QRP Head 2 Head(ish): Yaesu FTX-1 vs Icom IC-705

IMHO, neither one of these radios are true FIELD radios. My opinion of a field radio is one that can be easily backpacked, is lightweight and does not include a sensitive touch screen. For example, radios like the KX2 and the LAB599 Discovery TX500 are true FIELD radios. The IC-705 and the FTX-1 are IMHO drive up, picnic bench radios. 

FTX1 VS IC 705 CW Audio Comparison by KK4Z

My special End Fed Half Wave antenna "Mono-20" for the QCX-mini transcei...

7 MUST-HAVE Harbor Freight Items for Ham Radio Operators!!

The Ultimate Guide to QRP Radios: Low-Power Ham Radio for Enthusiasts

Introduction

What is QRP Radio?

If you're familiar with amateur radio or just starting to explore it, you might have come across the term "QRP." But what exactly does QRP mean? Simply put, QRP refers to low-power transmission in amateur radio. It's all about making communication happen with minimal power—usually 5 watts or less for Morse code (CW) and digital modes, and up to 10 watts for voice (SSB). The beauty of QRP lies in the challenge: operating efficiently with limited power requires a mix of skill, strategy, and the right equipment.

How QRP Radio is Different from High-Power Operation

When you think of high-power radio operations, you might imagine stations cranking up their power to 100 watts or more to get their signals heard. This is what’s known as QRO (high-power operation). In contrast, QRP operators rely on finesse rather than raw power. While QRO stations use sheer strength to overcome signal loss and poor propagation, QRP stations work smarter. They rely on effective operating techniques, well-placed antennas, and favorable band conditions to make reliable contacts with just a tiny amount of power.

The Appeal of Low-Power Communication

What makes QRP so attractive is practicing communication skills under constrained conditions. QRP operators have to optimize antenna setups, and catch those sweet spots when the radio bands are open. QRP is often tied to portable which adds another layer of interest. For outdoor enthusiasts like hikers, campers, and preppers, operating QRP offers a way to stay connected when off the grid.

Where Do QRP Radios Get Used?

QRP radios aren't just for casual hobbyists—they have a variety of practical applications:

• Portable Operations: One of the main draws of QRP is that the radios are small and lightweight. This makes them perfect for activities like hiking, backpacking, and activating summits (SOTA) or state parks (POTA). Imagine setting up a tiny station on top of a mountain or in the middle of a forest powered with a small battery or solar panel.
• Emergency Communication: Because many QRP radios are designed to be compact and use minimal power, they can be used in off-grid emergencies. QRP radios provide a reliable means of communication when you're far from civilization.
• Contests and Awards: QRP operators enjoy participating in radio contests and earning recognition. There are many awards specifically for QRP operators that offer a fun way to put your skills to the test!

Popular QRP Radios to Check Out

Elecraft KX2

If you're curious about getting started with QRP, there are plenty of great radios on the market to consider. Here are a few favorites among operators:

The Elecraft KX2 is one of the most compact and advanced QRP transceivers available, designed for portable and field operations. 

Weighing just 13 ounces (370 grams), it is small enough to fit in a backpack yet powerful enough to support CW, SSB, and digital modes.

·         Key Features

• Power Output: 10W max
• Bands: 80m–10m
• Modes: CW, SSB, Digital
• Built-in Antenna Tuner: Yes
• Internal Battery Option: Yes
• Best For: Backpacking, field ops, and high-performance QRP work

·         Strengths & Weaknesses

• ✅ Excellent receiver performance with strong filtering options
• ✅ Lightweight and ultra-portable for outdoor enthusiasts
• ✅ Built-in tuner allows use with random wire antennas
• ❌ Expensive compared to other QRP radios
• ❌ Limited bands (no 160m, no 6m/VHF/UHF)

The ICOM IC-705 is a modern, high-tech QRP transceiver with touchscreen controls, a built-in sound card for digital modes, and full SDR (Software-Defined Radio) capabilities. It is designed for hams who want cutting-edge features and excellent receiver performance.

·         Key Features

• Power Output: 10W max (with external power), 5W on battery
• Bands: 160m–70cm
• Modes: CW, SSB, AM, FM, D-STAR Digital
• Built-in Antenna Tuner: No
• Internal Battery Option: Yes
• Best For: Advanced QRP operators, SDR enthusiasts, digital mode users

·         Strengths & Weaknesses

• ✅ Full SDR design provides high-performance receiver capabilities
• ✅ D-STAR digital mode included for modern ham operations
• ✅ Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS for remote operation
• ❌ Expensive compared to other QRP radios
• ❌ Battery drains quickly when using high-power modes

The Xiegu G90 is a budget-friendly QRP transceiver with a built-in tuner and a detachable display. It is popular among new hams and portable operators looking for a cost-effective yet feature-rich radio.

