{"id":45730,"date":"2020-10-04T09:05:20","date_gmt":"2020-10-04T13:05:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=45730"},"modified":"2020-10-04T09:05:20","modified_gmt":"2020-10-04T13:05:20","slug":"the-hobbypcb-iq32-transceiver-fills-a-special-niche-in-the-ham-radio-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/10\/the-hobbypcb-iq32-transceiver-fills-a-special-niche-in-the-ham-radio-world\/","title":{"rendered":"The HobbyPCB IQ32 transceiver fills a special niche in the ham radio world"},"content":{"rendered":"

The following review was first published in the September 2020 issue of The Spectrum Monitor<\/a> magazine:<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/h1>\n

The HobbyPCB IQ32 transceiver fills a special niche in the ham radio world<\/h1>\n

This summer, I\u2019ve been exploring the world of general coverage QRP transceivers. I\u2019ve been taking my LnR Precision LD-11<\/a>, Elecraft KX3<\/a> and KX2<\/a> into the field; and I\u2019ve just finished a comprehensive review of the Xiegu G90<\/a>. I also have a TX-500<\/a> and IC-705 arriving in the near future [update<\/a>].<\/p>\n

Yes, I\u2019ll admit, I\u2019m a devotee of the \u201call-in-one\u201d nature of the latest model portable QRP transceivers.<\/p>\n

Most of the QRP transceivers now on the market are products of large, popular ham radio manufacturers. Usually, a company will come up with a product concept, follow through with their market research, then design, develop, and produce the radio. In fairness, that\u2019s an over-simplification of the process, but let\u2019s just call it a \u201ctop down\u201d design approach\u2013\u2013meaning, the product idea is generated within the company, and is often based upon customer feedback.<\/p>\n

Not all ham radio products come about this way, though. Some have more \u201cgrassroots\u201d or collaborative origin.<\/p>\n

The HobbyPCB IQ32<\/h1>\n
\"\"<\/a>

(Image Source: HobbyPCB)<\/p><\/div>\n

I first noticed the HobbyPCB IQ32 transceiver<\/a> at the Dayton Hamvention a few years ago. I checked it out carefully at their booth, and recall a crowd gathering around their table. Noting this, I decided, at a later time, I would also find an opportunity to check out the radio in more detail.<\/p>\n

A couple of months ago, I was working on my list of General Coverage QRP Transceivers<\/a> and asked for help filling in details of any radios I\u2019d forgotten. A reader commented and reminded me that the IQ32 was, indeed, general coverage.<\/p>\n

At this point, I reached out to HobbyPCB and asked for a loaner unit to explore for a few weeks. The company very kindly sent one my way some weeks ago, and I\u2019ve been testing it on the air ever since.<\/p>\n

Form factor<\/h1>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

When I received the IQ32 package, I was surprised by how lightweight this transceiver is:\u00a0 a mere 1.5 lbs (700 grams) packs it all in one compact package.<\/p>\n

The chassis is made of aluminum and incredibly sturdy. It even includes side panel extensions to protect the front faceplate and knobs.<\/p>\n

The IQ32 sports a 3.2″ color LCD touch-screen display large enough to contain all of the functions, a spectrum display, and even an area for text\u2013\u2013both transmitted and received in PSK31 and CW. The display is reminiscent of the uBITX V6 I recently reviewed. It is recommended that the operator uses a blunt plastic stylus (or retracted ballpoint pen) for navigating the color screen, since several of the\u00a0 menu settings, memories, and the like require some fairly precise tapping. The graphic user interface (GUI) feels a bit like what I\u2019d expect to find on a piece of test equipment: a bit old school, but nonetheless quite functional.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The main encoder and selector knobs are lightweight and made of some sort of plastic or nylon. They work quite well\u2013\u2013but if I owned an IQ32, I believe one of the first things I\u2019d do is replace those with a lightweight aluminum equivalent.<\/p>\n

As I mentioned earlier, the weight of the IQ32 is very reasonable at 1.5 lbs. I don\u2019t think I\u2019d even notice it packed in a backpack.<\/p>\n

