QSX Transceiver

Hans Summers and QRP Labs have updated the Website with information on the new QSX transceiver.

http://www.qrp-labs.com/qsx.html

This is really exciting; as it could open HF to a whole new generation - especially those who are into building, making, experimenting. You know ....... Amateur Radio like it used to be. AND most important, it will be affordable. I can't tell you how many times I've gone to youth events, and the youngsters get all enthused about the prospect of getting their license, only to hear what rigs go for, and you can see their disappointment.

"How much will QSX cost?

We aren't sure exactly yet. It is expected to be somewhere in the region of $75 or the 40m single-band version. Addition of the 10-band filter module and the anodized black aluminium enclosure should take it to around $150 in total. These are ballpark figures and subject to change."

$150 ????  Mow a Summer's (no pun intended) worth of lawns, do some baby sitting and that can be within practical reach for a teenager!

• Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology with standalone Digital Signal Processing (DSP), no PC required
• Very high performance 24-bit Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) and 24-bit Digital to Analog Converter (DAC)
• 40m (single band) or 160-10m (10-band, including 60m) versions available
• Modes: SSB, CW, AM, FM, PSK31, RTTY, WSPR beacon
• Power output: 10W from 13.8V supply (power output is adjustable by the firmware)
• Single power supply needed, 12V to 14V
• USB host interface and connector, for USB keyboard to allow PC-less operation on PSK31 and RTTY
• USB device interface and connector, for PC CAT Control
• QSX can appear to a PC as a high performance 24-bit USB sound card and radio - for digital modes from a PC e.g. FT8
• Built-in CW IAMBIC keyer (or straight keying also possible) with raised-cosine key-envelope shaping
• DSP features (selectable sharp filters, AGC, Speech Compression, Noise Reduction etc.)
• Dual microphone inputs (mobile phone headset with VOX, or RJ45 connector for Kenwood/Yaesu mics)
• Dual VFO (A/B/Split), frequency and message memories
• Through-hole assembly only
• Built-in test equipment features for alignment, debugging and general purpose use
• Detailed assembly manual
• Macro facility for user defined sequences of operations, or redefinition of controls
• Front panel: 16 x 2 LCD (yellow/green backlight), 2 rotary encoders, 4 buttons, mic/earphones socket
• Soft-power on/off switch, the radio saves its state automatically on switch off, so that it starts up in the same state next time
• Free firmware updates for life, very simple firmware update procedure via a USB memory stick

Availability is not expected until November - maybe. But even so, this is still very exciting news. If the quality of the QSX is anything like the QCX - and I have no doubt that it will be - this transceiver WILL be the next big thing!

72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to send the very least!