABR10QRPER for 10% Discount!) (abrind.com/shop/qrp-pota-port...)
-- Chelegance MC-750 (chelegance.com/products/jncra...)
-- SO-239 to BNC Adapter (amzn.to/3Q44FkY)
-- Key cable: Cable Matters 2-Pack Gold-Plated Retractable Aux Cable - 2.5 Feet (amzn.to/3OUUNri)
-- CW Morse "Pocket Paddle" (cwmorse.us/products/outdoor-p...)
-- Pelican Micro M40 (amzn.to/4arM3TS)
-- GoRuck GR1 USA (www.goruck.com/products/gr1)
-- Bioenno 3 aH (9V) LiFePo Battery (Model BLF-0903W) (www.bioennopower.com/collecti...)
-- GraphGear 0.9mm 1000 Automatic Drafting Pencil (amzn.to/3Ntf1pV)
-- Rite In The Rain Top Spiral Notebook (amzn.to/42O5fa4)
-- Camera: DJI OSMO 4 action camera (amzn.to/3Tf89TH) with Sensyne Phone Tripod (amzn.to/3Zbuz7A)
Thanks for watching!
72,
Thomas
K4SWL
Chapters:
Intro: 0:00:00
The QRP Labs QMX: 0:03:03
Antenna Deployment: 0:07:33
QMX Setup: 0:12:38
Activation: 0:20:46
QRT: 0:50:05
Summary & Pack-up: 0:50:42

Пікірлер: 73

@ThomasK4SWL 2 ай бұрын

qrper.com/2024/03/woo-hoo-finally-taking-my-qrp-labs-qmx-on-a-pota-activation/?swcfpc=1 Click the link above to read full details about this activation, including all equipment links, at QRPer.com.

@randalltom9750 Ай бұрын

Thomas... pair that puppy with a 3aH 12v TalentCell. I have six QRP Labs transceivers, and they all work/pair great with the TalentCell.

@ThomasK4SWL Ай бұрын

Good point, Rand! Thanks!

@BackcountryGearShed 16 күн бұрын

I picked one up and you're absolutely right, it pairs perfectly. It's like it's made for the QMX.

@w2aew 2 ай бұрын

TNX Tom - so nice to get you in the log again. Sophie appreciates the shout-out too! Very nice signal - honest 579 into NJ.

@Kd9bpy 20 сағат бұрын

Just ordered the qmx+ kit....plan on pairing it with my 4states tuner, km4ack efhw, american morse dcp, bioenno 3ah (3) batteries, buddi pole solar charge controller....have my phone and a tablet for digital....hauling all of this (soon) on my Kawasaki klr650 Adventure Motorcycle.

@patrickhall5739 2 ай бұрын

Great activation. I just finished the build on a low band version a couple of weeks ago and made a digital activation at a local park. Very cool radio. 73!

@ChroniclesofHamRadio-yh2ed Ай бұрын

They just announced a mid band 15m-60m kit. Ordered. Looking forward to seeing the kit soon.

@DaveW6OOD 20 күн бұрын

Another ordered.

@votisb Ай бұрын

Love my QMX. I built a Rev 1 Lo Band - such a clever design, Hans is a genius! Compared to the 'commercial' offerings of the same firm factor its at least as capable if not more so and the price is unbeatable..

@abumac1963 Ай бұрын

I see, I am not the only one transmitting in Split and asking: "Why is there nobody out there"" ;-)

@ThomasK4SWL 24 күн бұрын

🤣

@ke4est 2 ай бұрын

The QMX is a great little radio. I built mine a few months ago and after a firmware update to fix a CW, it is working great and I am enjoying it. I have used it several times for FT8 and CW activation's. Thanks for another video!! Keep them coming.

