If you own the Xiegu X6200, there’s a new add-on that might interest you: the Xiegu WR12 Wideband Receiver Module.
For $69.99, it adds continuous receive coverage from 54 MHz to 1 GHz, giving you access to HF, VHF, and UHF signals—including ham bands, shortwave broadcasts, and potentially aviation and marine comms. It’s designed specifically for the X6200, integrates directly, and supposedly offers surprisingly good sensitivity and selectivity for such a compact module.
If you’re considering picking one up, feel free to use our [QRPer affiliate link] to save 5%—plus, it helps support QRPer at no extra cost. (Note: the link goes to the Radioddity home page—just type “WR12” in the search bar to find the wideband receiver.)
If you read QRPer regularly—or listen to the Ham Radio Workbench podcast—you probably know I’m a bit of a pack geek.
Okay… that’s a gross understatement.
I’m more of a quality-pack evangelist.
For many operators, a pack or field bag is just a way to transport gear—an afterthought. But for me? It’s one of the most important parts of the kit. In some cases, I’ve spent more on the bag than the radio it carries.
Why? Because I believe a well-built pack should last a lifetime—ideally long enough to pass down to my kids. I never want to worry about a zipper failing me on a summit descent, or a strap breaking in the backcountry. To me, a good field pack is mission-critical.
That’s why I don’t mind paying more for bags that are overbuilt and made to last—especially when they’re made here in North America, where it’s still possible to produce high-quality gear locally with skilled labor and fair, living wages. In fact, if I lived in Germany, France, Japan, or anywhere else, I’d try to support local makers too—especially in categories like packs and bags that don’t rely heavily on global supply chains the way our beloved electronics do.
Red Oxx Fan Here
My Red Oxx Micro Manager EDC pack.
One company that consistently exceeds my expectations is Red Oxx, based in Billings, Montana.
Their customer service is second to none.
I’ve been buying Red Oxx gear for over a decade, and I’ve been impressed not just with the thoughtful designs and rock-solid construction, but also with their No Bull lifetime warranty. If a Red Oxx bag ever fails you—for any reason—they’ll repair or replace it. No caveats, no hoops to jump through. Even if you bought it secondhand–they don’t need or want the original receipt–they know their own bags.
My Red Oxx Hound pack.
It’s not a marketing gimmick—it works because they over-engineer their gear from the start. They expect it to last.
Recently, Red Oxx launched a new video series on YouTube, showing how they make some of their most popular bags—and how you could make them too. So far, they’ve started with simpler designs like the Aviator Kit Bag and the Lil Roy.
My Red Oxx Lil Roy
As someone who appreciates craftsmanship, I’ve been blown away by the attention to detail and the way each component is purpose-built. Even the stitching is layered with redundancy—if one line fails, there’s another ready to hold.
Thanks for indulging me on this little gear tangent. I’m not on Red Oxx’s payroll—I’m just a long-time, happy customer who genuinely appreciates what they do. I even keep in touch with their team from time to time because I admire their ethos and craftsmanship.
If you’ve got a company in your part of the world that builds gear with this same kind of care and commitment to quality, I’d love to hear about it in the comments. Always happy to discover and support makers who choose quality over quantity.
Just a quick note: ABR Industries—known for their high-quality, US-made coaxial cable assemblies—is running a 20% off site-wide sale now through Monday, June 2nd.
Here are links to some of my favorite ABR cable assemblies:
In the spirit of full disclosure, my friend Mike (N2HTT) recently sent me one of his latest creations—a 3D-printed transport cover for the Penntek TR-45L—to evaluate at no cost. I’m happy to report that it’s a solid and thoughtful accessory for TR-45L users.
Mike designed this cover not for use during operation, but rather for safe transport of the TR-45L—especially protecting those protruding knobs, buttons, and switches that can easily snag or get damaged in the field or while bouncing around in a go-bag.
And it fits the TR-45L very nicely. It includes a cover for the front panel and one for the back (since my TR-45L has the ATU option), held together by a Velcro strap.
Yes, it does add a little bulk, but I appreciate that—it’s sturdy, and it cradles the front and back of the rig securely.
In fact, during our recent wildfire threat here at the QTH, I had my TR-45L stored in this cover. It was incredibly convenient to simply grab the protected radio and toss it in the car without giving it a second thought.
Here are a few photos of the cover in use with my TR-45L (Note that the TR-45L “Skinny” only needs one cover and Mike provides a shorter Velcro strap):
Mike offers a number of great customization options: your callsign or name on the front panel and a choice of colors (black, orange, olive green, and red). There’s also an optional rear cover available if your TR-45L has the internal tuner.
Mike is one of many makers and mom-and-pop businesses who help make the ham radio world so much better. I love seeing field-ready accessories like this coming from experienced hams who understand the gear and the way we use it.
Thanks again, Mike, for letting me give this one a spin!
My friend Jonathan (KM4CFT) recently sent me a neat little prototype paddle he designed for the Elecraft KX2 and KX3 field transceivers.
He wanted my feedback, so he generously sent me a set to evaluate at no charge.
