QRP Projects and Kits for Amateur Radio Operators
Find schematics, guides, and kits for building low-power QRP transceivers, tuners, test equipment, and accessories.
QRP operation, using low power for QSOs, is a popular aspect of ham radio, challenging operators to make contacts with minimal wattage. Many hams enjoy building their own QRP equipment, from simple transmitters to complete transceivers, often using readily available components. This hands-on approach deepens understanding of radio circuits and encourages experimentation with different designs.
This category features a wide range of QRP projects, including designs for SSB and CW transceivers like the BITX and KD1JV MMR-40, suitable for various bands. Operators can find schematics for antenna tuners, such as the QRP Z-Match, and essential test equipment like power meters and dummy loads. There are also specialized projects like the NUE-PSK digital modem for field operation without a PC, and semiconductor analyzer kits for workbench use.
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AM/FM/CW QRP RF Power Amplifier for the HF 10 or 11 meterband (28MHz/27MHz) -
14MHz SSB 10mW transceiver by JF1OZL -
38 Special, 30m QRP transceiver by Norcal QRP club, single super het receiver, full QSK with sidetone smoothly -
This circuit is unique in that it uses a power mosfet as a final rather than a conventional bipolar transistor. -
This transceiver was conceived as a power-efficient, small, lighweight unit to be carried in the backpack, along with antenna and battery. -
Paul McMahon presents a compact VSWR meter designed for QRP portable use, ideal for SOTA operations with rigs like the FT817. The device, constructed from readily available components, employs a simple resistive bridge for wideband performance from 1.8MHz to 52MHz, with diminishing accuracy at higher frequencies. Key features include no need for external power, simple calibration, and operation with low power levels. The design, detailed with parts lists, schematics, and construction guidelines, ensures a 2:1 worst-case VSWR to protect transceivers during antenna matching. Calibration points are set for accurate VSWR readings at various loads. -
BITX is an easily assembled transceiver for the beginner with very clean performance. -
Pictures, photos, source code and plans to build a logging frequency counter -
A KD1JV Melt solder kit, a swr and power meter operating from 160 to 6 meters ideal for portable and field use -
An external keypad for FT-817(ND), for the serious portable/field-day contester/operator. Homebrew it with the free firmware and public circuit diagram. The circuit is very simple and takes power supply from the ACC port of the radio -
This is a C-L-C type tuner with a reflected power indicator. Tuning is done for minimum reflected power. -
This page describes a homebrew QRP SSB transceiver built by WB9IPA. -
A 40 meter rig with SSB and CW operating modes. This is a low power QRP rig with up to 6 watts CW or PEP output. -
A Comprehensive roundup of the most popular QRP transceiver kits on the market in recent years in PDF format -
A workbench instrument capable of testing transistors, diodes, FETs, usefull constructing QRP circuitry. -
Building the MFJ Cub QRP transceiver kit for 20 meters band by G4ILO -
The MicroBeacon is the combination of a memory keyer and controllable RF attenuator. -
SP5DDJ mini antenna tuner for QRP operations -
Moto-QRP setups offer compact, weatherproof QRP transceivers for portable ham radio use, ideal for motorcycle and backpack operations. The YouKits HB1A MKII, a 5W CW rig, is paired with a lightweight long-wire antenna and an Elecraft T1 tuner for efficient field communication. This setup fits in panniers, enabling operators to explore parks and remote locations. Accessories include a durable Morse paddle, FCC documentation, and essential logging tools, making it a perfect choice for adventurous QRP enthusiasts. -
Paddles by Bill Nicolson, N2WF -
N7KSB used this 1/2 watt CW transmitter, with a roof-mounted ground-plane antenna to work all continents and over 30 countries -
30 meters band transceiver -
NUE-PSK Digital Modem A digital modem for PSK31 field operation, without using a PC -
A 3500kHz - 3579kHz range transceiver, output 250 mw by SP5DDJ -
Pixie-2 schematic and part lists -
Integrated PSK station for 80 & 20 meters without using a PC Pictures and diagrams by N2APB -
