Project Brownie is Complete!

QCX Giveaway: We Have a Winner!

QCX Kit Giveaway!

Giveaway Closed

Entries have been closed as promised at 5PM PDT on April 17th- Thanks for coming in, and check the comments below for some great reasons to get a QCX 🙂

Please see https://miscdotgeek.com/qcx-giveaway-we-have-a-winner/ to see who won!

Original Post

I try to avoid headlines with exclamation marks, but this one deserves it!

MiscDotGeek is giving away the a legendary QRP Labs QCX Kit. What’s a QCX? It’s QRP Labs’ 5W QRP CW Transceiver. It can also transmit most of the modes that the U3S can as a beacon. It’s a great kit. Thousands have been built and put on the air, and if you haven’t tried one, or if you want one on another band, now’s your chance get one free!

How to Enter The Giveaway

To enter to win the QCX, Follow the two steps below:

Step 1

Subscribe to MiscDotGeek.com. You can find the Subscribe link in the top right corner of the site as shown here:

Step 2

Leave a comment below to tell us what you’ll do with your QCX.

That’s it!

The Giveaway will close on April 17 2020 at 5PM PDT (One week from the time of this post) and a winner will be chosen at random from the entries by using an online random thing chooser. We’ll post the winner in a new post at that time.

Anyone is eligible as long as you live somewhere that QRP Labs can ship to. You can see their shipping information Here.

Enter Now! Good luck!

157 comments

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    • Peter Tabberer on April 10, 2020 at 2:04 PM

    Travel around the UK in our motorhome finding low qrm locations with great take off

    • Dylan Blew on April 10, 2020 at 2:07 PM

    I would want the 20m version to use camping.

    • Juddie Burgess WD8WV on April 10, 2020 at 2:09 PM

    Since I get your emails I am sure I am already subscribe to your page. Juddie WD8WV. Oh, I would use the QCX for Field Day and maybe even POTA!

    • Bruce wright on April 10, 2020 at 2:10 PM

    I would build the unit for bug out kit, and some portable outings for the public to see how ham radio is

  1. SOTA… 🙂

    • Shirley Dulcey on April 10, 2020 at 2:12 PM

    Same thing I do with my other small radios: take it out into the field and operate. HF Is largely useless at my home (too much noise from all the electronics in my house and my neighbors’ houses), so it’s fun to get out into a park or whatever and operate from there.

    I already have a 20m QCX and I have other single band radios for 40, so I would build this one for 80 to get in some late night operation at overnight events.

    • John Anderson on April 10, 2020 at 2:18 PM

    I will thoroughly enjoy building it a will attempt to contact infinity and beyond with 5 watts or less.

    • Walter on April 10, 2020 at 2:18 PM

    The QCX kit looks like fun to build and would give me practice doing tortious. In addition it would give me a good excuse to get my Morse code proficiency back. Have not used it is some time.

    • Mike Gibbemeyer on April 10, 2020 at 2:31 PM

    I will use the QCX for 40 meters. I already have one on 30 meters.

    • William Major on April 10, 2020 at 2:32 PM

    I’ll put the QCX in my 5th wheel RV, 30 or 40m, haven’t decided. Either would e a great addition to my station!
    73
    de KK7J

    • Victor Miske on April 10, 2020 at 2:38 PM

    Be great to have something to build in these isolated times.

    73
    KC8CKZ

    • Daimon Tilley G4USI on April 10, 2020 at 2:43 PM

    Build it for 20m to make a nice pair with my QCX40 and then teach my 14 year old licensed son, CW!

  2. I would like a 40m version to take out portable once this Lockdown is done with.

    • Rick Ainsworth on April 10, 2020 at 2:52 PM

    Considering beacon or WSPR.

  3. I have limited funds and It would be wonderful to have a nice small radio that isn’t “rock-bound” for camping/hiking use!

    • Charlie Morrison on April 10, 2020 at 3:24 PM

    use as a teaching aid for our club’s trainees..they will take turns to build various sections of it to get them homebrewing

    • John on April 10, 2020 at 3:37 PM

    I want to build one for 40 meters to use backpacking N4HNO

    • Adam on April 10, 2020 at 3:50 PM

    I wouldn’t my 8 year old help me build it (he’s showing an interest in electronics and ham radio) then set it up for 40 meters as a WSPR beacon and use it on occasion as a QRP backpacking kit. The QCX is a fantastic little rig.