Lately, I’ve been tied up with the final stages of debris cleanup here at the QTH, leaving little time for field activations. While I haven’t had the chance to take these paddles out into the field yet (stay tuned!) I’ve thoroughly tested them on both my Elecraft KX3 and KX2. In the meantime, Jonathan has made the kits available for purchase on the HamGadgets website.
The price? $49.97 — a solid deal for a simple, functional paddle designed to plug directly into the front of the KX2 and KX3.
Assembly is quick and straightforward, taking around 15-20 minutes. There aren’t many parts, and the mechanics are refreshingly simple. If you’re curious, you can check out the kit assembly manual here (PDF).
My Impressions
I think it’s an excellent little key for the price. The paddle action is light — the 3D printed material keeps them featherweight, making keying effortless.
For field use, they should perform brilliantly. The light touch required keeps things stable on a table, with the KX2 or KX3 providing more than enough weight to prevent the paddles from shifting as you operate.
The operating angle works well for me too. I know Jonathan put a lot of time into getting this right during the design process — and it shows.
Any Downsides?
The biggest drawback, in my opinion, is that the two thumbscrews securing the paddles to the front of the radio aren’t captive.
This means they can be easily lost during transport. I recommend storing the paddles in a thick poly bag to keep everything together in your pack.
Additionally, because the screws aren’t captive, you need to be a little careful when installing the paddle. I’ve found it easiest to place the radio on its back, so you’re screwing the thumbscrews downward.
I lightly plug in the paddle, then start threading both screws before fully tightening either one. This gives me better control and helps avoid dropping the screws — something that could be a real headache in the field, especially if they hit the ground.
Lastly, these paddles don’t have the “precision key” feel of more expensive options. But to be fair, they’re designed as an affordable alternative to Elecraft’s KXPD2 paddles, which retail for $169.95. Even the KXPD2 — while smaller and sturdier — doesn’t feel particularly “precision” in use. The KX3 paddles come closer to that, but they also cost $239.95.
At $49.95, it’s hard to complain — these paddles do exactly what they’re supposed to do without breaking the bank!
If you’ve held off buying front-mounted paddles for your KX2 or KX3 because of the cost, I’d highly recommend giving these KM4CFT paddles a try.
A few weeks ago, Neil (G7UFO) reached out to let me know that he has started producing and selling 3D-printed magnetic cases for the BaMaKey TP-III.
He generously sent me one to check out, and I have to say—it’s a great option if you’re looking for a simple way to protect your TP-III when tossing it into your field pack.
Here are a few photos—note that the TP-III magnetically attaches to the base of the case. While the bond isn’t super strong, it holds the key securely in place during transport. The cover also stays closed with the help of magnets.
I love his UFO logo!
As you probably know, one of my goals here at QRPer.com is to support independent ham radio makers—especially those who create and sell gear they personally use in the field. This case is an excellent option for TP-III owners in the UK, but Neil also ships internationally.
If you’re interested, you can purchase this case either fully assembled or as a magnet/washer kit if you’d like to 3D-print and assemble your own.
On Wednesday, January 5, 2025, I planned a trip to Hickory to pick up my father and take him to lunch. With our family’s hectic schedule, I hadn’t been able to spend any meaningful time with him in weeks, so I was looking forward to catching up.
Of course, as is tradition, I also planned a POTA activation en route.
That morning, before leaving the house, I debated which park to activate: South Mountains State Park, Tuttle Educational State Forest, or Lake James State Park?
It had been a long time since I’d activated South Mountains, so I considered heading there. However, after checking their website, I was surprised to find the entire park still closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene. I hadn’t realized the storm had impacted the foothills that severely—though with miles of trails, it made sense that they were still working to clear blowdowns.
Next, I checked Tuttle, only to discover it was still closed as well. Wow…
I knew the Catawba River access at Lake James was open because I had activated it a few weeks prior. Sure enough, their site confirmed that the Paddy’s Creek area—the park’s largest section—remained closed. Wow.
Clearly, I had underestimated the damage these parks sustained after Helene.
So, I set my course for Lake James, hoping that, by spring, the other parks would reopen. No doubt, park staff were working hard to make that happen.
Another mission
I had a specific radio in mind for this activation: my TEN-TEC Argonaut V.
I bought this radio used almost four years ago and have been very pleased with it. I’ve always been a big fan of Ten-Tec, and to me, the Argo V embodies the super-simple design I loved from their late 1990s/early 2000s radios. It features a big LED display, a prominent encoder, and a proper fold-out bail underneath—a solid legacy field radio.
What I love most about the Argo V (and Ten-Tec radios in general) is its superb audio, low-noise receiver, and silky-smooth QSK.
The Argo V wasn’t built to be a power miser—the audio amplifier is beefy and a bit current-hungry (I believe it draws around 500mA in receive, and more with audio output). But the tradeoff? Outstanding audio quality. It’s the perfect radio for Field Day or long operating sessions when you want to avoid listener fatigue. It’s also a fantastic shack radio.
That said, because of its bulk—and my tendency to grab smaller radios for field use—the Argo V has primarily lived in my shack.
