CW QRP Pak7viq
Continuous Wave Quick Radio Play Pak (Paul Allen K7VIQ)
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A No-Code ham who wants to be a Know-Code ham.
Code, is a mode, that both takes skill, and is a thrill.
Learning code has been a lifelong quest, but I do my best.
At 12 WPM and Farnsworth’s eight, helping slow the rate,
gives one some grace, on the air to have a place.
Graphic & wordplay by K7VIQ
CW QRP Pak7viq:
CW QRP Pak7viq:
A QRP kit that hits the Mark, to send a CW spark out the Park.
I decided to share my portable field radio kit, as if it was featured in the QRPer Field Kit Gallery! I keep practicing so I am XW fit, meanwhile, here is my 12/8 practice kit.
Introduction
I call my field kit the CW QRP Pak—Continuous Wave Quick Radio Play Pak7viq, a nod to my goal for Morse code since childhood ciphers and codes with friends. Unable to pass the Morse code test,I took the opportunity when CW was removed to become a “No-Code” ham but, not giving up, I still strive to be a true “Know-Code” ham. Learning code is tough, but it’s a lifelong quest, and I do my best. I am still at 12/8 Farnsworth after years of practice, but every dit and dah is a step toward a QSO.
Collecting gear on a meager budget over time, my kit is packed and ready to go in a rugged Apache 2800 hard case, designed for carrying from vehicle to table in Oregon’s city parks and perhaps one day, camping CW activations, and perhaps a rare SSB contact with those who choose not to spend the time it takes to learn the code I work so hard for.
I researched many QRP radios before I chose the QMX+. I was really drawn to the MTR-3B for its quality, size and features, but I ultimately chose the QMX+ for its full band coverage, menu system, mode versatility at an excellent bang for the buck price I could afford.
(See picture) One difference in my kit is I opted for 10 quality Panasonic Eneloop rechargeable cells 1200mAh AA cells for reliability and replaceability as I had a failure of 1 cell in an integrated battery pack that made it useless. Also usable for home usage.
ABOVE PICTURES NEEDS UPDATED BATTERY PACK CHANGED
The whole kit contents spread out to verify contents for the field. X-tenna, Putikeeg & base, DIY ATU-10, QMX+ radio and 10 - 1.2v 1200mAh AA rechargeable standard Panasonic Eneloop cells, Main and small bit cases, Ham ID, Paper & mech pencil, POTA pamphlets, What am I doing info.
The QRP Labs QMX radio on a picnic table ready to CQ CQ K7VIQ
The QRPak (Quick Radio Pak) 2800 Apache case ready to go.
K7VIQ’s CW QRP PAK: A QRP Field Kit for CW Adventures
K7VIQ’s CW QRP PAK: A QRP Field Kit for CW Adventures
For fun I decided to share my portable field radio kit, as if it was featured in the QRPer Field Kit Gallery! If you’d like to share your field kit with the QRPer community, contact them. Perhaps one day to have a real outing worthy of being posted in the Field Kit Gallery.
The CW QRP PAK Inventory
The CW QRP PAK Inventory
My kit is a somewhat lightweight, all-in-one solution for low-power field ops, weighing 7.8 lbs, including the carp fishing pole along for the ride. What’s Inside:
Case: Apache 2800 hard case, compact and durable for field protection.
Radio: QRP Labs QMX+ (160-6m, CW, digi, and SSB modes), with manual on phone and a paper backup.
Power: 8 to 10 - 1.2v 2100mAh NiMH AA standard rechargeable Panasonic Eneloop cells in with an 8 or 10 cell case with a 2.1mm barrel plug.
Drok power controller for 10 cells use. (with goal to increase air time a bit)
Key: Putikeeg aluminum rose alloy paddle key, chosen for its compact size, affordability, and vibrant color.
Antenna Gear:
X-tenna EFHW antenna (10-40m, 70 ft wire).
Short RG8 BNC feedline for connections.
12 oz Weaver arborist throw weight with bag and cord.
Fiberglass carp fishing pole (extends to 19.7 ft, last segments unused for stability).
Tuner: DIY Tech ATU-10 QRP by N7DDC (1-15W, v1.6), automatic for fast matching.
Audio:
Headphones and backup earbud for solo CW.
Amplified Anker speaker (optional for group settings).
K6ARK mic (3D-printed, compact for optional SSB).
Informational: POTA/SOTA bi-fold leaflet to share with curious passersby; paper and mechanical pencil for backup logging.
Phone: For PDF manual, logging apps, and emergencies.
In the Field
In the Field
To ensure I had all components, I set up the CW QRP PAK on our backyard picnic table. Setup was a breeze: I look forward to tossing the throw weight over a tree branch or extending the fiberglass pole to support the X-tenna EFHW to about 15 feet in a local park. The QMX+ pairs with the DIY ATU-10 to match on 10–40m bands. I plan to get on the Putikeeg paddle, call CQ, and work all the stations I can. The Apache case keeps everything safe en route, and the kit’s weight fits in with my goal of vehicle to a park table operations.
Why This Kit?
Why This Kit?
I chose the QMX+ for its somewhat compact size and band versatility, cost efficiency, perfect for CW and occasional SSB, unlike my shack’s IC-7300. The X-tenna EFHW covers 10–40m reliably, often without the tuner. The ATU-10 handles mismatches, and the Putikeeg paddle’s size, cost, and brassy “rose” color is a draw for my love of brass tones and its cost makes it a favorite for getting on the air. The Apache case keeps things together and protects my gear during outside outings. This kit reflects my lifelong CW journey, and it readys me for mobile QSOs in outside portable operations.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
While not able to no longer hike, camp to many locations, my CW QRP PAK embodies my dedication to mastering Morse code and keeping me motivated to learn while enjoying being outside whether at home, or a city park.
72 Paul K7VIQ . .
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