K1JAW / qrp

Hampden County Radio Association

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What Radio Should I Buy ?

THE RADIO

Everyone wants to know what radio should I buy?  It really depends on what type of radio operation you prefer, and what type of operator you are.  CW vs. SSB; contester vs. rag chewer; home vs. field operations;  These are only some of the questions that need to be answered.  And the obvious financial ability.

I  own a Elecraft K1 fully loaded and unmodified. It is built for 40, 30, 20,  and 15 meters.  My first rig was a TenTec, a dual band rig which was loaned to me in the late 60's.  My first QRP kit was the HW7, a three band radio; then a 9 band HW9, now the  K1, a four band radio.  Here is how I use my K1.

Whenever the opportunity arises, I head to the hills, local park, or anywhere I can throw up my wire antenna. I do use an Iambic key with a straight key as a backup.  If I am out for a day, I use the internal batteries;  a week, I bring a 8Ah gel cell with a 4 watt solar panel.  Everything fits into a snazzy (gift) brief case. Operation is rag chewing with my favorite band being 40M.  

40M - This is my favorite band because I can always find someone to have a good QSO (talk)  with.  My typical operating style is early in the morning and the folks who are on are usually also rag chewers. This band is good for 50-500 miles in the daytime, and at night, DX (long distance) is the norm.

30M - My backup band when 40 is not cutting it.  30M  is nice because it has a lot of characteristics of 40, and some of the traits of 20 that are good. No voice allowed on 30 meters and a maximum power of 200 watts. Although small, this band is the CW-er's delight.

20M - Other than my annual test in the spring, I never use 20M.  This is a very popular to other hams and a great place for DX chasers.

15M - Was my first experience on radio as a novice, 75 watts and crystal controlled.  I go there often looking for new CW operators as I do on 40M as well.  15M is always straight key for me.  This band is now quiet (2010) but will improve with the improving sunspot cycle.

Well that's my rig lineup.  Guess I could say that for me, a three band radio would be perfect.

I should note that I sell radio equipment to buy more radio equipment.  The first radio was a loner; next was $79 dollars and so on.  When I bought my K1, I knew what I wanted and that is what I have.  Every year I look for a newer radio to build that will be better, but I have yet to find it.  The used market has become great with more QRPers upgrading their equipment.  Don't buy a radio to sit on a shelf!