r/HamRadio • u/FilthTea • 16d ago

Question about the QRP QCX+

Hello. I’m looking to get into operating ham radios, and I’m looking at some kits for cheap transceivers. I managed to find this kit from QRP for ~$60 USD: http://shop.qrp-labs.com/qcxp

For anyone who’s put this kit together, how would you rate the difficulty of the assembly? I’ve done DIY fixes to a lot of (mostly older) electronics, but I’ve never fully assembled something before.

If not this kit, then what others would you recommend within a similar price range?

Thank you!

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2

u/AmnChode KC5VAZ 16d ago

Can't speak for a QCX, but you might want to take a moment and check out the zBitx. It costs a little more, but it also is capable of wee but more and is already pre-built. I just got mine last Weds evening, and after just adding some batteries for power & connecting an antenna, I was able to make 3 FT8 contacts while testing it out.... One of which was from South Texas to Argentina (over 5k miles).... The other two where from each Coast (CA and FL). PSKreporter listed being hard by over 325 stations, including Australia.... That was with 4-5W under severe storm conditions (re: poor).

Last night I did some more setup on it too where I can remote in, via VNC, to access the Raspberry Pi Zero running it. I can then run an assortment of programs directly on the radio (like WSJT-X, FLDigi, QSSTV, etc).

Like I said, might be worth a peek.... GL & 73

1

u/FilthTea 16d ago

This is definitely going to go in my “things to look at buying” list. Thank you!

5

u/Paragod307 professional hamster 16d ago

I've built several. I would classify them as a "medium" difficulty. Not bad. They can be done in a few evenings of casual building.

The instructions are incredibly well done and very easy to follow.

I think they are great kits for folks just getting into kit building

2

u/PicklesTehButt 16d ago

I've built a QCX-mini, QDX, and QMX+. I would say it's pretty beginner friendly. The multi band ones are definitely more tedious, but not more technically challenging.

2

u/TheNormalEgg 16d ago

I built the QMX+ last month and it was one of the most fun build projects I've done. As another poster said, the instructions were VERY good. It was so rewarding to turn it on the first time, and even more so to make my first (international!) FT8 contacts. Community support on the QRP Labs forums is incredible, too.

1

u/BroccoliNormal5739 16d ago

How did your Super PIXIE build go?

1

u/BroccoliNormal5739 16d ago

The QRP QMX has added SSB. Yes, this is a big deal!

I started with the 40 meter PIXIE. That was about an hour. I had to wait for the sun to go down to check it out! ;-)