Thanks for the feedback Dave. In its current config it would be
ill-suited for portable use. I am thinking about maybe adding an option
so that the external coupler can be eliminated for those who would
prefer an internal one with a rating of around 200W. It would require
making the rear panel connectors configurable between Fwd/Ref and
Xmtr/Ant. That shouldn't be a problem... and finding about 1 sq. in. of
board space for the toroids. It would also be cheaper to build. That
would make it more suitable for strictly low power use.
But frankly, it still would not be the best choice for portable use,
since it draws about 75ma with the LCD backlight off. I could get around
that with a sleep mode, but there are cheaper, lighter and simpler units
out there that are more suitable for truly portable use.
Larry N8LP
David F. Reed wrote:
Larry,
I have to admit, I for one am very impressed by the thought and
ingenuity that went into this product; as a single instrument, it
accurately covers a very wide range and could prove a fine thing, so I
am planning to buy one.
The down sides in my opinion.
Much of my QRP operations are portable, and occasionally even
back-pack portable.
I manage fine without a watt meter in either case, but would find it
interesting to have access to if it were light enough and small
enough, given all the other gear I like to have along (I admit to
excess here, but QRP rig aside, I like spare power, more than one
antenna tuner (so far, I find different ones to work better with some
of the odd opportunistic antennas I put up), a key-paddle with enough
heft to stay put, a logbook, sometimes a laptop computer and
associated stuff to do psk-31, and so on.
So I run the range between backpacking and car camping. Depending on
which end of that range, it would make sense or not for me.
Congratulations on a fine new product.
73 de W5SV, Dave
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