As mentioned before in my initial impressions of the preassembled (tr)uSDX from China, I also ordered the kit version as well so that I could compare the two experiences.
Here is a short video of the unboxing, with more videos to come for the actual assembly.
They say “patience is a virtue”.
Waiting for SpeedPak packages from China is something that builds virtue.
SpeedPak. lol
For everyone’s reference, I’ve ordered a (tr)uSDX kit from a Chinese distributor, one of the few that are authorized by DL2MAN and team per their forum post at https://forum.dl2man.de/viewtopic.php?t=139
You can read more about the project at DL2MAN’s website https://dl2man.de/
Actually I’ve ordered two – one preassembled and one that is a kit. I will 3d print the case and assemble the kit from scratch.
I went this route since sourcing components is very difficult right now – the PCBs are easy enough (you can order directly from a PCB maker or even find local folks on Ebay who have done so for group buys) – but parts like the Atmega328P-AU or 74ACT00 are hit and miss at major suppliers.
Some folks have taken to buying electronics with said parts and desoldering the components to get all the parts together.
I chose to order everything all together. Probably a bit more expensive than I could have done if parts were available, but……
But I’m just sitting here waiting. It is a long wait for things to sit in such a status as shown above. I live roughly 7 hours from Chicago (the assumed hub for such distribution centers), and today is April 6th.
It arrived at that hub on March 28th and cleared customs on the 30th.
Getting a little (im)Patient 😉
I could have driven there last weekend, picked it up, had a nice weekend getaway with my wife………
In all seriousness though, I’m excited to get my hands on this and get it on the air, and I will be sure to post a review of my experience with it afterwards.
How will it compare to other kit radios I have? MCHF? QCX-mini (CW only, but the heritage is there)?
How will it compare to commercial QRP radios like the FT-817 or the MTR-4b?
Now to be patient…..
So after posting this, I sent a quick email to their support address asking if there was any update they could provide.
Exactly one hour later they posted an updated status – in Chinese – that says the same thing the previous status said.
Today, it is out for delivery.
Coincidence?
😀
Received it and have already had it on the air. I am putting together all my findings and will update with a new post soon.
This is a lot of radio for the price….
kd0hbu 