    • Paul Kurimsky on April 10, 2020 at 4:19 PM

    Would love to use this on 40 meter CW.
    Been using an old Yaesu FT-7, but this gear would be much more portable!

    • Mike Benedict on April 10, 2020 at 4:22 PM

    I’m wanting a portable rig to get reacquainted with CW. W0DDD

    • Andrew Farkas on April 10, 2020 at 4:37 PM

    I would take it with me up to the cottage and make contacts right on the beach!

    • Ryan on April 10, 2020 at 4:39 PM

    Portable operation while backpacking. SOTA and POTA!

    • Ronny Julian on April 10, 2020 at 5:23 PM

    Learn CW!

    • Daniel Reyne on April 10, 2020 at 5:29 PM

    I’ll call you CQ CQ

    • John Garrod wa8zx0 on April 10, 2020 at 5:47 PM

    I will use this at the park when I can finally get out of the house!

    • Roland Simmons on April 10, 2020 at 6:47 PM

    I will use it for SOTA

    • Ed on April 10, 2020 at 6:49 PM

    I’d be one of the few CW voices on 30 meters, as I very rarely hear people on that band. Be fun to try though an EFHW or something.

    • Don ve3ids on April 10, 2020 at 6:51 PM

    I enjoy building and would put an 80 meter QCX to good use.

    • Mark Smith on April 10, 2020 at 6:56 PM

    I fancy a 30m version as my radio doesnt have that band, and I think I am missing out when contests are running on other bands. I dont mind contests but Sometimes its nice to get away for some QRP rag-chew contacts..

    • Chuck Kelley on April 10, 2020 at 7:14 PM

    Like Juddie Burgess I receive your emails so I believe I’m already subscribed. I would build the QCX as my first venture into QRP radio.

  4. I would go to some local parks and operate portable. A local group does it for field day and I would join them (if we are out of quarantine then). I have wanted a QCX for a while but haven’t been able to swing it.
    Thank you for the chance.
    WA7DUY

  5. I’m learning cw right and I would be using it for SOTA activations.

    This is awesome!
    KE7NOB

    • Ashdee K on April 10, 2020 at 9:55 PM

    There’s a lot of CW activity in my area on 40m, I would love to use it to respond back! Have been learning CW for the past few months already.

  6. Go bag with lipo and efhw and American Morse key on 40M.

    • Berkshire Jim on April 10, 2020 at 10:54 PM

    This would be great radio to use with my son

    • yo2mpn on April 10, 2020 at 11:28 PM

    I would be using it for SOTA activations.

    • Roger Howell on April 10, 2020 at 11:41 PM

    Have some summer fun, lockeddown in the garden playing morse to the neighbours !

    • Sal on April 11, 2020 at 12:02 AM

    N6SPD, I would teach my Grandson about electronics and Amateur Radio. Since we are at home why not learn an amazing Skill and Hobby…

  7. If I’m lucky enough to win, I’d use it to demonstrate to the Scouts at GB2GP that you can build something yourself; that doesn’t run Megawatts; and doesn’t cost the earth, to speak to people all over the world and make new friends…!

  8. I won’t trade it for world peace. I won’t sell it to benefit rescue animals. I won’t put it in an industrial blender to see “if it blends.” I will use it on the air, however. Isn’t that enough? 🙂

    • Lee on April 11, 2020 at 3:31 AM

    Learn CW!

    • Pete on April 11, 2020 at 3:46 AM

    SOTA,SOTA,SOTA,and more SOTA!!!

    • KE4KSI on April 11, 2020 at 4:17 AM

    I would build the kit ( i enjoy building more than op’ing ) and then gift the lil rig to a fellow ham who needs a radio but can’t afford one.

    • W8EWH on April 11, 2020 at 4:24 AM

    POTA!

    • Grant on April 11, 2020 at 4:30 AM

    Easy! SOTA! Once lockdown ends of course 🙂 73s

    • Brad on April 11, 2020 at 4:34 AM

    The build!

  9. I will use the QCX to learn CW! I got up to 5 WPM when the M5 licence came along (and got MI5AFL) and then they dropped the requirement for Morse altogether. I just need a “jog” to pick it up again…
    73 de Ian/MI5AFL

    • mick on April 11, 2020 at 5:04 AM

    v51ma.. lost my entire shack and your kit could help me explore qrp dx and keep me occupied while rebuilding my station.. shalom V51MA 73’s

  10. I would build it and put it in my backpack for portable use. Also very cool for some of the test equipment it can supplement. It would also force me to learn CW a bit faster 🙂

    • Ben on April 11, 2020 at 5:58 AM

    I have a qcx/40 and would like to use a qcx/20 especially when camping. k8ar

    • Dave KB1HUP on April 11, 2020 at 5:59 AM

    Get CW down and hopefully get my fist to be less of a hammer.

    • Jim Anderson on April 11, 2020 at 6:14 AM

    I’d add it to my pack and use it for field events.

    • Julian on April 11, 2020 at 6:14 AM

    I want to see what kind of digital modes I can squeeze out of it.

    • franhigginso on April 11, 2020 at 6:41 AM

    To teach my grandchildren, 2 teens, they can make, create, accomplish, without needing store bought.

    • Dan on April 11, 2020 at 6:47 AM

    Encourage new hams to learn and enjoy CW with Summits on the Air. .

    • Murle Cleveland Meetze on April 11, 2020 at 6:57 AM

    Since getting my amateur radio license I’ve not been so active. I’ll use the ocx to try out cw communications.

    • Cory on April 11, 2020 at 7:19 AM

    Get my wife some more soldering practice and experiment with the QCX-SSB conversion.

    • Gary W0ITT on April 11, 2020 at 8:01 AM

    I have a terrible hole in my portable operating repertoire: I need a 17 meter radio for my out and about trips. Plus I love to build things. Country QRP Operators like me need to keep occupied.

  11. SOTA de K1QKZ!

    • Dillon AG5YN on April 11, 2020 at 8:27 AM

    I will use the QCX to learn, get into the hf bands for the first time, for inspiration in my own builds, and for SOTA activations.

    • Roumen Ivanov on April 11, 2020 at 8:37 AM

    I shall learn building it and shall use it in field operations

    • Bill on April 11, 2020 at 8:40 AM

    Build up a 20m version for xOTA 😉

    • Mike Bailey on April 11, 2020 at 10:04 AM

    Give it as an anniversary present to my wife who was a ham way before we got married and got me into it! This will be a great new way for her to have fun while we are in “stay at home mode”. (major great husband points!)

    • Mark on April 11, 2020 at 12:12 PM

    Build a 2nd one into a portable SOTA ready case.

    • Off The Cuff Mike on April 11, 2020 at 3:37 PM

    Hello, I am a new ham, living on the Laurentian Continental Divide in Minnesota. I have been able to put up antennas, restored a HQ-129-X and a BC-221-F so far, but haven’t put a transmitter together yet due to physical disability and financial constraints. I was hoping to find a Hammarlund HX-Fifty-A but have had little luck so far. I love old school stuff, and it is what I understand (Hollowstate Equipment). If I were to win the QCX kit, it would be the first solid state piece I have ever experimented with, and would most definitely set up a QRP CW station. I think something as small as the QCX could be mounted on my chair running it “Mobile” he he. Anyway cheers and 73

    • Jeffrey Gray on April 11, 2020 at 10:58 PM

    I like to operate form local parks. It usually draws a few stares followed by questions. Several have decided to get ticket and join the ranks . I love the look on a face when they hear morse code and see the locations of ppl I have had a QSO with.

    • Christer Renström on April 12, 2020 at 12:04 AM

    We live kind of an off-grid life in the summer, going to the mountains and engage in reindeer herding among other things. Nice to have the QCX to go along. Not to mention the joy of building it!

    • Tim conroy WB8HRO on April 12, 2020 at 5:26 AM

    I live in a nursing home where the home installed a 130′ EFHW. I will you the little rig on CW which is my favorite mode and enter the world of QRP..

    • kwacka on April 12, 2020 at 8:30 AM

    I live in a QRM hell-hole and getting out is the only way to avoid this – it will also be the kick to learn morse!

