Portable HF ham radio in Whistler, Canada using a Spilsbury Tindall SBX-11 and a Yaesu FT-817. Powered by Buddipole LiFePO4 batteries. Location: Whistler, BC, Canada. January 2014

This is a fine little CW rig. It did a great job for me in “sweeping” the SKCC 1st Anniversary event (incl KL7 & KH6), running 20 watts to a 100′ wire antenna. However, I think I’m going to sell it (and other stuff) to finance a K3. Oh well, I will have this video to remember it by…
Video Rating: 5 / 5

17 replies
  1. AF2Z
    AF2Z says:

    Antenna is a random wire: 100 ft long, up 30 ft, along with a homebrew
    antenna matcher. I have used this antenna with all my low-power rigs during
    these times of poor propagation. It is really not too bad.

    Reply
  2. AF2Z
    AF2Z says:

    Hi Ron, I used this rig for CW exclusively (well, SWLing also…) It is a
    fun rig and has that great TenTec QSK. — 73, Drew

    Reply
  3. Paul Linnell
    Paul Linnell says:

    Nice video Drew!! I had the 509 for a number of years (had 2 in fact). I
    sold them and missed them so I was able to pickup the V and what a rig. I
    have a bid in on a 515 also. Can’t beat the Ten-Tec CW machines! I have a
    KX3 on order too and will be fun to compare the qrp rigs. Thanks for making
    this video! 72/73 Paul N0PL

    Reply
  4. AF2Z
    AF2Z says:

    Thanks, Mike. The camera is a Logitech Pro 9000 webcam. Software is
    VirtualDub (capture), and Windows Movie Maker. — 73, Drew

    Reply
  5. eogg25
    eogg25 says:

    the german J. Junker key ur using is a great key i have one with the leg
    adapter. i have a tt paragon with 5 watt mod. love CW

    Reply
  6. WA2JSG
    WA2JSG says:

    Great video on the Argonaut, Drew. I was planning on getting one, but I
    understand Ten Tec has discontinued that radio. 🙁 Curt

    Reply
  7. n5rdn
    n5rdn says:

    Do you know of any other rigs made by Spilsbury? I just worked a Cuban
    station using a Spilsbury on CW, but he didn’t say what model it was. His
    English was limited. His output was about 40w. Although it drifted some, it
    sounded really good.
    Thanks for posting your video. 73

    Reply

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