Station Information
My Radio Equipment
QMX Plus - QRP Transceiver
The QMX+ is a feature-packed, high performance, 11-band (160-6m) 5W multi-mode transceiver kit with embedded SDR receiver, 24-bit 48ksps USB sound card, and RTC.
Operating Modes:
- QRP operations on HF bands (160m - 6m)
- CW (Morse Code)
- Digital modes: VARA, FT8, FT4, RTTY, PSK31, and others
- SSB voice (with external audio)
QRP Antennas
QRP-EF End-Fed Antenna
End-Fed Half Wave (EFHW) Antenna
End-fed antenna build for QRP (low power) operations. Lightweight and portable for field operations, POTA, and SOTA activations.
Key Features:
- Compact and lightweight design
- 49:1 impedance transformer
- Rated for 20-25 watts
- Perfect for portable operations
- Covers multiple HF bands
Popular EFHW Options:
- QRPGuys End-Fed Antenna - No-tune design
- KM4CFT EFHW Kit - Tiny, ultra-light design (0.4 oz)
- Par EndFedz EF-10QRP - 28 MHz QRP antenna
- Ham Gadgets EFHW 20w
Antenna Tuners
QMX Plus ABS Tuner System
Automatic Antenna Tuner
The ABS solution adds an automatic antenna tuner (ATU), internal battery with charger, and speaker to the QRP Labs QMX+ transceiver. Based on N7DDC's 7x7 ATU miniaturized by Barb (WB2CBA), released under open source license.
Components:
- ABS (Automatic Band Switching) integration
- ATU-100 Extended Board
- ATU Companion Board
- Front panel modifications
- Internal battery with charger
- Built-in speaker with audio amp
Community & Resources:
- QRP Labs Groups.io - Active community discussions
- GitHub - ABS Project Files
Note: The ATU-100 design underperforms on 6m band.
ATU-100 Automatic Antenna Tuner
Overview
Based on the N7DDC open-source design, the ATU-100 is a compact automatic antenna tuner supporting 1.8-55 MHz and up to 100W of power.
Technical Specifications:
- Frequency range: 1.8-55 MHz
- Power handling: Up to 100W
- Automatic tuning with 5W carrier
- 0.96" OLED display showing PWR, SWR, L, and C
- Firmware 3.2 (stable and reliable)
Availability:
Resources:
QMX Plus Assembly
Transceiver Build Documentation
QMX Plus Kit Build
Documentation and resources for assembling the QMX Plus QRP transceiver, including operation manuals and technical references.
Official Resources:
Community Resources:
- QRP Labs Groups.io - QMX+ discussions and support
- QMX - From Kit to Field
- QRPer.com QMX Articles
- eHam.net Reviews
Build Tips:
- Follow assembly instructions carefully
- Test each stage before proceeding
- Consider optional aluminum enclosure
- Calibrate after assembly
Digital Modes
Software & Tools
GridTracker2
The Amateur Radio Companion for the modern ham shack - presents amateur radio information in an easy to use interface, from live traffic decodes, logbooks, real-time spot reports, weather, and current solar conditions.
WSJT-X
The standard software for FT8, FT4, and other weak-signal modes developed by K1JT.
JS8Call
Software using the JS8 Digital Mode providing weak signal keyboard to keyboard messaging. Takes the robustness of FT8 and adds a messaging and network protocol for weak signal communication on HF with a keyboard-to-keyboard interface.
Features:
- Decode signals at -28dB (extremely weak signal capable)
- Keyboard-to-keyboard chat without time slots
- HeartBeat transmissions and automatic message relaying
- APRS integration
- Open-source and free software
Logbook & Logging Software
RUMLogNG
HAM Radio Logging & QSL Handling
RUMlogNG is a HAM radio logging, QSL handling and printing tool, especially made for the short wave DXer, made by a DXer. Available free of charge for macOS.
Features:
- Unlimited logs and QSOs per log
- LoTW (Logbook of The World) and eQSL fully supported
- DXCC tracking with worked/confirmed/missing statistics
- Transceiver interface (Kenwood, Elecraft, Yaesu, Icom)
- Clublog synchronization in real time
QRZ.com
Online Callsign Database & Logbook
QRZ.com provides comprehensive callsign lookup and online logbook services for amateur radio operators worldwide.
Services:
- Callsign database and lookup
- Online logbook (Logbook of the World integration)
- QSL management
- XML data feeds for software integration
Log Exports
Operating Logs
ADIF exports from various operations with uploads to:
- LoTW (Logbook of The World)
- eQSL
- Club Log
- QRZ.com Logbook
Resources
Learning & Training
CW / Morse Code Training
K7QO's Code Course - Popular free course with over 500 audio MP3 files designed to help develop and improve morse code skills. Includes course manual, answer key, and practice materials.
Digital Mode Documentation