The perfect POTA/SOTA rig

[Andrew (grayhat)]

ok, perfection isn't of this world, but let's just try to play with some imagination, start with an existing or a non existing rig, and add all the features you feel important for a POTA/SOTA activator or for a hunter, come on, let's raise some holidays dust

P.S.

keep real, don't ask for dilythium batteries or the like

[WA0YCN]

IC-705 with smaller size, built-in tuner, retail price under $1,000.

Xiegu X6100 with better internal battery, working WiFi and Bluetooth, firmware fixes for all the problems and bugs.

[KL7MJ]

I think the ideal radio is one that has everything included in the case - radio, ATU and power. My KX1 fits that description, albeit only on 3 bands and only in CW.

Having said that, I find enjoyment in the less than ideal - what can I do with things I built myself, or the most minimal setup possible. Santa was kind enough to bring me a QMX high band kit that should bring a lot of fun this coming year!

Mike, KL7MJ

[K4LNW]

KX2 and a CHA MPAS Lite Antenna. Light, simple, self contained and fast.


- Bruce
K2LNW

[N5FY]

IC-705 with smaller size, built-in tuner, retail price under $1,000.

Xiegu X6100 with better internal battery, working WiFi and Bluetooth, firmware fixes for all the problems and bugs.

The X6100 and X6200 for that matter have so much potential. I wish they had a better front end and were a bit better to run CW with. Their feature set and size really sets them apart from others. I owned a X6100...and it is the only QRP radio I have sold to date...never tried the X6200 first hand though other than at HRO...where I found its keying to be quite bad...I believe it was on the first firmware release at that time. Never played with the older X5105.

[KM4CFT]

I would think the perfect POTA/SOTA rig would be a cross between a 705 and KX2. The 705 user interface and screen with the form factor of the KX2. It would have pin diode switching and USB C for digital modes. Built in ATU too.
If Elecraft did a KX4 I think that would be the closest we get to that.

[N5FY]

I would think the perfect POTA/SOTA rig would be a cross between a 705 and KX2. The 705 user interface and screen with the form factor of the KX2. It would have pin diode switching and USB C for digital modes. Built in ATU too.
If Elecraft did a KX4 I think that would be the closest we get to that.

Oh boy, that would be an exciting rig!!!

[N5FY]

To pair it down first...with existing rigs and to split my answers between POTA and SOTA...because for me that changes things...and I will not mention antenna pair...
POTA rig for me is TX500 with a close and closing margin of the KX2 in second place.
SOTA rig for me currently is the MTR-3B (LCD or Curahee although the LCD version is easier to see in Sunlight)

My TX500 is my favorite still, for POTA and SOTA. But, that doesn't mean it gets the most use. The TX500 and its construction leads to a mess of wires...all of which I am happy to live with. I have zero concern for taking it out in the cold or heat, or snow or rain...I know there are shower caps or other solutions for other radios but this peace of mind is simply not a feature found in any other radio. I really enjoy the TX500 for both SSB and CW operation and I pack a Raspberry pi with it to run any digital modes I may want. So, my incredibly compact TX500 kit is my first choice almost every time.

If I am planning a SOTA, I want redundancy so as to not make it to the top and find out something is missing or not working. So, for me, SOTA pack out will almost always include one of the following rigs (in no specific order) with the intention to operate CW: KX1, MTR-3B LCD or Curahee, MTR-4B or QMX mid or high long or CFT1 and a likely a T1. Second, or likely the backup to one of the above is a more fully featured radio. I have hiked with the 705 in tow to SOTA but it is not a small package. KX2 is likely the backup if not the TX500 and T1. For this choice the KX2 offers less weight. With that said, there is always the option for two small radios with the limitation to only run CW. In fact, more recently i find myself packing two full small rig packages with CW only capabilities.

If I am planning POTA, we are still talking 10W or less, a QRP rig...so almost anything goes already mentioned or not mentioned depending on the mood. I have what might bee too many rigs... So, sorry, not much help here. A handful of times I have run QRO with the FT891 or IC7300 or FT710AESS or using a small amp.

I am quite excited for the new Yaesu QRP rig...I hope it is as compact as possible and has the feature set of the IC705 but with a tuner...maybe its a dream. I don't need more than 5W, but guessing we get at least 10 or possibly 8? I don't need such a fancy screen for a field rig though. We shall see! If Hans can single handedly cram the feature set and band capabilities in the the QMX we have, I sure would hope Yaesu can provide a fully featured package significantly smaller than the IC705. I'm sure I will be a bit disappointed here though.

So, what would I want that is better than my current plethora of rig choices? I am not sure I know... so a few ideas... I would be happy if the TX500 were say 30% thicker but had a build in 3.5Ah LiPo and a Tuner... For the size of the IC705 it should have a tuner it it...that would be killer (hence my wish for the new yaesu I suppose). Now that I have mentioned a tuner addition twice, I should clarify, I'm talking T1 capability, not KX1 for example (nothing against the KX1 though, its a fantastic rig with the right tuner in it).

Jonathan is on to something though...if the K4 and KX2 had a baby...Introducing the KX4...oh boy. Take my money!