The IQ32, like the recently released Lab599 TCX-500, lacks an internal speaker. However, my unit came with a speaker microphone, which works fine.<\/p>\n

The right side panel of the IQ32 has a toggle power switch, power amplifier connection, power port (5mm X 2.1mm, positive tip), PS2 keyboard connector, USB Type A, and a BNC antenna port. The left side has a 3.5mm I\/Q Output, 3.5mm headphone jack, 3.5mm speaker\/mic port,\u00a0 and a 3.5mm CW key input.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The IQ32 also has two legs that can be adjusted so that the radio will prop up at a comfortable angle for operation. The legs can be a bit finicky to adjust and keep in place, so I preferred using an angled radio support I use for my Elecraft KX3.<\/p>\n

A collaboration<\/h1>\n

The IQ32 also feels like a project joint effort, bringing to mind the old chocolate-peanut butter cup commercial of a bygone era<\/a>: \u201cMy chocolate got mixed with your peanut butter!\u201d And or, \u201cMy peanut butter got mixed with your chocolate!\u201d<\/p>\n

Curious about this seeming blend of radio ideas, I reached out to Jim Veach (WA2EUJ) at HobbyPCB for more information; he gave me a little history behind the IQ32.<\/p>\n

Jim writes:<\/p>\n

The IQ32 is the fusion of two products: the HobbyPCB RS-HFIQ, and the STM32-SDR.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

The RS-HFIQ was designed to be a 80-10M, 5W soundcard-based SDR\u2013\u2013similar to the popular Softrock SDRs with some expansions and revisions.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

The STM32-SDR was designed to work with a soundcard-based SDR and [thus] eliminate the need for a PC and provide stand-alone operation.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

Inside the IQ32 is a mostly stock RS-HFIQ (in fact, we offered an upgrade kit so RS-HFIQ owners could go the IQ32 route) and a custom version of the STM-32 […] specifically for the IQ32.<\/i><\/p>\n

The original development of the STM32 [began] a few years ago when PSK31 was the digital <\/i>mode du jour and [the] PS2 keyboard roamed the land. The firmware team recently released the current FW, which greatly expanded the CW modes and reworked the memory structure based on user input.<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

And there you have it: even though this unique little rig has been around for a few years, I\u2019m impressed that they continue to refine it and upgrade the firmware. Indeed, if the community of IQ32 users grow, they may be able to do even more.<\/p>\n

On the air<\/h1>\n

\"\"<\/a>To be clear, my intention here isn\u2019t to conduct a comparative review of the IQ32. I simply want to convey what I\u2019ve learned in the process of playing with the rig and trying out some of its unique features.<\/p>\n

Immediately after unboxing the radio, I hooked it up to my main skyloop antenna, plugged in the power supply that accompanied the radio, then plugged in the handheld speaker mic.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

I discovered rather quickly that the IQ32 user interface takes a different approach than any other transceiver I\u2019ve ever tested. Instead of one main user interface window in which you navigate modes, frequencies, and perhaps alter spectrum and bandwidth settings, the IQ32 has a different screen layout for each mode. It\u2019s as if each mode\u2013\u2013SSB, PSK31, CW, etc.\u2013\u2013has its own \u201cpage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Despite the very minimal controls, you can adjust many of the IQ32s settings, macros, and memories in a very granular way via the settings pages using a stylus for fine control of the screen. On the flip side, during operation, it can be frustrating when adjustments need to be made quickly between the AF Gain, RF Gain, CW Speed, and AGC, as they all use the same multi-function knob and switching between them requires several screen taps\u2013\u2013not as quick a process as one might prefer.<\/p>\n

Indeed, the IQ32 isn\u2019t immediately as intuitive as most commercially-marketed radios.\u00a0 But once you fully understand the settings and modes pages, it becomes easy to navigate. Note: I would advise any future owner of an IQ32 to read the manual in advance.<\/i> I did this, and it certainly helped. I should add here that the IQ32 manual is one of the most comprehensive<\/i> I\u2019ve read\u2013\u2013especially considering its collaborative roots.<\/p>\n