    • Jeff on April 12, 2020 at 9:01 AM

    I will be taking it on SOTA activations and other outdoor operating events. Being able to run WSPR and other weak signal modes will also help test antennas while out in the field.

    -aa6xa

    • Derek on April 12, 2020 at 10:31 AM

    SOTA

    • Bob on April 12, 2020 at 3:18 PM

    POTA

  12. I would install QCX, my Acer Aspire computer and a suitable antenna on my motorcycle. I can then contact my friends on Hellschreiber when travelling. This makes me a true Helll-rider.

    • SATHISH NAIR on April 13, 2020 at 12:50 AM

    Travel around the hilly areas in North India for QRM free hammimg….

    • Bangun Suprihadi on April 13, 2020 at 1:14 AM

    Yes I want one

    • Jerry Johns on April 13, 2020 at 1:44 AM

    I plan to use this to learn cw and kit building.

    • john on April 13, 2020 at 1:50 AM

    would love one of these kits to build in lock down. been QRP all my ham life.

    • Alfredo Poggiali on April 13, 2020 at 3:26 AM

    Survive the quarantene, will be longer then expected 😢

    • Jes Woodland on April 13, 2020 at 4:12 AM

    I’d do the WSPR mod and have it up and running permanently as an indicator of conditions.

    • Ram on April 13, 2020 at 5:32 AM

    I would carry it during my trips to my parents’ place where I go every month (600km down south from where I live) and use it with an EFHW antenna.

    • Ron Hayes on April 13, 2020 at 6:57 AM

    I have not tried any of your products as of yet

    1. Just to be clear: This is a QRP Labs product, I’m just coordinating a giveaway. Hans is not sponsoring this.

    • Joe Cole on April 13, 2020 at 7:11 AM

    As I technician license holder, I’d use this to get started in amateur radio kit building and break into HF once I get my general license.

    • Phil Shideler on April 13, 2020 at 10:00 AM

    Compare it to my bitx40.

    • Risu on April 13, 2020 at 12:22 PM

    SOTA

    • Tom Denton on April 13, 2020 at 4:46 PM

    I’d use it for either 30 or 17 meters since I do not have a rig for either of those bands.
    I do have a QCX-40 which I really like.

    • Erhan on April 13, 2020 at 10:28 PM

    I want to learn Morse.

    • Frank Lagaet on April 14, 2020 at 2:28 AM

    A qcx 30 would do just fine, would like to build it in into an old transistor radio cabinet. Would be great to tkae it on SOTA tours and outings in nature.

    • Les Virgo on April 14, 2020 at 12:40 PM

    I would relearn CW and operate portable from nearby parls.

    • Tomislav Varagic on April 14, 2020 at 1:33 PM

    I like Qrp mode..40m is my favorite band !

    • jackmargolis on April 14, 2020 at 3:05 PM

    If I win the transceiver I will use to get my CW speed back to where it was.

    • Doug W on April 14, 2020 at 3:20 PM

    could just be the kick in the pants I need to get my speed above 1WPH

    • Thomas M. Beaudry on April 14, 2020 at 7:10 PM

    Get back on the air. Had to sell all my gear in 2009 after two drug addicts kicked in my face and back while robbing me. The surgeons required my Medicare copay before the surgery. (They were on a spree that day. Currently serving 20 years.)

    • Mark Friedman on April 15, 2020 at 4:55 AM

    Thanks for the opportunity to win a QCX kit. I’ve been inactive for a long time and have recently started acquiring everything I need to get an operating station back on the air. The QCX would be a great addition and would allow me to do portable operation.

    • George on April 15, 2020 at 6:34 AM

    I’ll put it next to my other QCX

    • Eric on April 15, 2020 at 6:36 AM

    I would use the QCX with my club to show new Ham’s during training

    • Matt Halsey on April 15, 2020 at 7:26 AM

    I would use the 80m version and put it in a Paraset-like case to pay homage to the WW2 spies who used such radios during the war.

    1. Matt, you might enjoy this project: https://miscdotgeek.com/project-brownie-is-complete/

    • Robin on April 15, 2020 at 7:31 AM

    I teach electronics classes in Maker labs and will make great use of a portable Ham rig for demonstrations. I experiment a lot with WSPR, love CW, and especially like building QRP projects.

