Yet another amazing creation as found in the storage boxes.
N6QW Operating his homebrew CW rig circa 2026.
(I bet our 45-minute Extra Class YL couldn't build this rig)
More QRP Radios from N6QW
The small size of this radio was achieved through the use of MMIC SMD devices and a bit of circuit steering. The typical 9 MHz filter and the IRF510 final topology. The Black and White OLED keeps the size of the display to a minimum.
The smart phone camera is fast enough to pick up the refresh of the display. To the naked eye the display does not flicker nor show missing information. There was no sign of the dreaded OLED noise in the receiver.
BTW the CW transmitter in the N6QW shack photo (dimly lit garage) actually looks like this. This is a 2 tube CW transmitter with a 6AG7 Crystal Oscillator followed by a 6L6GT Final.
With about 450VDC on the Plate of the 6L6GT, I see over 20 watts to the antenna on 40M. The output is a Pi Network using an Iron Powered Core (T-68-2) for the tank circuit inductor. Just to be Quick, Clean, Safe, and Sure* I also have an external in-line W3NQN filter between the transmitter and the antenna.
* This was a painted sign on a combo truck wash/prostitute stop servicing US Army Trucks and their Drivers near Chu Lai circa 1965. Most likely it was the quickest and surest way to get a STD.
Them that know can make things go but soon become obsolete and fade away into the ionosphere.
Who builds 6L6 CW Transmitters? Well, if you will check the WU2D You Tube Channel, you will see Mike's 1st Project for 2026 is the classic 6L6 Oscillator transmitter. Really good stuff from Mike.
73's
Pete N6QW