@JonathanKayne 2 ай бұрын

I think it's a good thing you took a year to do a field activation with the QMX. Every time Hans releases a firmware update it gets closer to being a more perfect field radio. The early firmware versions were missing some features that (at least I do) consider essential so I had to shelf it. The AGC update is where I consider it truly field ready. However, that thump is still present and it distracts me so I am waiting until Hans gets that fixed before I start doing regular activations with it.

@ThomasK4SWL Ай бұрын

I look forward to less thump in the audio for sure.

@redtide08 4 күн бұрын

Is the thump in the local output audio only or also noticeable in the transmission?

@JonathanKayne 4 күн бұрын

@@redtide08 only on the audio output. It was cause by the DAC switching between transmit and receive. Fortunately Hans fixed this in a firmware update released at the beginning of this month. Its still there but it's so small that you don't really notice while operating.

@redtide08 4 күн бұрын

@@JonathanKayne thanks much for the reply! I just received a mid-band QMX kit that I'm looking forward to building soon. Thanks for the video as well!

@TridentMissileTech 2 ай бұрын

Got my QMX back in February. Ordered it in late April. QMX has now replaced my 5 QCXs as my most frequently used radio. Still waiting for my KH1. I ended up building a lead with anderson pole connecters at each end. Within those wires are two diodes. That allows me to continue to use my 12.6 v battery. It brings voltage down to 11v. Once my battery loses some of its charge, I will remove the lead and connect radio straight to the battery. Great thing about QMX is it will flash voltage if it’s too high. To my shock, I love cw Morse key better than my other keys. I bought two and hope to get another on father’s day.

@hotshotbfcms Ай бұрын

What diodes did you use to bring the voltage down? I've been looking for a 9v Bioenno 3ah and can't find one. de WJ5K

@TridentMissileTech Ай бұрын

@@hotshotbfcms any 1N4000 series diode will work with a 5watt radio. I used one of the larger of the series. I was given about 1000 diodes from a previous employer. They were all from the 4000 series so I think even the smallest had a forward max draw of 1amp. A diode of that series drops a forward voltage of 0.6 volts so two will drop 1.2 volts. I typically use a 10 ah battery that puts out about 13 v for a long time. The QMX shows 11v with the diode lead in place. Once it shows 10v, I will remove the lead extension that has the two diodes. Get the bigger 12.8 or 13.6 v LiFePO batteries and use diodes to bring voltage down. That way, you can use same battery for other radios that need higher voltage.

@billjobes1851 2 ай бұрын

I'm currently building the QMX kit. To your point, there's an option to make it either a 9V radio or a 12V radio. The kit does require careful attention to build details; there's a lot in a tight space and care must be taken to avoid solder bridges along the way. I hope you like winding toroids, as there are, I believe 11 transformers that must be wound. Mine's a low-band kit. I just ordered the high-band version. They are being promptly shipped at this time. So glad to see you putting one through the drill. Hans has created a fantastic portable rig at a fair, dare I say 'unbeatable' price.

@NGinuity 2 ай бұрын

I have two QMX's now and still don't have my KH1. That kit is REALLY crazy and I've been designing and building kits for 25 years now. I put one together myself and the only advice I will give is to make absolute sure the enamel is clean off of that wire. I had so much trouble with the stuff they sent. The second one... saw preassembled for 50 bucks and WORTH it :-). Only trouble is the wait list is like 6 months long right now. Love that radio.

@harihurtig6157 Ай бұрын

@@NGinuity I can very recommend an enamel stripper. This costs a few bucks and is very worth it for building such kits. I'm using a Bernstein 5-181. Similar tool from Knipex is 1511120. I've build numerous kits with self-wound toroids and never had an issue with bad contacts tanks to the stripper tool.

@NGinuity Ай бұрын

@@harihurtig6157 oh hey, thanks for the recommendation! I'll check it out. Anything is better than scrape and pray, haha.