    • Phil on April 15, 2020 at 7:32 AM

    Building the QCX will encourage me to to finally learn CW!

    • Bob on April 15, 2020 at 7:46 AM

    Would like to use QCX for beacon work and experimenting

    • Sean PerUlt on April 15, 2020 at 7:47 AM

    Play radio of course.

    • Larry Howell on April 15, 2020 at 7:51 AM

    I’d probably choose a QCX-40 to join my QCX-30 and QCX-20. They are FB examples of what can be done by skilled designers with current technology.

    • Mike on April 15, 2020 at 7:58 AM

    I would integrate it into our towns CERT (Citizens emergency response team) program.

    • Jon on April 15, 2020 at 8:00 AM

    20M POTA rig

    • Tim A on April 15, 2020 at 8:11 AM

    I really enjoy the building part; already have a 40. Great radio! I would build this one to give away to a friend who has mentored me in CW.

    • TERRY MURPHY on April 15, 2020 at 8:12 AM

    I would like to give WSPR a try. It will be fun to watch the results as the sun spot cycle start returning.

    • Guido on April 15, 2020 at 8:26 AM

    Practicing more CW with the QCX! And, besides CW QSO I would use it for SSB, FT8 and JS8 as described here: https://tinyurl.com/qtvadf2

    • Adrian Lawrence on April 15, 2020 at 8:45 AM

    As our clubs instructor, I would build and then use the QCX in training sessions

  13. I would love to try POTA with this little rig

  14. I regularly use my 40M QCX and would love to use the 20M version. I am adding a “portable” CAT interface for the rig and will soon be writing it up in an article. It will be Open Source.

    • Wayne Steury on April 15, 2020 at 9:43 AM

    I love QRP. I would build a 20 meter QCX radio.

    • Bill on April 15, 2020 at 9:44 AM

    hike in the mountains, talk from the summits and the valleys, commune with Mother Nature and all her creatures,

    • Tim Lehman on April 15, 2020 at 9:48 AM

    I’d like to get on the air and practice my (almost nonexistent) CW skills. From my experiences with SSB QRP ops, I’ve found them to be a very accepting and helpful group and I’m sure the CW group will be just as tolerant and helpful.

  15. I would love to have the 40 Meter version for State Parks on the Air work..

    • James on April 15, 2020 at 9:58 AM

    I’ll use the QCX to drive my Morse code competence and improve my ability to work DX.

    • Andy G0OEY on April 15, 2020 at 10:04 AM

    It would be a lovely little radio to take to work for my lunch breaks.
    Especially as I’m on a unsociable shift due to covid.

    • Bob Bruno on April 15, 2020 at 10:18 AM

    I would love to use this backpacking, maybe SOTA and for when the XYL and I go camping at the Vermont State Parks we usually frequent many times during the warmer months! Plus, I do not have a QSX and would love to own one! I hear they are awesome! 73 all. Bob de K2KI

    • Jason (W5IPA) on April 15, 2020 at 10:23 AM

    I would use the QCX to improve my CW

    • Charles Wells on April 15, 2020 at 11:24 AM

    I’d polish up my CW and take the qcx on journeys about my area and to give demonstrations at local schools, scouting groups, etc.

    • Gerard Vreeswijk on April 15, 2020 at 1:27 PM

    Going portable and work QRP. I am 73 years of age and build quite a few QRP rigs. I am sure QCX has the answer and meets the demand!

    • Lou Scalpati on April 15, 2020 at 1:29 PM

    Help my daughter build it. She is in love with CW and this would be a great rig for her very own!

    • 9M2KLH on April 15, 2020 at 6:30 PM

    Like qrp-labs product very much. Like to build 20m qcx again. Already fail 2.

    • FTA Joe on April 15, 2020 at 8:02 PM

    I enjoy building and using QRP Labs kits. They are very well designed. This one will be used for public demonstration events like field day.

    • Zoran on April 16, 2020 at 1:24 AM

    Will use QCX 30m at home, in my QTH, for QSO and WSPR beacon.

    • Rommel on April 16, 2020 at 2:30 AM

    wspr beacon for my area and cw beacon

    • Karl Heinz - K5KHK on April 16, 2020 at 4:09 AM

    Thanks for doing this to spread a bit more QCX joy!

