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This is a very nice QRP transceiver. Delivery time from China was about 3 1/2 weeks. Packaging was excellent. I bought a battery and charger separately from Tentec but the TxVR came with a charger (but no battery). I like the firmware a lot. The manual not so much. The Chinese translation to English is terrible and the manual lacks interior photos such as battery installation and adjustable SMD locations. (Labels are very small and difficult to read on the circuit board so a photo would have been helpful). Paddle/key selection is automatic on power up and notification is via Morse. A (paddle) or M (key). There are other Morse notifications for things like speed (S), call sign (I), and tuner mode (T). The notifications are extremely low volume and are barely perceptible in my unit. My side tone pitch is too high. The manual says adjust VC1 for pitch but it has no effect on mine. There are two VC’s and 3 VR’s under the hood for adjustments. (Pitch, audio, voltage display, contrast, etc). I’m not sure if they work. I haven’t attempted adjustment other than pitch. The firmware is very easy to use, memories and VFO work great together, auto CQ send function works well. Keyer speed is via a menu and is a bit awkward. I wish it was more readily changeable like during a QSO. SWR meter is handy for tuning a mag loop. It will say “HIGH” if you’re too far off. Tune mode only works with a paddle. I’ve emailed youkits for solutions to the weak Morse notifications. I’d try the user group but responses are rare. The receiver, using only my ear as a test instrument, compared fairly well, but not as good, as my KX3 on sensitivity. I used a G5RV and an A/B switch to compare them. The S meter seems fairly accurate and useful. The TX is very close to 5 Watts with a 14 volt power supply. A bit less using the battery at 12.2 volts. Audio quality seems fine aside from the CW pitch (it’s a bit high) I used both a noise cancelling in-ear head set, an over-ear headset, and a Bose powered speaker for audio. I think this unit will be a perfect match for a magloop and airline travel. Light, easy, fun Update: The seller contacted me with information regarding the Morse code notifications. They know that they are weak and it is a design flaw. They say they will correct it in the next version of the radio. Update 2: Youkits sent me a possible solution for the weak audio on Morse notifications. A 4.7k resistor is suggested. It’s location is in the photo they sent and I have included in this review.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This is a great radio - I've been wanting one for a while and had the chance to grab one on auction. I saved about $80 over the list price. It's very simple to operate - a look in the manual answered my main question which was how to change meter bands. (you don't - you qsy with the dial set on its largest increment.) I got it all hooked up and running within minutes. The RX on this radio is outstanding - it is a "hot" receiver. It's very easy to zero in on a signal. If its a very strong CW signal, the code elements almost "pop". No problem though - the attenuator is your friend. Use the IF control to narrow the band as much as you like. This is a nice feature if you're used to a radio that has a set CW filter of a particular width. A bonus is the ability to listen to sideband and shortwave broadcasts. Using the if filter at is widest and carefully adjusting the frequency you can pick up DX shortwave stations very clearly. The only things I would mention that could be better is the paint job of the lettering. On my radio, the lettering is kinda fuzzy and looks like it was done by someone in a hurry. The knobs and buttons (except the main tuning knob) have a feel that is less substantial than I would like. Not a big deal, and this is a personal feel thing for me. I would say the same thing about the built-in keyer. It's doesn't feel right to me. That is easy to solve though, just use your own keyer. None of the above has any effect on the outstanding performance of this radio, Therefore, I give this a rating of 5/5.Read full review
Excellent transceiver. I have been able to get signals from Europe and reply to them on 4 watts. Works great along with my antenna tuner and 33 feet long wire antenna. Great radio.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
The receiver in the HB-1B is much better than I had expected given the small size and reasonable price of this QRP rig. This with the matching tuner, a hunk of wire, and a homemade hacksaw paddle makes the perfect backpack outfit for hiking. Loads of fun.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Rx is sensitive, good Tx reports. Internal rechargeable battery and integral touch keyer make this very portable, especially with resonant (no tuner) antenna. Otherwise a ZM-2 is great companion.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned