If you have any level of Amateur radio license, you can build this data tranceiver for $65 bux and send text messages globally.
They have multiple band options to fit every license class and need.
This is the 5 high band version. Took about 2.5 hours to put together, but more skilled people could likely do it in much less.
Had it on the air this morning(0845) for about 25 minutes and it was world wide.
I made a matching K6ARK style EFHW antenna but the radiating element is only 10m long. This allows me to use multiple bands available from the QDX in a very small, literally pocket sized package.
I will try to run it on my android phone next and see if I can make that work. Then I would even need to computer to send messages globally over RF.
I will say it was the easiest WSJT-X setup ever. The soundcard for the audio config are already named "QDX"! Just configure your COM port and go! Just absolutely mental!
Since I 3D printed the case and ordered in kit form I was able to spend only 65 bux on this transceiver.
They have multiple band options to fit every license class and need.
This is the 5 high band version. Took about 2.5 hours to put together, but more skilled people could likely do it in much less.
Had it on the air this morning(0845) for about 25 minutes and it was world wide.
I made a matching K6ARK style EFHW antenna but the radiating element is only 10m long. This allows me to use multiple bands available from the QDX in a very small, literally pocket sized package.
I will try to run it on my android phone next and see if I can make that work. Then I would even need to computer to send messages globally over RF.
I will say it was the easiest WSJT-X setup ever. The soundcard for the audio config are already named "QDX"! Just configure your COM port and go! Just absolutely mental!
Since I 3D printed the case and ordered in kit form I was able to spend only 65 bux on this transceiver.