Recently there was an interesting discussion here on vk2rh.com about some of the barriers to a wider takeup of the new wave of Chinese QRP or DIY ham radio kitset activity. One of the hurdles of course is language and the current lack of an English language user base to grow and deliver email support for kit builders.
Overnight Adam, BD6CR has made available an English translation of the construction manual for the KN-Q10 QRP kit designed by Ke Shi BA6BF. The KN-Q10 is a four band (3.5, 7, 14 & 21MHz) 5W SSB/CW transceiver kit.
The KN-Q10 4 band SSB/CW QRP kit designed by Ke Shi BA6BF
Adam has also revived the Yahoo group China_QRP -
“I have made a decision to turn this yahoo group into a forum to support overseas Chinese kit builders and merchants. We will see more overseas kit builders and merchants joining.”
John AE5X posted a report about the manual translation earlier today. He also included a link to a discussion thread about the kit on the Chinese language HelloCQ forum. The photos here are sourced from the designer Ke Shi, BA6BF’s own postings and give some sense of the finish and quality of the project. There’s a large number of photos of the Q10 under construction on the thread.
A view of the BA6BF designed KN-Q10
John AE5X noticed the current lack of a schematic & parts placement diagrams and an operating manual for the kit even though this appears to be referenced in the translation. Certainly this version of the manual doesn’t offer the comprehensive ‘hand-holding’ guidance Elecraft, SWLabs or Softrock kit builders are used to. John sees no inherent problem with this – as long as prospective buyers are aware. I see this manual translation as an important first step towards opening up this exciting DIY/QRP activity to a wider audience.
Today on the China QRP Yahoogroup Adam has explained that he is selling the KN-Q10 kit for US$280 which includes air parcel delivery anywhere worldwide and that he accepts PayPal. If you’re keen to buy, it might be best to contact Adam via the Yahoogroup to identify the appropriate email address for that.
UPDATE 15 October: Adam BD6CR has already posted an updated version of the manual and it now also includes photos and links to the schematic diagram of the KN-Q10 and a Chinese language document with photos illustrating the modification to the encoder.
One of the photos from the currently Chinese language KN-Q10 encoder modification guide
Thank you for the introduction. I have benefited from your blog and your emails. We are open to hear comments / suggestions to make it better.
Great work Adam! Hellocq.net has the schematic and manual available for download courtesy of BA6BF, but it is in Chinese only.
Hello to all OM.
Congratulations to Labour.
here’s a website or there is a list of all QRP transceiver in the world with links, http://f8bdx.free.fr
73
i have been using Q10 for more than one years. This QRP transceiver works well on all of four bands. it outputs 10w with no problems at all. there is only one issue—it has frequency drifting during period between cool start & warn stable status—typically up to 200Hz. Once stabled ( it takes about 20-30 minutes), there are no frequency drifting at all. The upcoming Q10A may overcome frequency drifting issue—this would be a big plus.
The KN-Q10A manual Rev. A has been published. I don’t think KN-Q10A has fixed this frequency drifting issue, but KN-Q10A does have a few improvements.
http://www.qsl.net/bd6cr/knq10amanualreva.pdf
Is the KN-Q10A kit still available for purchase??
If so please send a link to where it can be purchased?
Pete WK8S
I have just tested KN-Q10B. It has huge improvement than Q10. The frequency is right spot on & stable. There is NO shifting issues. BA6BF has done the great job again! I like the power adjust knob on front panel. Sensetivity & selectivity are superb.
No complains this time at all. Well done!
I can only agree that the the KN-Q10B is far superior to the original KN-Q10 as far as warm up drift is concerned, and adds 10M as the fifth band to boot.
Performance seems excellent and good DX contacts are possible with my modest 1/2 sized G5RV at non-optimum height.
Best so far is JA on 10M though interstate VK and ZL contacts are routine from my QTH in VK2 with 7-8W.
de VK2HHS
hello wanted Querying where the purchase is available q10b kn-way shipping and there to Argentina