Color photos, schematic and diagrams for an article written by N2APB for Fall 2000 QRPp. Also the subject of a presentation made at the Pacificon QRP Forum in October 2000.An Integrated and Portable PSK Station for 80 & 20 without using a PC! -
A perfect companion for your Elecraft K1 or any other (not power hungry...) QRP rig -
A QRP antenna tuner for 20 meters band -
py2ohh homebrewing of receivers, transmiters and Test Equipment for ham and swl, using cheap, easy to find or surplus components -
Paddles by Jim Nestor WK8G/2 -
In this article the schematic is of AA5TB QRP power meter and dummy (50 Ohm) load combination -
An optimized QRP transceiver for 40 meters band -
A Simple and Flexible Tuner for QRP Craig LaBarge, WB3GCK -
Small QRP Z-match project for max 10 W output by DL2LTO -
NEScaf: A Switched Capacitive Audio Filter -
A 10 to 80 meters band qrp antenna tuner by KC8AON, based on Steve Weber, KD1JV "ALT or Altoids L Tuner" -
Taking the venerable SMK-1 design to 20m and adding an RF amp, audio filter, and a TiCK Keyer ... by Wayne McFee, NB6M -
A resurrection of some homebrew projects from our vintage years and the NorCal-sponsored project series in tribute to Doug DeMaw, W1FB -
A straightforward QRP wattmeter project by SP5DDJ, adapted from a JA6HIC SWR meter schematic, capable of measuring RF power up to 5W. -
This page details the construction project of the 'Stone', a QRP double conversion superhet SSB transceiver for the 40m band. The project is based on a kit from Tim Walford, G3PCJ, and includes step-by-step instructions for building and testing each stage. The author has added enhancements such as a three digit frequency counter and an automatic gain control. The content is aimed at hams interested in DIY transceiver construction and includes technical details of the build process. -
A family of small size QRP SSB transceivers for the 15 MHz. Includes a cigarette pocket size QRP transceiver and a larger shirt-pocket transceiver. -
This article details the design and construction of a compact 20-meter QRP SSB transceiver by Pete Juliano, N6QW, measuring just 2 x 4 x 2 inches—small enough for a shirt pocket. Inspired by a 1963 QST design and refined from a prior version, it employs bilateral circuits, a 4.9152 MHz homebrew crystal filter, switched-crystal VXO for 60 kHz coverage (14.160-14.220 MHz), and standard components like ADE-1L mixers and IRF510 PA for 1W output. Key innovations include a double-sided PCB skeletal frame for shielding and isolation, Vectorboard sub-assemblies, and ultra-miniature relays. The bilateral receiver/transmitter shares stages, omitting AGC for simplicity, while a W3NQN LPF and optional 10W external amp enable DX contacts. Tune-up focuses on crystal matching and bias for linearity. Videos on YouTube demonstrate performance, confirming excellent stability and audio. Total cost nears $100, prioritizing portability over features like CW. -
Revision of the Cigarette Pack 14MHz SSB QRP Micro-Transceiver -
This article discusses a high performance, 7MHz, 5 watt SSB rig, the Daylight Radio, an all-analog radio design from the 1980s that includes a full circuit diagram, IMD NR60 calculations, QER crystal filter, bandpass filter, receiver portion, and more. The author explores the design, components, and functionality of this analog radio for hams interested in vintage or homebrew radio projects. -
Learn how to build a QRP digital transceiver with Arduino, based on a project by Burkhard Kainka. This article covers the development process, including the source code, modifications made, and the addition of an OLED display for a more professional look. Discover the inner workings of the transceiver, from the receiver to the oscillator, and how components like the CD2003 are utilized. Explore the schematic design, the use of a PLL module Si5351A controlled by Arduino nano, and more. Ideal for hams looking to create their own digital transceiver for amateur radio operations. -
This page by Lajos Hoss, HA8HL, provides a detailed guide on how to build a simple direct receiver using FT8QRP CAT control support. The author shares his experience in making QSOs with FT8, WSPR, and JT65 modes during the Covid-19 lockdown. Modifications to the VFO, transmitter design using BD329 transistor Class A amplifier, and the challenges faced in achieving clean output signals within legal limits. This project is interesting for those hams that are interested in experimenting with DIY transmitter projects and understanding CAT control support for various amateur radio modes. -