Now, let\u2019s talk modes.<\/p>\n

SSB<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a>Since the IQ32 requires a PS2 keyboard for PSK31, and optionally for CW, I tried my hand at SSB first.<\/p>\n

After learning how to switch modes and filter settings, I hopped on the air. Instead of calling CQ, I decided instead to seek a park activator in the POTA program via the POTA spots website. Within 10 minutes, I made contact with two parks: one in Pennsylvania and one in Florida on the 40 and 20 meter bands, respectively. While both parks gave me a \u201c5×9\u201d report, I seriously doubt it was accurate based on their own signal strength. (Some park activators, like contesters, only give 5×9 reports.)<\/p>\n

Still, my success in contacting these two parks told me that the mic settings were probably suitable and that the audio had enough punch on 5 watts to be heard. To confirm, I called CQ a few times and listened to my own signal at a KiwiSDR site in Maryland. The signal was about 5×5, but the audio was clear, clean, and had excellent fidelity.<\/p>\n

Over the past few weeks I\u2019ve worked dozens of stations across North America with the IQ32.<\/p>\n

PSK31<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a>One of the very unique features of the IQ32 is its ability to natively encode and decode PSK31. This was the second mode I was eager to try.<\/p>\n

To use PSK31 on the IQ32, a PS2 keyboard (or USB keyboard with PS2 adapter) must be connected. I searched my shack in vain for a PS2 keyboard, but fortunately, my friend Vlado (N3CZ) came to the rescue and let me borrow one of his keyboards.<\/p>\n

Again, note: IQ32 beginners should certainly plan to read the PSK31 section of the IQ32 manual prior to attempting a PSK31 QSO.\u00a0 For starters, you\u2019ll want to enter in your personal information into the tags settings so that you can use your keyboard function keys to automatically send CQs and to answer calls. The manual will also walk you through any other necessary settings.<\/p>\n

Once I had everything set up, I started calling CQ on the 20 meter band; unfortunately I had no luck snagging a station. This had less to do with the radio and much more to do with the mode, which has, alas, fallen out of popularity since the advent of FT8. It\u2019s a shame, really, because although PSK31 is a digital mode, it feels much more like a proper QSO than FT8, in my opinion. While I have a lot of respect for FT8, with PSK31, you can, as we hams say, \u201crag-chew\u201d\u2013\u2013a much more personal interaction.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

And rag-chewing is exactly what I did. I contacted a friend, we set a sched for a PSK31 QSO, and it was, indeed, fun. The IQ32 has a screen with enough text space so that it\u2019s easy to follow and to read. In fact, with this radio, I don\u2019t feel like a computer is needed.<\/p>\n

With the keyboard attached, PSK31 just works<\/i>…and works quite well. I really like the way this feature has been implemented in the IQ32.<\/p>\n

CW<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Truly, the IQ32 actually has a lot to offer the CW operator. The IQ32 supports Iambic keyer modes A and B, with speeds up to 35 wpm. You can also adjust the weight of the dits and dahs. The IQ32 doesn\u2019t support full break-in QSK, however: there is a slight delay after sending before the relay puts the radio back into receive mode. At present, this delay is not manually adjustable but is, rather, based on the selected keyer speed.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been very pleased using the IQ32 in CW mode with my Begali paddles and Vibroplex single lever paddle.<\/p>\n

Of course, a really unique feature of this rig is that it provides the operator with the means to use the PS2 keyboard to send CW, just as you can with the PSK31. At present, there is no CW decoder, but for those who feel their fist isn\u2019t quite up to par, you can surprise the operator on the other end by sending perfectly formed and spaced CW by simply typing it on the keyboard.\u00a0 Herein lies a very unique feature and application for the IQ32.<\/p>\n

Indeed, as a frequent Parks On The Air (POTA) field activator, I rely very heavily on memory keyers to call CQ, send a park number, as well as give my thanks and 73s to those who contact me. Using a pre-programmed message means that I then have time to log a station while it sends, and to ensure my code is cleaner when I send park numbers\u2013\u2013especially since I don\u2019t exactly excel at sending strings of numbers!<\/p>\n

