{"id":40730,"date":"2019-11-22T09:02:54","date_gmt":"2019-11-22T13:02:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=40730"},"modified":"2019-11-22T09:41:40","modified_gmt":"2019-11-22T13:41:40","slug":"mario-acquires-an-index-labs-qrp-general-coverage-transceiver","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2019\/11\/mario-acquires-an-index-labs-qrp-general-coverage-transceiver\/","title":{"rendered":"Mario acquires an Index Labs QRP++ general coverage transceiver"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>

May 1996 QRP Plus ad from QST (Source: WD8RIF)<\/p><\/div>\n

Many thanks to\u00a0SWLing Post<\/em> contributor, Mario Filippi (N2HUN), who shares the following guest post that was originally published on the Delaware Valley Radio Association (DVRA) website<\/a>:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Amateur Radios from the Past: The Index Labs QRP++<\/h1>\n

The Index Labs QRP ++ was an intriguing little radio manufactured back in the mid-\u201890\u2019s by Index Labs of Gig Harbor, WA.\u00a0 For those interested in QRP (low power operating, generally less than five watts output) this transceiver filled the bill perfectly.\u00a0 It supports CW and SSB, transmits on all WARC bands, covers 1.8 \u2013 30 MHz receive, has full break-in CW and a built-in iambic keyer.\u00a0 It boasts 20 memories, weighs four pounds (perfect for portable operation) and measures 5.5 x 4 x 6 inches.\u00a0 It\u2019ll run on a 12V 1.5 amp supply or a stout 12 volt gel cell.\u00a0 The internals (see second pic) are an engineering masterpiece with stacked circuit boards reminiscent of commercial rigs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Index Labs QRP ++ on the test bench<\/p><\/div>\n

I recently acquired one of these radios as I was heavily into QRP in the 1970\u2019s while using a TenTec Argonaut 509 and vertical on our apartment house\u2019s roof.\u00a0 Back then the sunspot numbers scored much higher than today and many contacts were made, most notably a CW contact with Japan with a paltry one watt.\u00a0 So for nostalgic reasons I had to have one of these QRP++ rigs even though more modern and sophisticated versions are available.<\/p>\n

At the moment bench tested is being done prior to sending it into action.\u00a0 One important component needing replacement was the memory battery which was totally kaput. \u00a0Interestingly, this battery not only keeps the 20 memories alive but also brought back to life the CB radio-style S-meter reminiscent of radios from decades ago. Other items on the testing \u00a0\u201cto do\u201d list will be checking power output, frequency accuracy, drift, and finally, on-air performance.\u00a0 The radio will feed a ground mounted 31\u2019 vertical with 53 radials. With the right ionospheric conditions hopefully contacts will be aplenty.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Neatly stacked circuit boards and clean layout of QRP++<\/p><\/div>\n

Unfortunately, no service manual exists for this gem, but it rates a 4.1 out of 5 on the eham.net Richter scale, and a number of ops have published helpful information on problems, solutions and modifications.\u00a0 Notably the first run of these radios was later replaced with improved models boasting higher performance via a custom designed mixer, so knowing the serial number of your unit helps to determine if yours was an upgrade.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Rear panel control layout. Power is adjustable and tested at a hair under 5W.<\/p><\/div>\n

You can read and see more photos from the author, Mario Filippi N2HUN, at\u00a0<\/em>https:\/\/www.qrz.com\/lookup\/n2hun<\/a><\/p>\n

Click here to read this article on the DVRA website.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Thank you, Mario, for sharing this article and many thanks to the DVRA for allowing us to re-post it.<\/p>\n

I owned a QRP++ for a few years and absolutely loved it. At the time, it was one of the most portable full-featured transceivers on the market. Although it can struggle in RF dense environments like Field Day or other contests, for daily use it was very effective. I eventually sold mine to fund the purchase of the Elecraft KX1 and, later, KX3<\/a>.<\/p>\n

I always loved the simple front-panel ergonomics of the QRP+ and QRP++. It’s an incredibly easy rig to operate in the field. Plus…it has a bit of a “cute” factor, if you like radios shaped like cubes.<\/p>\n

There is a dedicated email discussion group for Index Labs transceivers–currently, they’re on Yahoo Groups<\/a> but may migrate to another platform by end of year.<\/p>\n

In addition, SWLing Post<\/em> contributor, Eric McFadden (WD8RIF), has an archived webpage with a wealth of information about the Index Labs QRP+ series<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Thanks again for sharing this, Mario! I know you’ll enjoy the QRP++ once you get it on the air!<\/p>\n

\n

Do you enjoy the SWLing Post?<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

