YouKits HB-1A

This is my HB-1A with a Plexiglass LCD protector I made..

I had been toying with the idea of an Elecraft K1 or KX1 for some time but they are too expensive for what are NE602 mixer and detector and LM386 audio amp (I am half way through a design/build of this type of transceiver but I rarely get the time to push on).

So I plumped to get a ready built QRP transceiver and the HB1A is now marketed as a fully assembled unit in the UK (and other regions) by Yourkit, TenTec (R4020) and amazingly all the UK distributors have 'exclusive' rights to sell. With some very welcome birthday money, I ordered mine from Waters & Stanton last Friday and it arrived on the Saturday - now that is service!

The HB-1A is a very similar design to the K1 and KX1 but a lot cheaper! It uses a full 2 line LCD display so more information can be displayed, from the comparisons I've seen the only valid concern is the build quality but I have to say the HB-1A is not bad at all, a few yen more and it would be excellent, but it is not something to be really concerned with don't think.

I had read a lot of reviews and new what to expect - or did I? Well this little rig surpasses my expectations in many ways, and after 2 days use these are my first impressions:

Pros:

• Small (you need to hold it to appreciate it)

• Excellent Receiver sensitivity

• Excellent audio (such a change from other rigs using an LM386)

• Good IF filtering (400, 700, 900 Hz - I have not had any adjacent signal problems)

• USB/LSB receiver as well (AM is also very good using a single side band!)

• Internal/external battery operation

• Memory usage is so easy (20 memories)

• Easy CW memory keyer setup and use

• RIT, filters and mode easy to change/use

• Auto-detect of paddle or straight key

Cons:

• Little protection for the LCD display - See the top photo for my solution

• Cheap tuning and volume knobs (Not an issue but I will replace them just to make me feel better)

• Overloads on strong signals (It uses NE602 mixers, the same as the K1 and KX1 so I expected it and couldn't get better for a lot more money)

• RF Attenuator provides too much attenuation (a pain, at least 40dB to my untrained ear - 100 Ohm resistor across Q4 seems to be the accepted mod)

• I would prefer the speed to be set with a morse announcement of the speed setting, just a preference

The pros certainly outweigh the cons and I look forward to many hours of good use with this little rig, noise floor at the home QTH is S7+ on 40m so it needs to be portable and I think it might have a permanent space in the car.