@AddFilmmedia Ай бұрын

Well, that took me back to the early 80s. I had a traditional key back then though…

@PhilG0BVD 2 ай бұрын

Thomas, my Christmas present 5 Band assembled QMX arrived on 28th March 🙂my JPC-12 vertical not yet arrived. Very pleased to watch your video today. 73 Phil G0BVD North Devon UK

@ThomasK4SWL Ай бұрын

Woo hoo! Enjoy your QMX in lovely Devon county!

@mrjikey Ай бұрын

Great timing on your video, I just received my factory built QMX in the mail yesterday. 😉 Planning to hit an ATNO on the ID/MT boarder with my brother tomorrow, and put it through its paces. Michael - N7CCD

@richardtwyning 2 ай бұрын

Excellent video! Good to see the QMX in action. Glad I got my order in before you put this out, because the demand will probably rise 😁

@noisetinker 2 ай бұрын

It's a lovely radio. I mean for CW you had this form factor for ages but for digital it's just great to have something that small that you can plug directly to the computer without any additional cables. My FT-817/SignaLink-combo probably been retired from serious portable use...

@noisetinker 2 ай бұрын

Also run my built for 12V on 9V. Gets out there.

@JosephAnthonyJosefius Ай бұрын

I ordered a QMX back in late December 2023, I was 800 something in line, now as of today it's down to around 280. So by April or early June I'm hoping. 72/73 de AI5DD P.S. Mine is the high band version.

@ThomasK4SWL Ай бұрын

Excellent! I think you'll love it.

@patring620 2 ай бұрын

W1SFR, Steve, of KX3 Helper fame, likely made that padded stand. He makes precision keys now. Nice guy. Pretty interesting.

@TheShawna1 Ай бұрын

I went through all my wall warts to find a bose 12 volt that actually puts out 12 volts exactly after hearing of similar problems.73’jim kb1pfl

@hakanlindhen500 19 күн бұрын

Hi Thomas! What equipment do I need to just practice the morse? A key and something to make the sound? Where can I buy it?

@captbart3185 16 күн бұрын

Tom, This video finally got me to pull the trigger on the QMX radio. I'm pretty much home bound for a few months so I'm setting up a small station in the bedroom so I don't need a tuner yet. Quick question; do you think a really portable tuner is worth while? You often don't seem to need one and I do have a nice portable/adjustable antenna but I'd like your opinion on which tuners you prefer, if you need one. Thanks

@BobBroeking 2 ай бұрын

Nice video Nice pavilion.... that is your go to place. We looked at Asheville three times to retire there before picking Ocala, FL... not to say we will not end up there. A cycling friend just moved there from Ocala. If I needed a 1 to 1 choke on coax for a random wire antenna to protect my radio would the ABR240-UF with PL-259s and 5 Ferrites coax suffice or do they really not operate as a choke for RF on outside of cable?

@ThomasK4SWL Ай бұрын

I should think that would suffice.

@hotshotbfcms Ай бұрын

Hey Thomas, looks like you are doing well and still at POTA! I got my QMX a month or two ago. I've operated a few times with my standard Bioenno 12v 3ah battery. I didn't notice a problem, but I'm now worried that I'm probably messing up with this little rig, as the Bioenno 12v battery starts out around 13.8-14v. So, guess I will order a 9v Bioenno for the little radio. Also, I was laughing at you when you were working split at the top of the activation. LOL Ask me how I knew? LOL Thanks for your videos, vy73 de WJ5K, Rob in MS.

@ThomasK4SWL Ай бұрын

Ha ha! I hate to say it, but that wasn't the only time I've ever accidentally operated split! :) I'm sure your QMX is fine--I think it protects itself from any harm to the finals.

@user-yl1tt9de3l Ай бұрын

NICE !!!MNI TNX!!!73!!!from US4ET Victor.