Gimme Five reloaded, a compact 5 band QRP SSB transceiver in SMD technology. This unit covers 5 bands within the amateur radio spectrum (3.5, 7, 14, 21 and 28 MHz). Receiver is a single conversion unit with an interfrequency of 9 MHz. Transmitter uses 5 stages and has got a power level of 10 watts PEP output. -
A Short Guide to Harmonic Filters for QRP Transmitter Output. - George Dobbs G3RJV -
A mid-power portable/handheld SSB transceiver for 14MHz -
This project is based around the recent HF1 QRP transceiver by Ashhar Farhan, VU2ESE. The transceiver is an interesting SSB design with wide tuning range from 0-30MHz and should cover several amateur bands. The schematic for the transceiver can be found on the Minima mail list in this post with a PDF attachment -
JBOT stands for Just a Bunch of Transistors. It is a simple, stable and easy to build 5 watts linear amplifier build out of a bunch of ordinary low power NPN transistors. -
A simple fixed frequency SSB voice transceiver for the 7 MHz amateur band -
Small and inexpensive homebrew HF radio 5W Output, CW SSB AM FM, DSP, Speech Processor, Sprectrum Scope, Watefall Display. mcHF is a small, home-brewed amateur radio project. Firmware is released as open source. -
The Micro24 is a ultra compact microsize QRP SSB transceiver for the 20 meters amateur radio band. This transceiver is so small that it fits into one hand. -
N5ES Outboard T/R Switch For QRP Separates -
Summit Prowler 6 is a pocket-sized SSB/CW transceiver for 80, 40, 30 and 20m -
20W portable handheld SSB transceiver for 20 meters band -
The QMX+ Transceiver Kit from QRP Labs is a high-performance, feature-packed 160-6m 5W transceiver designed for hams. This multi-mode kit includes embedded SDR, USB sound card, CAT control, synthesized VFO, RTC, and optional internal GPS. It can be used in CW, digital, and SSB modes, with standalone CW operation, digi mode via USB to PC, or SSB operation. The kit offers standalone beacon functionality and shares firmware with the QMX model. With an optional enclosure, battery-backed RTC, and GPS, the QMX+ is versatile and easy to build, making it ideal for ham radio operators looking for a customizable transceiver kit. -
The New England QRP NESCAF Kit Switched Capacitor Audio Filter by N5ESE -
A home made portable QRP transceiver designed to work on 40 or 80 meters SSB band. -
Assembling the Small Wonder Labs SW+40 QRP Transceiver Kit documented by K4ICY -
A lean design SSB-Transceiver for 14 MHz, Simple SSB Transceiver for 14MHz VFO controlled, 5W PEP -
DK7IH QRP transceiver for 14 MHz. This small and compact home made transceiver with a max power output of 5W, the VFO module is based on the clock oscillator chip Si5351A by Silicon Labs ATmega168 and OLED 1306 -
The Minima is a simple and easy to operate transceiver for all the HF bands with a crisp receiver, a clean output and component cost of less than $100 -
The QubeDX is a modular CubeSat-style QRP transceiver designed for digital mode operation with remote Wi-Fi control via VNC. This project integrates a QRPLabs QDX 5W transceiver, an ATU-100 antenna tuner, and a Raspberry Pi 5 in a custom 14x14x14cm 3D-printed enclosure inspired by CubeSat design. Prioritizing affordability and functionality, the system operates on a single 13.8V power supply and includes auto-tuning and software like WSJT-X. With a total cost of under €250, it offers a decorative and portable ham radio solution. -
A hombrew QRP transceiver for 40 meter band with many pictures, circuit and sound recording of some QSOs made with this Rig consisting of 5 transistor and one chip. -
AA7EE QRP DSB transceiver homebrew project -
TX Topper 5 Watt plus Amplifier with Adjustable Gate Bias -
Learn about the ZRS QRP-808 kit system for hams from the 1980s. Discover the improved features of the QRP-808 compared to the QRP-805, including the electrical diagram and assembly instructions. Explore the nostalgic journey of building and tuning this iconic amateur radio station, as shared by experienced ham radio operators. See original photos and insights from enthusiasts like Janko S55WT and Mirko S52PC, offering a glimpse into the history of amateur radio technology. Access PDFs for detailed views and immerse yourself in the world of DIY radio equipment construction and tuning.