Posted: 11/27/2014 1:52:51 PM EDT
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I'm really wanting to build a good transceiver and want to make sure I'm not missing one. I want a higher end transceiver that won't break the bank. Kit must be a true build including soldering components on the board.
I'm finding about my only choice is the K2 from Elecraft. Any other suggestions? |
I'm seeing a lot of the true kits are disappearing. I recently built the ten tec 1253 regen receiver and they've discontinued it since. I bought it bc the 1254 was discontinued.
A K3 would be nice but not the type of "kit" I'm looking for and is a bit much to stuff in a pack. |
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So much construction and design has gone to surface mount components, which are much more difficult for
the average person to mount and solder. The old plug through boards are now for more simple projects. This appears to be well done, the Sienna HF Transceiver Kit. Can be built as an SDR, or with a front panel. 10 w or 100 w options. http://www.dzkit.com/sienna_main.htm But you sure aren't saving any money. For the same money you could buy a really fine top end transceiver. |
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That DZKit Sienna looks really cool but you're right, at that price I'd likely shop at the Elecraft store or forego the kit and get a nice Icom\Kenwood\Yaesu. OP, some other ideas might be the following: Or watch eBay for a Small Wonder Lab SW series. I have one unbuilt waiting for a nice cold winter.  Though none of these may be as high-end as you might be looking for. I've done a couple of RockMites and some of the tuna tins. Mostly thru-hole with an occasional SMD part. They aren't real complex but they are still fun. Some, like the RockMite have small ecosystems with lots of other fun stuff to do with them. Not a kit but interesting: http://m0xpd.blogspot.com/2014/11/arduino-sdr-3.html and http://m0xpd.blogspot.com/2014/02/arduino-sdr.html I've been gathering parts for these two scratch-builds: And if all else fails charge up your flux capacitor and go here: Though you might want to post a request for a group buy before you make the trip!
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I've had several QSOs with Arnie! Quite an active ham. Even have a QSL card from him.
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Guys, I appreciate all the responses. I've been lost on m0xpd's site as the Arduino is another passion of mine. Too bad he doesn't post his code.
Still leaning toward the K2 at this point. We'll see if Santa's feeling it. Again, thanks for all the input and keep the suggestions coming on kits. |
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I went through the same process of searching for a transceiver kit to build. There may be something out there that compares to the K2, but I never found it. So, I went with the K2, and don't have any regrets. I throughly enjoyed the building process, and each day, I looked forward to sitting down at the work bench and making some progress.
It's not cheap, however, and after adding several of the options, mine topped out at about $1300. But if you enjoy building kits, I don't think you will be disappointed. 
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