@ellisc.foleyjr9778 2 ай бұрын

Well missed you on this one too ! Tom this was one of those days I kept hunting checking RBN etc. all morning long. then decided to go do few chores. and came back to see I missed you. whilst I was gone you came on. that happens a lot. but we'll keep in hunting till we click! thanks for the great video! and activation even thought we missed you. 72 de Ellis WA1RKS

@ThomasK4SWL Ай бұрын

Next time, OM! :)

@JustMe-dv5ix 2 ай бұрын

Hans has now updated the firmware for the QMX, now it has AGC

@AddFilmmedia Ай бұрын

Hey Thomas. I just stumbelled in to your video. In the equiptment list the link to the antenna you use isn’t valid… Would it be possible for you to add a new link to just the antenna? All the best. /Lars, Sweden

@ThomasK4SWL Ай бұрын

Here you go, Lars: chelegance.com/products/jncradio-mc-750-100-watts-portable-hf-gp-antenna/?wpam_id=3

@robertallbright 2 ай бұрын

Receiver sounds good Looking forward to the RSGB review later Thanks Thomas 73 Rob G3RCE

@jessgypin-ko5ds 2 ай бұрын

Great vis as always. You should pack your wind sock to the mike😂

@ThomasK4SWL Ай бұрын

I know! Wish I would have had it that day.

@MyHamRadioJourney 26 күн бұрын

Thomas, I just bought this radio, and it is working great. I noticed that when you key the receiver, it stops. My radio keeps receiving when I am keying. How can I change this setting for the delay? I read the manual over and over and can not find it. Thanks for all of your videos. 73s.

@ThomasK4SWL 24 күн бұрын

You're talking about the T/R delay. I don't have my QMX with me right now and would need to reference the manual to answer that. I'm not sure if you can change that setting or not.

@MyHamRadioJourney 23 күн бұрын

@@ThomasK4SWL Thank you, sir. I turned on the Semi Break In, but it did not work. I feel maybe there is a delay setting somewhere. Thanks for your videos and your response. 73s

@Seattle_Drummer 2 ай бұрын

No chapters brother, Just an FYI, Thanks for the content. K7PX

@ThomasK4SWL 2 ай бұрын

Thank you for the heads up! They should be in there now. Forgot to insert them!

@NGinuity 2 ай бұрын

Hey Thomas I have some upgraded VFO and volume knobs for the QMX that I printed on my 3d resin printer and bands that I printed with some TPU filament (rubberized feel to them). I would be more than happy to send you a set if you'd like to try, as my thanks for a really nice channel. I don't sell them because I got the design from someone else but you are welcome to a set.

@ThomasK4SWL Ай бұрын

That sounds cool. I sort of like the existing knobs. Would be curious how you designed yours.

@Philip-KA4KOE 2 ай бұрын

6856.....your favorite!

@ThomasK4SWL Ай бұрын

Indeed it is!

@KC2BKM 2 ай бұрын

If not for you I would have never heard of Zeb Vance.

@ThomasK4SWL Ай бұрын

You know, I really should be recognized by NC Historic sites! :) Ha ha! :)

@PhilG0BVD Ай бұрын

What's the stand Thomas you have your QMX on? 73 Phil G0BVD North Devon UK

@ThomasK4SWL Ай бұрын

It's one I bought at a Four Days in May event a decade ago, I believe. Not sure who made them.

@nrfchannel8580 2 ай бұрын

Nice activation. Thomas Whats App us to spott?

@ThomasK4SWL Ай бұрын

I just use the POTA website: pota.app

@jessgypin-ko5ds Ай бұрын

Thump thump clackity clack

@yt5bos Ай бұрын

QRG

@qrplife 2 ай бұрын

accounting for inflation, the assembled QMX would have set you back $88 in 1997 money 😂

@ThomasK4SWL Ай бұрын

At the time, that would have been crazy talk. An $88 multi-band transceiver? We would have thought it a hoax!

@barrywendon5168 2 ай бұрын

TNX Thomas another good video as always 73 de G6JMX

@williamcarter5597 Ай бұрын

Nice Activation. I have had mine on order since late 2023. Worth the wait. Thanks for the tips about voltage. Very helpful. Bill KG4FXG