The XYL and I took a short break from routine and drove up to Ontario's Muskoka region for 4 days of recreation and radio activity. I packed my QRP Labs QMX transceiver and a selection of antennas hoping to complete a couple of POTA activations. Tour boats moored at Gravenhurst wharf on Lake Muskoka Muskoka … Continue reading A Radio Road Trip with the QRP Labs QMX – lessons learned!
Author: John VA3KOT
I'm a Canadian amateur radio operator based in Owen Sound, Ontario. I hold an Advanced license and I am passionate about two things: operating outdoors and CW. My blog is focused on the experimental aspects of the hobby. I love to try out new ideas and, being retired, I have the luxury of time to spend doing so. Please like, comment and follow if you enjoy what you read here.
Backpacking with the QMX, a Pocket and a Pole
The QRP Labs QMX transceiver is a miracle of miniaturization. Sure, other rigs have achieved a similar form factor, but not with so many outstanding features built into such a tiny package. At this point I should acknowledge a very worthy exception to the rule - the Elecraft KH1. I don't own a KH1 and … Continue reading Backpacking with the QMX, a Pocket and a Pole
How to Really Up Your POTA Game (and why you shouldn’t)
Propagation conditions are tough. It used to be so easy to set up in a park and make your minimum 10 QSOs for a valid activation in as little as 10 minutes. I know, I have done it many times. Now we are at, or near, the peak of solar cycle 25; the Sun is … Continue reading How to Really Up Your POTA Game (and why you shouldn’t)
The Sinatra Method for DIY Ham Radio Projects
I recently watched G0UPL Hans Summer's presentation at Hamvention 2024 on YouTube. Hans talked about 10 of his junk box projects. As you probably know, Hans is the owner of QRP Labs, a small company that makes excellent QRP radios and accessories and sells them for an unbelievably low price. I really enjoyed the presentation, … Continue reading The Sinatra Method for DIY Ham Radio Projects
Surviving the Great Solar Storm of May 2024
We just can't win when it comes to propagation conditions. When the Sun is quiet during the bottom of the 11-year solar cycle, HF propagation conditions are challenging. So we all look forward to the days when the Sun is active and the bands are open again. But when we hit the top of the … Continue reading Surviving the Great Solar Storm of May 2024
Has QRP Ruined Ham Radio?
No wait! Before you and the boys load up your guns, jump in the truck and come-a-huntin' for me, that's not what I really meant. I love QRP. Well most of the time. Admittedly I had one of those "but it was fun anyway" days yesterday - i.e. I got skunked; no contacts, not a … Continue reading Has QRP Ruined Ham Radio?
I waited 6 months for my factory assembled QRP Labs QMX to arrive – was it worth the wait? Really?
Was it worth the wait? Oh, yes! Let me say up front that I could have ordered the kit version and received it much faster, but my aging eyes just aren't up to the job of all that delicate soldering work. But, eventually, it arrived and I couldn't be more pleased. So how am I … Continue reading I waited 6 months for my factory assembled QRP Labs QMX to arrive – was it worth the wait? Really?
A QSL Card Revival for the 21st Century
It's an old tradition that is probably slowly dying out. But what a pleasure it is to receive the occasional QSL card in the mail. Many years ago, well before I earned my ham ticket, I was an avid Short Wave Listener. Many short wave broadcasters would send a QSL card in response to a … Continue reading A QSL Card Revival for the 21st Century
5 Tips for Field Expedient Radio Operations in the Big Blue Sky Shack
I first became interested in operating amateur radio in the great outdoors (aka the Big Blue Sky Shack) over 20 years ago and since that time it has become a passion. The passion is partly inspired by the exploits of secret agents behind enemy lines during the Second World War. These people didn't have to … Continue reading 5 Tips for Field Expedient Radio Operations in the Big Blue Sky Shack
A Versatile Solution for Backpacking with the QRP Labs QMX
Solar cycle 25 is rapidly approaching its peak. That means propagation conditions are very favorable for QRP operations again. Add to that the ever increasing popularity of outdoor operating programs like Summits on the Air (SOTA) and Parks on the Air (POTA) and there has never been a better time to hit the Big Blue … Continue reading A Versatile Solution for Backpacking with the QRP Labs QMX
Ham Radio Outside the Box 