With the IQ32, I find I can program full CW messages to play when I simply press one of the function keys on the keyboard. This gives me much better flexibility and control than, say, the built-in memory keyer on my venerable Elecraft KX2.<\/p>\n

With the IQ32, a CW op would actually have the choice of never even touching a key, and just sending all messages with the keyboard. While I could never see myself doing that<\/i> (as I quite enjoy sending CW with a key), the flexibility of pre-programming an array of CW memory messages and having them conveniently at hand is nonetheless quite appealing.<\/p>\n

As a CW operator, I\u2019m quite pleased with the IQ32. My only wish would be for a slightly shorter relay hang time for use in contesting or on Field Day.<\/p>\n

The IQ32 Niche<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

While I wouldn\u2019t necessarily recommend the IQ32 as a first transceiver to a newly-minted ham, I can certainly envision a niche market for this unique rig.<\/p>\n

For one, I think the IQ32 could satisfy those operators who desire a very clean and stable transmitter. The IQ32 sports a Class A 5-watt power amplifier with individual low-pass filters for each band that exceed FCC requirements for spectral purity. It also has a Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TXCO) for frequency stability\u2013\u2013truly, this is not common in a radio of this price class.<\/p>\n

For another, the IQ32 could be used as a driver for a transverter when operating on VHF or UHF. Another of its unique and useful features is that the user can set an offset to display the transverter output frequency rather than the IQ32-driven frequency.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And, finally, let\u2019s face it: I know of few other radios that you can take to the field, hook up a keyboard, and natively send and decode PSK-31 transmissions. My KX2 can do this to a degree, but I have to input the text as CW, and the number of characters in the display is quite limited. The IQ32 is robust enough to permit you to carry on PSK-31 rag-chews, if you wish. If this is your thing, you\u2019ll definitely want to play with this rig.<\/p>\n

Being able to send CW with a keyboard and pre-programmed messages also means CW operators could make their workflow much more efficient in either the shack or the field.<\/p>\n

In conclusion, I\u2019ll admit that the IQ32 isn\u2019t as intuitive as other radios and that the ergonomics leave room for improvement. But it\u2019s still a cool little radio. If, after having read this tour of the IQ32, you feel like you\u2019re<\/i> in this radio\u2019s niche market, then definitely reach out to HobbyPCB<\/a>: I\u2019ve found their customer care and support to be absolutely benchmark.<\/p>\n

All in all, I\u2019ve had a lot of fun tinkering with this unique general coverage QRP transceiver; I expect others like me will, too. Many thanks to HobbyPCB<\/a> and the IQ32 crew for letting me take a deep dive into this very special little rig!<\/p>\n

Click here to check out the IQ32 at HobbyPCB.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Do you enjoy the SWLing Post?<\/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":"