Please consider supporting us via\u00a0Patreon<\/span><\/a>\u00a0or our\u00a0Coffee<\/span>\u00a0Fund<\/span><\/a>! <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Your support makes articles like this one possible. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Many thanks to\u00a0SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi (N2HUN), who shares the following guest post that was originally published on the Delaware Valley Radio Association (DVRA) website: Amateur Radios from the Past: The Index Labs QRP++ The Index Labs QRP ++ was an intriguing little radio manufactured back in the mid-\u201890\u2019s by Index Labs of Gig […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[545,3,5099,43],"tags":[3276,4102,8148,8149,4311,1303],"class_list":["post-40730","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ham-radio","category-news","category-qrp","category-shortwave-radio","tag-general-coverage-transceivers","tag-ham-radio","tag-index-labs","tag-index-labs-qrp","tag-mario-filippi-n2hun","tag-qrp"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pn3uc-aAW","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":38035,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2019\/06\/hamvention-highlights-the-qrp-labs-qsx-10-watt-general-coverage-low-cost-hf-transceiver-kit\/","url_meta":{"origin":40730,"position":0},"title":"Hamvention Highlights: The QRP Labs QSX 10 watt, general coverage, low-cost HF transceiver kit","author":"Thomas","date":"June 4, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Each year at the Dayton Hamvention I enjoy checking out the latest radio products and services. This year (2019) I found an exceptional number of innovations and will share these in Hamvention Highlights posts. If you would like to check out 2019 Hamvention Highlights as I publish them, bookmark this\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Kits"","block_context":{"text":"Kits","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/kits\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/QRP-Labs-QSX-Transceiver-6.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/QRP-Labs-QSX-Transceiver-6.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/QRP-Labs-QSX-Transceiver-6.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/QRP-Labs-QSX-Transceiver-6.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":33644,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/08\/qrp-labs-announces-the-qsx-transceiver\/","url_meta":{"origin":40730,"position":1},"title":"QRP Labs Announces The QSX Transceiver","author":"Thomas","date":"August 20, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Pete Eaton (WB9FLW), who writes: QRP Labs has just announced the QSX an All-Band All-Mode Transceiver Kit that should be available later this year. The Target price for the 10 Band Model is $150, also available will be a 40 Meter version for $75.00.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ham Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/QSX-Transceiver-e1534763262905.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/QSX-Transceiver-e1534763262905.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/QSX-Transceiver-e1534763262905.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/QSX-Transceiver-e1534763262905.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":43372,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/05\/just-pulled-the-trigger-on-the-new-qcx-cw-wspr-qrp-transceiver-kit\/","url_meta":{"origin":40730,"position":2},"title":"Just pulled the trigger on the new QCX+ CW\/WSPR QRP transceiver kit","author":"Thomas","date":"May 18, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"I'm a real sucker for kits of any stripe. A few days ago, my buddy, Pete (WB9FLW), sent me a tip about the new QCX+ CW\/WSPR transceiver by QRP Labs. I posted an announcement on QRPer.com. I've yet to build a QRP Labs kit, but I've only heard positive reviews\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ham Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/QSX-TRansceiver.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/QSX-TRansceiver.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/QSX-TRansceiver.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/QSX-TRansceiver.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/QSX-TRansceiver.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":19336,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2016\/06\/ebay-find-lnr-precision-ld-11-transceiver\/","url_meta":{"origin":40730,"position":3},"title":"eBay find: LNR Precision LD-11 transceiver","author":"Thomas","date":"June 9, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario, who notes this first appearance of the LNR Precision LD-11 transceiver on eBay. I must say, I've been using the LD-11 for the past couple of months and have been pleased--it's a fun little radio with the added bonus of broadcast band reception\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ham Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"LD-11 eBay","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/LD-11-eBay-e1465523833570-1024x798.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/LD-11-eBay-e1465523833570-1024x798.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/LD-11-eBay-e1465523833570-1024x798.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":18629,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2016\/05\/the-new-lnr-precision-ld-11-transceiver-is-essentially-general-coverage\/","url_meta":{"origin":40730,"position":4},"title":"The new LNR Precision LD-11 transceiver is essentially general coverage","author":"Thomas","date":"May 1, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"A couple weeks ago, LNR Precision sent me their new LD-11 Digital Direct Conversion QRP transceiver on loan for review. The LD-11 is basically a small, tabletop SDR transceiver. It's like a miniature, simplified version of the Icom IC-7300 I've also been evaluating. The LD-11 is an all-mode and all-band\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ham Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"LNR-Precision-LD-11","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/LNR-Precision-LD-11-1024x576.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/LNR-Precision-LD-11-1024x576.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/LNR-Precision-LD-11-1024x576.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":43537,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/06\/help-building-a-general-coverage-qrp-transceiver-list\/","url_meta":{"origin":40730,"position":5},"title":"Help building a general coverage QRP transceiver list","author":"Thomas","date":"June 13, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Over the past few weeks, I have been building curated lists of ham radio transceivers. It all started when I needed to learn about multimode VHF\/UHF transceivers for my EME project. As I got deeper into the process, I decided to make my master list of VHF\/UHF multimode transceivers public.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ham Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Elecraft-KX2-PK-Loop-balcony.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40730","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40730"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40730\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40730"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40730"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40730"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}