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Here I have featured my only true QRP rig. This is the
DSW-40 by Small
Wonder Labs and is strictly low power. It is a 2
watt CW only rig for 40 meters. It uses digital PLL tuning
and covers the first 150 kHz of the band. It has an adjustable
built-in keyer. There is no visual frequency display. Frequency
indication is by audible CW.
This radio was built from kit form. This particular model
is no longer produced but there are new versions available
as well as versions for other bands.
As pictured, it is mated with an old Ten-Tec KR1-A dual
paddle. To touch on that item, it was my first iambic key.
Initially it operated by electromagnetic pressure. It was
springless and tension was accomplished by varying the voltage
on the electromagnets. These served the same purpose that
springs do in a more conventional key. Honestly, I did not
like this system at all and finally eliminated it entirely
by replacing it with real springs. I have been super happy
with the feel of the key since. Also, by eliminating the
magnets, I have eliminated one additional need for power.
This is a strong consideration for field/portable operations.
The power supply is an old Condor PAC Series switching
supply. Output in addition to the normal 5 volts, has two
15 volt / 3 amp lines. I reduced that to 13.8. I can not
detect any "noise" within the receiver coming
from the supply so it's quite adequate as a power source.
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