When I bought the Argo VI, I told myself I might let go of the Argo V at some point. I’ve been debating this ever since.
Lately, I’ve been actively downsizing my shack. I need to sell, trade, or give away radios I’m not using. I don’t like harboring “shelf queens”—I want my radios to get regular airtime. But since bringing the Argo VI into the shack, the Argo V hasn’t seen much action.
My friend Vlado (N3CZ) and I plan to sell gear at the Charlotte Hamfest in a couple of weeks. I figured this POTA activation might help me decide whether to sell or keep the Argo V.
So, with my Argonaut V and my Tufteln linked 40M EFHW packed, I made my way to Lake James!
Lake James State Park (US-2739)
That morning, Lake James was incredibly quiet. There were very few visitors—even though this was the only section of the park open.
Then again, it was early on a Wednesday morning, not exactly prime time!
I chose a picnic table near the parking lot since I was carrying the Argonaut V and gear in a storage box rather than a backpack.
My high-visibility ABR cable assembly.
I quickly deployed my End-Fed Half-Wave (EFHW) antenna and set up the Argonaut V.
Testing the TouchPaddles
Next, I hooked up my new-to-me TouchPaddles, a generous gift from a kind subscriber/supporter.
These keyers were originally sold as kits and have been discontinued for at least a decade. Though a bit bulky, it’s a fantastic CW accessory!
It uses capacitive touch paddles instead of mechanical parts. The added bulk and weight keep it stable while keying.
The unit also has built-in CW message memory. I haven’t programmed it yet (if you have experience with this model, let me know how!), but I plan to experiment with it soon.
The paddle has two output modes:
Standard paddle output (for radios with built-in keyers, like the Argo V).
External keying mode (for radios without built-in keyers or those with poor internal keying).
I used the standard paddle output since the Argo V’s internal keyer works brilliantly.
With everything hooked up, it was time to hit the air!
Gear
Note: All Amazon, CW Morse, ABR, Chelegance, eBay, and Radioddity links are affiliate links that support QRPer.com at no cost to you.
“It would be nice to hear from your listeners/subscribers about which is the most robust paddle! I have not met a paddle yet that has not failed in the field at some point. Thanks for all your good work.”
This is a great question.
I feel that almost all of the paddles and keys I regularly take to the field pass muster.
Some of my picks
Note that some of the following links are affiliate links that support QRPer.com.
I’m a big fan of CW Morse’s $45 US 3D-Printed Pocket Paddle. I find it to be remarkably robust. I toss it in my backpack without any extra covers or protection, and I’ve never had one break. I also appreciate how easily adjustable it is in the field.
Similarly, the KM4CFT paddle seems to hold up well, though I haven’t owned one as long.
The CW Morse CNC Machined Aluminum Paddle is one of the most rugged paddles I own. This key is CNC-machined (except for the 3D-printed top cover), making it virtually bulletproof. A solid choice!
The BaMaKeY TP-III is another solid paddle. It’s not inexpensive, but I’ve never regretted purchasing one. When paired with the Senrog Bench Block, it becomes a stable tabletop key that won’t move as you operate. During transport, I use the Tufteln protective cover, though I feel this key could survive in a backpack with minimal extra protection.
While the VK3IL Pressure Paddle V2 doesn’t feel substantial in the hand–it’s a touch paddle built on a circuit board–it’s incredibly robust due to its lack of moving parts. It’s easy to protect in a pack, and there’s little that can go wrong with it. If you’d rather not build one yourself, Vince (VE6LK) has some excellent options.
At 298 Euro, the Begali Traveler is the most expensive paddle on this list. It’s also the heaviest. But if you’re looking for a larger, precision field key that’s robust, it’s hard to beat. The Traveler has folding wings that protect the finger pieces during transport and open when you’re ready to operate.
I love this key and take it with me when size and weight aren’t major concerns. Pair it with a Tufteln protective cover for ultimate protection in your field pack.
Your suggestions?
I’ve limited this list to keys I’ve taken to the field numerous times and have owned for at least a year. Of course, my experience is limited to the keys I own—there are so many others on the market!
In your real-world experience, what do you consider the most robust field keys? Please share your suggestions in the comments!
Many thanks to Tim (W8TMI), who shares the following article about his portable field radio kit, which will be featured on our Field Kit Gallery page. If you would like to share your field kit with the QRPer community, read this post.
W8TMI’s Elecraft KH1 Field Kit
by Time (W8TMI)
My Elecraft KH1 field kit is split into two parts: the bag provided with the Edgewood package and a separate bag for added functionality. The Elecraft bag is set up to venture out by itself without anything else required for an activation. The additional bag provides a longer random wire antenna and the ability to get it up into a tree, which increases its gain over the stock whip antenna.
[Note: Most Amazon links are affiliate links that support QRPer.com at no cost to you.]
Many thanks to Jonathan (KM4CFT) who shares the following note:
We are pleased to announce the release of some new products: a 100 watt version of the popular KM4CFT End Fed Kit as well as a Leg Strap, which is perfect for those who have the KM4CFT paddles, Bamakey TP-III or ModernMorse Paddles (or any small magnetic paddle).
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