At the Woodend meeting this month we were pleased to welcome Guy DeSimone, VK3GUY, who runs VK Radio Repairs and is our local authorised Yaesu Dealer and repair centre.
Guy demonstrated an FT-710 transceiver working in to a remote tuned screwdriver antenna outside on the lawn.
There was some discussion of the Australian dealer network and some common repairs that Guy deals with.
At the time of our meeting the Dayton hamfest has just begun and only a few announcements of gear updates have been revealed. We’re very grateful to have Guy make the trip to visit the club and he was presented with a highly valued certificate of appreciation from the club by president Joe.
QRP-Labs QMX
David, VK3KR, spoke about a recent compact radio, the QMX, from QRP-Labs, the multi-band CW and FSK mode transceiver.
The “QMX” (QRP Labs Multimode Xcvr): a feature-packed, high performance, five-band (80, 60, 40, 30 and 20m) 5W CW and Digi-modes transceiver kit, including embedded SDR receiver, 24-bit 48 ksps USB sound card, CAT control, synthesized VFO with TCXO reference. QMX may be used in CW modes standalone, or with a single USB cable to a PC for digi mode operation. QMX also incorporates standalone CW, FSKCW and WSPR beacon functionality (no PC connection required).
David built the kit and purchased the excellent case. Online he found a 3D print file for a nifty protection cover that can protect the face, while leaving space for the knobs, and be turned around to operate as a handy angled stand.
An excellent meeting enjoyed by old and new members.