The following review was first published in the September 2020 issue of The Spectrum Monitor magazine: The HobbyPCB IQ32 transceiver fills a special niche in the ham radio world This summer, I\u2019ve been exploring the world of general coverage QRP transceivers. I\u2019ve been taking my LnR Precision LD-11, Elecraft KX3 and KX2 into the field; […]<\/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":[1114,545,3,26,129,43,158],"tags":[90,3276,5606,7376,8858,8857,8859,1303,3499],"class_list":["post-45730","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-digital-modes","category-ham-radio","category-news","category-radios","category-reviews","category-shortwave-radio","category-software-defined-radio","tag-cw","tag-general-coverage-transceivers","tag-hobbypcb","tag-hobbypcb-iq-32","tag-hobbypcb-iq-32-review","tag-iq32","tag-psk31","tag-qrp","tag-ssb"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pn3uc-bTA","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":44289,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/a-new-visitor-in-the-shack-the-hobbypcb-iq32-sdr-qrp-transceiver\/","url_meta":{"origin":45730,"position":0},"title":"A new visitor in the shack: The HobbyPCB IQ32 SDR QRP transceiver","author":"Thomas","date":"July 10, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Last week, I took delivery of an IQ32 SDR Transciever on loan from HobbyPCB. The IQ32 has been on the market for a few years now and is a fusion of the HobbyPCB RS-HFIQ and the STM32-SDR. I've been told by the HobbyPCB team that the STM32-SDR was developed a\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\/07\/HobbyPCB-IQ32-3.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/HobbyPCB-IQ32-3.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/HobbyPCB-IQ32-3.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/HobbyPCB-IQ32-3.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/HobbyPCB-IQ32-3.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":34596,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/10\/the-hobbypcb-iq-32-a-general-coverage-portable-qrp-transceiver-with-color-touch-screen-now-shipping\/","url_meta":{"origin":45730,"position":1},"title":"The HobbyPCB IQ-32: A general coverage portable QRP transceiver with color touch screen now shipping","author":"Thomas","date":"October 23, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Pete (WB9FLW), who shares the following information regarding HobbyPCB's much-anticipated portable transceiver which is now shipping.\u00a0 The price is a competitive $529.00. The following information comes from the HobbyPCB website: The IQ32 is 5W output, 80-10M Amateur Radio transceiver with powerful 32 bit processing\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\/10\/Comparison-Transceivers.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Comparison-Transceivers.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Comparison-Transceivers.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":22133,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2016\/11\/kickstarter-the-239-rs-hfiq-5-watt-general-coverage-transceiver\/","url_meta":{"origin":45730,"position":2},"title":"Kickstarter: The $239 RS-HFIQ 5 Watt General Coverage Transceiver","author":"Thomas","date":"November 7, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to Jim Veatch (WA2EUJ) who shares the following: HobbyPCB is offering their RS-HFIQ 5W SDR on Kickstarter starting at $239. Check it out here: https:\/\/www.kickstarter.com\/projects\/hobbypcb\/rs-hfiq-5w-software-defined-radio-sdr-tranceiver Thanks, Jim-I wish you success in this campaign (though it appears you've met your base goal and are now into stretch goals). While\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ham Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"rs-hfiq-sdr","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/rs-hfiq-SDR.jpeg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/rs-hfiq-SDR.jpeg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/rs-hfiq-SDR.jpeg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/rs-hfiq-SDR.jpeg?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":44630,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/08\/whats-in-the-shack-here-at-swling-post-hq\/","url_meta":{"origin":45730,"position":3},"title":"What’s in the shack here at SWLing Post HQ","author":"Thomas","date":"August 7, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Pete, who writes: Thomas, I'm curious what radios you have in the shack now. I see lots of posts about various radios, but I wonder what's in your personal collection and what's being evaluated. You know what they say...\"inquiring minds\" and all that! If\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\/01\/Mission-RGO-One-Paddle-Mic-Transceiver-5.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Mission-RGO-One-Paddle-Mic-Transceiver-5.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Mission-RGO-One-Paddle-Mic-Transceiver-5.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Mission-RGO-One-Paddle-Mic-Transceiver-5.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":45013,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/08\/listening-to-shortwave-broadcasts-on-the-lab599-discovery-tx-500\/","url_meta":{"origin":45730,"position":4},"title":"Listening to shortwave broadcasts with the lab599 Discovery TX-500","author":"Thomas","date":"August 25, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"The lab599 TX-500 Discovery is a general coverage transceiver with AM mode, which means it can do double-duty as a shortwave receiver. If you've been following previous TX-500 posts, you've seen me take this near military-grade portable transceiver to the field. I've activated a total of 6 parks in 6\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\/08\/lab599-TX-500-Discovery-1-4.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/lab599-TX-500-Discovery-1-4.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/lab599-TX-500-Discovery-1-4.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/lab599-TX-500-Discovery-1-4.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/lab599-TX-500-Discovery-1-4.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":43537,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/06\/help-building-a-general-coverage-qrp-transceiver-list\/","url_meta":{"origin":45730,"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\/45730","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=45730"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45730\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45730"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=45730"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45730"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}