General Radio Topics

Here is a list of the radios discussed on the July 30 Em-Comm net:

Here are some popular small form-factor / portable QRP (low-power) amateur radio HF transceivers comparable to the QRP Labs QCX+, FX-4A / FX-4CR, Xiegu models, and Lab599 TX-500, with approximate current prices (USD, as of mid-2026; check vendors for latest, shipping, taxes, and availability).

These are typically compact, lightweight radios suited for portable/SOTA/POTA use, often with 5–20 W output, multi-mode or CW/digital focus, and battery-friendly designs. Prices vary by kit vs. assembled, options (enclosure, battery, ATU), and retailer.

QRP Labs (very compact kits, excellent value)

• QCX+ / QCX-mini: Single-band 5 W CW transceiver (available for 160–17 m). Highly featured (keyer, decoder, WSPR, etc.). Kit $58; assembled ~$103. Optional enclosure extra. QCX-mini is especially tiny (95 × 63 × 25 mm).

• QMX: 5-band (e.g., 80/60/40/30/20 m or other sets) multi-mode (CW, digital, SSB) ~5 W, embedded SDR, USB sound card/CAT. Kit ~$102; assembled ~$152. Optional enclosure.

• QMX+: 160–6 m multi-mode (CW/digital/SSB) ~3–5 W, similar features to QMX plus RTC/GPS option. Kit ~$125; assembled ~$185. Larger QCX+-style enclosure available.

FX series (BG2FX / Chinese all-mode portables)

• FX-4A / FX-4C / FX-4CR (2024 Final Edition): Compact all-mode HF (and often 6 m) SDR-style portable, ~1–20 W adjustable, color display, Bluetooth on some versions, digital support. Roughly $550–$600 on marketplaces. https://bg2fx.com/

Xiegu (popular Chinese SDR portables with good features)

• G106: Compact 5 W multi-mode (SSB/CW/AM/WFM) HF QRP SDR, FT8 support. Around $210–$240.

• G90: 20 W HF SDR with built-in ATU, detachable control head option, waterfall. Roughly $465–$620.

• X6100: Ultra-portable 10 W (5 W on battery) HF + 6 m full-mode SDR, 4" color screen, internal battery, ATU, Bluetooth/WiFi. Around $565–$600.

• X6200: Newer portable HF/6 m direct-sampling SDR, ~5–8 W, detachable battery, ATU, larger color display, enhanced features. Roughly $700–$900 depending on market/retailer.

Lab599

• TX-500 (Discovery): Ultra-slim, rugged all-mode 10 W HF/50 MHz SDR (SSB/CW/AM/FM/digital), spectrum display, weather-resistant design. Around $1,100. Optional battery packs and accessories available. Manpack (TX-500MP) variants are higher.

Other notable compact/portable options

• (tr)uSDX / uSDX variants: Very small multi-mode (CW/SSB/digital) 5-band (typically 80–20 m) open-source-derived QRP radios, often USB-powered capable. Assembled with case ~$90–$230 depending on version and seller.

• Elecraft KX2: Premium ultra-compact full-featured 80–10 m multi-mode (with options for internal ATU, battery). Base around $1,200–$1,320; fully optioned “shack-in-a-box” packages higher.

• CFT1 (KM4CFT / Hamgadgets): Compact 5-band CW field transceiver kit ~$320; built ~$400.

• Penntek TR-45L (WA3RNC): High-quality 5-band CW QRP (80/40/30/20/17 m), excellent audio/receiver; “Skinny” and standard versions with battery/ATU options historically ~$540–$740 (availability limited/discontinued in some forms).

• LNR Precision focuses exclusively on the Mountain Topper line of QRP CW radios. Check their store page directly for current stock and ordering, as availability can fluctuate due to the small-batch production. There is also an active Mountain Topper user group for owners. Key details on the current MTR3B V4 Currahee

  • Bands: 40 m, 20 m, and 15 m

  • Power: ~5 W typical at 13.8 V

  • Features: Color display, power & SWR readout, real-time clock, five CW message memories, nine frequency memories per band, adjustable volume and sidetone, push-button operation

  • Size/weight: Approximately 3.90″ × 2.625″ × 1.09″ and 5.72 oz (133.8 g)

  • Price: $349.99

Notes:

• Kit versions (especially QRP Labs) offer the lowest prices but require soldering/assembly skills (SMD parts are usually pre-installed).

• Prices fluctuate with exchange rates, tariffs, stock, and options. Check official sites (qrp-labs.com, lab599.com, Elecraft), authorized dealers, Amazon, or ham radio retailers for current figures and shipping.

• Many support digital modes (FT8 etc.) via USB sound card or built-in interfaces. Consider power source, antenna, and any needed ATU for field use.

• Higher-end options like the Icom IC-705 (all-mode HF/VHF/UHF portable) sit above this form-factor/price range for many users.

These cover a range from budget DIY kits to polished ready-to-go portables. Preferences often depend on modes needed (CW-only vs. all-mode), weight, battery life, and whether you want to build it yourself.