Exploring the QRP Labs QMX - Review and Walkthrough

In this video I review and walkthrough the QRP Labs QMX 5 band QRP CW transceiver. This is a great, budget friendly QRP transceiver that has won a place in my shack and in the field.

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00:00 Intro
02:14 Specs of the QRP Labs QMX
04:22 Walkthrough of the QRP Labs QMX
09:54 Comparison of the QRP Labs QMX and the Venus SW-3B

[ralphnunn]

Can confirm - I also ordered mine in May 2024, and it took 4 months to get to me. But, it was worth the wait! I love mine. I haven't had it out on a POTA activation yet, but have used it at home, and love what I'm seeing/hearing so far. Thanks for the 'Tune SWR' tip. I didn't know that was there. I'll have to give that a try.

[nohillclimber]

Great review Joe. I am a QRP-Labs junkie and qrp rig junkie in general. I've built all of the QMX rigs so far. I've never understood why so many people get hung up on the 12 volt limit. I operate all of mine from battery only using either Lipo, 18650s or even lead acid on the bench. 3 cell Lipo or 18650s full charge is approximately 12.3 to 12.6 volts. Those few tenths over 12 fall off very quickly, and on a reasonably resonant antenna do no harm anyway. Also, stopping the charge at 12 volts will not harm those batteries. I don't own a buck/boost converter. Being a SOTA activator I don't want to carry any more gear than necessary. If a person only operates from a 13.8 bench supply I can see the reasoning for conversion, but I simply use my batteries even at home. I hope that helps someone decide on voltage. I also own an MTR 3B, and the older 4B (gray case). They mostly stay on the shelf since I started building QRP Labs stuff. I do take the 3B on a couple of summits a year. They are great radios, but with limited bands and features for the price. Again, very nice review! Ken, w4kac

[votisb]

Great video. I love the QMX and the QMX+. I've built 2 QMX and a QMX+ and am just in the process of building a QMX mid band.

A quick note on the power protection. You can turn this off completely or adjust the over-voltage at which it kicks in. You can also turn off SWR protection or again, set the SWR at which it kicks in.

Personally, whilst I'm very happy running it off a 3s lipo which is 12.6v fully charged I'm a little more cautious with a 12v lifepo4 or lead acid battery as these are 13.6v + which is right on the edge of what the rig will take.

I have run them at these kind of voltages but only with a resonant antenna and using CW. I'd not risk FT8 or a poorly tuned antenna.

[KFR_Radio]

Gear acquisition syndrome, LOL! I suffer from it as well, Joe :) Great walk through and review. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for the POTA QSOs. 73 es cu on the air!

[janiceemery]

Excellent break down Joe of the QMX and the comparison. Now, I have to consider both but, I think you are right the QMX is probably the winner. Thank you again Joe for the review.

[aidd]

I own a MTR4B (Mountain Topper), I have built two QCX-Minis, I have a pre-built QMX High Band and I am currently building a QMX mid-band ( main board complete, just the LCD control board left to build) I highly recommend the QRP-Labs QMX. I activated POTA mostly with this rig and a Chameleon MPAS Lite or Tactical Delta Loop and I get very good results. This rig is outstanding. 72 de AI5DD. Subscribed. In my most recent video I'm using this rig in my Jeep in the rain. P.S. I don't use the CW decoders. :)

[techguy]

Looks interesting but I keep seeing people complain about bricking the radio due to power being disconnected abruptly. It’s got an amazing feature set for the money. I have an original QCX for 20.

[DaDitDa]

According to QRPlab specs, a QMX built for 12 volt operation will function from 6 to 12 volts -- with reduced output power at lower voltages.

[rclewen]

Nice overview Joe! I am on the list for a prebuilt mid band QMX and hope to get it before the end of the year 😀 I currently have a 20M QCX Mini and love it! N7BBQ

[msgaltman]

Thank Joe. I had no idea you could view the actual SWR in the Harware Test menu! Does the SWR test trigger the protection if you tune wrong? If you understand the rather complex instruction on using the filter functions, I for one would like to see a video on that. I just don't get it. Aside from the various filter parameters in the setup, is there a quick way to vary the filter with while operating without diving into the menu?

[JohnTrefethen]

Thanks for another concise video, Joe. My kit is en route this week. I am looking forward to building my first radio. Before I do, I was planning to go the 9v route. Can you explain the benefits of the 9 vs. 12v configuration? Can one still achieve 5w output with 9v input? Thanks in advance, N7JTT

[medicineman]

Studying QRP transceivers. Can someone link to a battery set up for this QMX please. Surely there is something super small/lightweight that you could plus the typical Bioenno into and then into the radio?

[jomckarth]

how can you work ft8 if there is no usb available? digi is only for wspr what i understand...?