Daniel, Here's some thoughts regarding a few radio options that might suit your friend's interest on QRP (low-power) operation.
G90: This is a fantastic choice if versatility is key. The G90 has an excellent built-in tuner that can handle just about any antenna you throw at it, making it great for portable setups. However, it doesn't come with an internal battery, so you'll need to invest in a good external one-like a LiFePO4, which can get pricey but offers reliable power for field use. For the price, I'd argue it's the best bang for your buck among these options. X6200: This one comes with some nice extras-think bells and whistles like a solid tuner and modern features that make it appealing for someone who wants a bit more out of their rig. It's a step up in terms of functionality, though it might stretch the budget a bit more than the G90. 705: The 705 is a strong contender if your friend wants broader band coverage. It handles HF as well as VHF/UHF, which adds flexibility for different operating scenarios. It's a well-rounded portable rig, though it's not the cheapest option on the list. KX2: The KX2 is a premium QRP rig with excellent audio quality-a real standout feature. You can upgrade it with a tuner if needed, which makes it adaptable for field work. It's compact and purpose-built for portable operation, though the upgrades and accessories can add to the cost. Since I'm assuming your friend is leaning toward field deployment (given the QRP focus), these suggestions are tailored for portability and ease of use in the outdoors. That said, I'd offer a quick word of caution: QRP can be challenging for a new ham (trust me I know). Operating at low power (typically 5-10 watts) requires patience and skill, especially when conditions aren't ideal. If they're just starting out, they might find it frustrating. For that reason, I'd also recommend considering an FT-891. It's a 100-watt rig that's still fairly compact and would give them a more forgiving entry into HF operation. They could always scale back to QRP later once they're comfortable. Yaesu also has a new QRP model in the works, but I don't have enough details on it yet to weigh in. Ultimately, it boils down to budget and goals. The G90 is my top pick for value and performance in a QRP setup, but if they've got room in the budget, the 705 or KX2 could be worth the splurge. Just a heads-up-good batteries (like LiFePO4) are essential for field work and can be a significant investment, so factor that in too. 73, JAY DAVIDSON Husband/Father Project Manager Engineer/Tinkerer HAM-KJ5HMX 832-488-8590 [email protected] [email protected] Texas-EL29FT -----Original Message----- From: BVARC <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Daniel Poirot via BVARC Sent: Sunday, March 23, 2025 9:16 PM To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB <[email protected]> Cc: Daniel Poirot <[email protected]> Subject: [BVARC] QRP My buddy just passed his General and is getting all fired up for QRP. I can dig the low power aspect. There is often an associated low cost! Does anyone in the club have a recommendation on a QRP transceiver? Thanks! ________________________________________________ Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club BVARC mailing list [email protected] http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org Publicly available archives are available here: https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ ________________________________________________ Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club BVARC mailing list [email protected] http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org Publicly available archives are available here: https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/