    • Zoran on April 16, 2020 at 4:43 AM

    QCX 30m for WSPR and regular QSO.

  16. Have fun building it and then use it mobile and POTA.

    • Paul Thompson on April 16, 2020 at 5:56 AM

    I would take it down to Mount Scott near Lawton and operate portable SOTA from there, then travel over to Chickasaw National Refuge and other high traffic (people) areas showing the capabilities of amateur radio to the public. Kind of like mini-Field Day.

    • msymms on April 16, 2020 at 6:21 AM

    Gonna be my backpacking QRP rig.

    73,
    K5HFH

    • Alexander Archer on April 16, 2020 at 6:42 AM

    I would build a WSPR beacon! Thanks! Alex, KC0REL

    • John on April 16, 2020 at 7:08 AM

    I will set it up on my sailboat and operate “On the Air on the Water!” AC2SG

    • Pete on April 16, 2020 at 7:53 AM

    sota

    • Paul on April 16, 2020 at 8:17 AM

    Scouting events!

    • Jim G0UON on April 16, 2020 at 8:36 AM

    SOTA activations and /p operating on 40m with my fishing pole vertical

    • Paul Ross on April 16, 2020 at 9:42 AM

    Want to explore it for QRP “Picnic Table Portable,” and decide on a good case for it.

    • Ed Meyer on April 16, 2020 at 9:53 AM

    Thinking about putting it on 60 Meters

    • Anthony Di Iorio VE2HEW on April 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM

    Would love to get on the air portable!

    • Bill on April 16, 2020 at 11:29 AM

    Make some portable QSO’s during my lunch time.

  17. Want to try the SSB hack for the QCX from pe1nnz

    • Marty on April 16, 2020 at 5:16 PM

    WSPR experiments! 73!

    • Patrick on April 16, 2020 at 7:15 PM

    I would build it with my nephew to try and get him hooked on electronics & amateur radio.

    • Josip Šutić 9A3EJO on April 17, 2020 at 4:50 AM

    I want to build one for my local radio club, 73 9A3EJO

    • Carl A Horvath on April 17, 2020 at 5:43 AM

    Great rig to sit out on the porch with!!

    • Carl A Horvath on April 17, 2020 at 5:44 AM

    Thanks

    • Chad Lawrence on April 17, 2020 at 5:54 AM

    I would build a 20m version for easy portability!

  18. 80metres CW comes alive in the UK from the autumn. QRP contacts are very regular and great fun, even with simple aerials. It would give me the summer to construct the rig and something to look forward to using in those dark winter evenings.

    • Ravishankar R on April 17, 2020 at 7:30 AM

    I would like to use CW on 40m. QRP contacts are regular for us in India on 40mts almost round the year in the evenings.

    • Sean on April 17, 2020 at 8:12 AM

    I’m trying to learn CW – I’ll use mine to practice on – should be the incentive I need to do my first QSO

    • Charles Hall on April 17, 2020 at 8:31 AM

    Use it while camping.

    • Vinny on April 17, 2020 at 8:58 AM

    It would be a perfect kit to help me learn code. I would build a nice enclosure for it and take it with me on bike rides in the mountains.

    • Claude Wood on April 17, 2020 at 9:18 AM

    Operate from home. It will be set up to operate on my 3 element beam on 20 meters. I love QRP. W4FKM

    • Steve Fletcher on April 17, 2020 at 11:44 AM

    I would operate from my local beach.
    At least 10dB extra when next to the sea !

    • Bob Anderson on April 17, 2020 at 12:22 PM

    I’ve been working on QRP and portable setups lately and have been looking for something like the QCX. I’m trying to get a QRP setup that I’ve built from the ground up, so kits are a great jumpstart. I’ve also been working with Raspberry Pi to integrate with the radios for things like WSPR, digital modes, and general ham functions like logging. My goal is to have everything I need to do QRP HF in a small, portable bag I can stuff in a backpack and run off battery/solar. Thanks for all the great info on your site!

  19. Love to use it along with BITX furst endutio kit whhihch I have not yet assembled

    • Bill on April 17, 2020 at 1:44 PM

    I would like to build a 40m version of the kit for a new young ham that lives near here. He doesn’t have much money and it would make him a great start.

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