FX-4CR...

The new tuner arrived this week, and works perfectly with the radio. I'm very pleased with it. It's taken a bit of time to remember to reduce power to 5w and switch to FM mode in order to tune, but repetition will make it easier to do.

This particular tuner was originally designed for the FT-817/FT-818, and actually comes with a CAT cable for those radios. Thankfully it also works with most QRP radios, and the tuner is actually good for up to 30w.

So far it's worked with my 138' EFHW, and my Hamsticks, so it's definitely a keeper.

The radio itself is pretty intuitive, and it gets easier to use every time I get it out of the case. I actually busted a pile up with it the other day, I heard a station in South Dakota calling CQ POTA, and he was immediately hit with a  pile of stations calling him.....and I was the guy who got through with 20w!!!  It made my day!!

Stay Safe Out There!!

Remembrance Day 2024...

 

In Loving Memory of the

Officers, NCO's, and Men

of

2816 Squadron, RAF Regiment.

December 1941 -  June 1946

Lest We Forget.

It Arrived...

The FX-4CR arrived yesterday, and what a little beauty it is!!! I'm very impressed with the quality and workmanship, it's absolutely top notch!

It's a 20w, all mode transceiver (SSB, CW, AM, FM) that will fit in the palm of your hand. It also has CAT Control via Bluetooth.

The manual is written in perfect English, and is easy to understand. 

I've done a lot of listening on it today on it, trying to get used to its menu system. I don't have a resonant antenna at home so I can't transmit until the MTU-MAT-10 ATU I ordered from DX Engineering arrives; it should be here next week. By then I should have the menu system down pretty good. 

The screen is very much like that on the G90, and it's crystal clear, very easy to read. I'm not sure the waterfall is going to be big enough to be a help, but it will, at least, give you an idea of what is happening on the band of choice.

I'll post more as I start using it in the field.  I think this radio is going to be a game changer!

Right side of radio.

Left side of radio.

Heatsink on the bottom of the radio.

Stay Safe Out There!

Arriving Next Week...

I recently bought a brand new G90 radio. While it's a great radio, and I really do like it, it doesn't fill the niche I thought it would. It's a bit heavy to throw in a backpack and hike to a POTA or SOTA site for my liking........your results may vary.

After using the G90 a couple of times I found it got very hot after operating for a while, so I bought the external cooling fan for it.....adding even more weight and bulk to the radio.

Now, I do have a reputation for packing more gear than I actually need. With that in mind I've decided to get rid of the G90, and replace it with a brand new FX-2CR, which will arrive next week. I'm hoping that with this small 20w radio I'll be able to finally get all my needed radio gear in a single small pack, and travel lightly.

From all I have read, and the Youtube videos I have watched, this radio looks to be just what I'm looking for. It's not a replacement for my KX3, that radio is staying, but the FX-2CR is going to be a fantastic addition to my portable shack equipment.

Stay tuned for some field reports!

Stay Safe Out There!!