QRP-Labs Ultimate3S WSPR Kit Assembly and Review (#68)

Music is "Sour Tennessee Red," by John Deley and the 41 Players, courtesy YouTube Music Library.

Twitter: @dcasler

[mikekrieger]

I love it Dave, You are using a Heathkit Nut Starter as a pointer.

[semoranman]

It is a medium-challenge kit as you mentioned. I had the most trouble with the LPF boards. Winding the transformers were pretty easy, but the thru holes for the leads on the board are pretty close together and unless you have a microscope or very good vision and a thin-tipped soldering iron you will bridge into empty holes (which I did). At that point solder sucking and copper braid didn't remove the solder. So, I had to grab the lead of the intended part for that hole and push it in while heating up the stubborn solder now occupying the hole. That took time, but it worked. My other problem was I couldn't get the 4-pin connectors on the correct side of the board. Maybe it's dyslexia or maybe my brain is shot. Once you do that it's "game over". I did this two in a row, the second time after knowing better and realizing my mistake on the first LPF board. At that point I gave up for awhile in frustration. Maybe QRP Labs has an LPF board already built for sale? I screwed up on the 10 and 20 meter LPF assemblies, but still have 15, 30, 40 left to try. Anyway, I will get it done and have it on the air eventually. Many hams are using these and they are doing a great job!

[adelarsen]

I patiently sat through 33 minutes of your video. I watched it all.
The exciting parts for me was when you mentioned Australia 4 times and the word Dipole.
And isn't it just so nice to have land and a load of space with no QRM ? Life is good.
Good health to you Sir and good DX. 7 3 de VK4SOE.

[manoffaith]

I looked at their website today 10/31/2020 and I agree with you 100% that deciding what you need is quite confusing.

[Radiobell]

As the above very interesting and I am encouraged to carry out the project
Sorry if there are errors in translation
73
CE3HOT

[QRPLabs]

Hi David,

I am the designer of the Ultimate3S. I am glad that you have enjoyed building and operating the kits and getting reception reports.




BPF = for receiver input bandpass filtering
LPF = for transmitter output low pass filtering

73 Hans G0UPL

[TheSillyshyguy]

Easy kits. Great products. Built many of them over the last few years.

[MichaelLloyd]

very nice Dave :) Hans makes a great kit that even covers the new MF / LF bands. Good point on the website. And I completely agree with your Elekraft comments too.

[acestudioscouk-Ace-GACE]

This is a useful insight and has encouraged me to try kit building. I may start on something simpler though.

[daveb]

*Great video! Have my kit im starting to build this video helps to get me started*

[carolmartin]

Thank you. An interesting kit and mode.

[joerogers]

If I remember correctly a square wave is the sum of all the odd harmonics W6cef

[男メロウ]

Hi Dave ~ can the received signal strength results be used to improve your Antenna configuration ~ if so how?

[ChuckieSS]

I have this radio on order, and as a newbie have no idea how to connect it to a power source. What type of battery and connectors are you using in the video? Thanks!

[tglenn]

Hey, Dave, I enjoy your videos. They're very informative and helpful. Have you done any reviews of the Zachtek wspr devices? I noticed one of his boards will transmit on 136 KHz. What kind of antenna is needed for transmitting on 136 KHz. I'm not really planning to do it, but I am curious about what antenna would be needed for it. Thanks.

[PHLB]

Available Options * LPF Band: ) for a certain band.

But again great video .

[whitefordpipeshandmadebymi]

Cool stuff! Im going to try to build one some day soon ( I hope ) also you live in a beautiful location! Take care! 73 de ve3hip in welland Ontario Canada 🇨🇦

[russphilly]

Hallicrafter S 20-R back there...I have one..

[jkbish]

wow, if figuring out kit sites are difficult for you, they are impossible for me. Why dont they just sell a complete kit. period end of problem?

[billbolen]

Dave, where can I get one of those circuit board holders?  Thanks for posting this video.  I have looked at the WSPR kits before and was not sure what all I needed.