·         Key Features

• Power Output: 20W max
• Bands: 160m–10m
• Modes: CW, SSB, AM, Digital
• Built-in Antenna Tuner: Yes
• Internal Battery Option: No (external power required)
• Best For: Budget-conscious operators, home station setups

·         Strengths & Weaknesses

• ✅ Affordable compared to other QRP radios
• ✅ 20W output offers flexibility for both QRP and QRO use
• ✅ Built-in tuner makes antenna setup easier
• ❌ Heavier and less compact than other QRP radios
• ❌ Chinese-built radio—firmware updates and support can be inconsistent

Whether you're looking for a fun challenge or a reliable way to communicate in remote areas, operating QRP radios are unique. QRP radios combine the fun of amateur radio with the skill of operating on minimal power. With the right gear and conditions, it is possible to make contacts across the globe.

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References

SOTA (Summits On The Air) official guidelines and resources https://www.sota.org.uk/

POTA (Parks On The Air) field activation manual https://parksontheair.com/

"The Joy of QRP: Strategy for Success" by Adrian Weiss, W0RSP https://amzn.to/4cklBNe

"Minimum QRP: Doing More With Less" by Peter Parker, VK3YE https://amzn.to/3FXAtVS

RSGB (Radio Society of Great Britain) books https://bit.ly/3FX1YPu 

QRP Amateur Radio Club International (QRP ARCI) publications https://www.qrparci.org/

"Pedestrian Mobile Handbook" by Edward Breneiser, WA3WSJ https://amzn.to/4cmWxoX

Understanding End-Fed Antennas: Why They Work So Well for QRP

 

Maximize Your QRP Setup with This Ultra-Portable End-Fed Antenna

By KE2YK

If you’re a QRP operator looking to maximize your signal while minimizing your gear, building a portable end-fed antenna could be your perfect solution. In this guide, I will attempt to walk you through how to build a portable QRP antenna for hiking and camping—designed specifically for QRP radio operation with easy-to-follow steps

What Is QRP, and Why Does It Matter?

QRP refers to operating a radio with very low power, typically 5 watts or less. In the world of ham radio, the goal is often to make contacts over long distances with minimal power—sometimes even just a few milliwatts! 

It's a challenge that requires not just good equipment, but the right antenna. That’s where this end-fed antenna design comes in. It’s compact, efficient, and perfect for those of us who love portable setups.

Why End-Fed Antennas Are Perfect for QRP

End-fed antennas are a breeze to set up. Just toss one end over a branch or tie it to a pole, and you’re good to go. For portable operations, that kind of simplicity makes them a perfect choice, especially when you're on the move and need something quick.

But it’s not just about convenience—end-fed antennas are highly efficient when tuned right. They’re designed to handle high impedance (about 3200Ω), and with a little help from an impedance matching device called a UNUN transformer, your radio’s 50Ω input is happy. This ensures that your signal is strong and clear, even with only 5 watts of power, which is essential for any QRP operator.

Impedance Matching: Why It’s So Important

When you use an antenna, the impedance needs to match your radio’s input. If it doesn't, you’ll end up with a poor signal and high power loss. 

In this antenna design, the 64:1 UNUN transformer is the key. It matches the antenna’s high impedance to the radio’s 50Ω input, ensuring your radio works efficiently with minimal loss. 

This transformer plays a crucial role in making the antenna perform well, especially for QRP operators who are working with low power.

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Step-by-Step: How to Build The QRP End-Fed Antenna

Building this antenna is easier than you might think, and it doesn’t require fancy or hard-to-find materials. Here's everything you need to know to get started.

Materials You’ll Need for Your Portable QRP Antenna

• BNC Connector: This is what connects your antenna to your radio.

• FT50-43 Toroid Core: A small magnetic ring used to create the impedance transformer.

• Insulated Copper Wire (0.25mm enamel wire): Used to wind the toroid and form the antenna wire.

• 100pF Capacitor (1000V): Keeps the circuit stable and helps with tuning.

• 28.5mm PVC Pipe: This is your coil form for the inductor.

• Glue or Resin: Protects the components and ensures everything stays secure.

How to Build an End-Fed Antenna for Portable Ham Radio Operation

1. Wind the Toroid
   Start by winding two turns of wire in one direction, and then add seven more in the same direction. Now, cross the wire and wind seven more in the opposite direction. Keep the crossing wire slightly to the side—this will make installing the SMA connector a lot easier later on.

2. Create the Inductor
   Grab the PVC pipe and wrap 50 turns of wire around it to create your inductor. For the best performance, aim for an inductance of around 34µH.

3. Attach the Antenna Wire
   Now, take a 0.95-meter length of wire and attach it to the inductor. Then, connect the other end of the wire to the BNC connector. Finally, add another 2 meters of wire after the connector to complete the antenna.

4. Finalize the Circuit
   Install the 100pF capacitor between the center conductor (the part that carries the signal) and ground. After that, solder all the connections and insulate them with glue or resin to protect everything from the elements.