The FDIM 2010 QRP Challenge

Need a challenge ?

Can you design and build a ham transceiver with 72 (or fewer) components !

Each year at FDIM attendees have the opportunity to bring their latest projects and enter them into the "Building Contest". There are six categories that are judged by the people attending the Friday night event.  Next year we will add a special category called the FDIM 2010 QRP Challenge.

Normally we do not make FDIM announcements until January, but we thought that the extra time gained by announcing this in December would help the participants.  So put on your thinking caps and heat up the irons.  Let's see what can be done with this challenge!

The objective is as follows:

Design and build a QRP Transceiver using the following rules:

• The transceiver is limited to a maximum of 72 parts.
• The receiver must be a superhet or other "single signal receiver".
• Keying and muting must be included.
• Covers at least one of the standard QRP Frequencies 
• Capable of battery power for portable use.
• Schematic w/parts list and functional XCVR be brought (or sent) to FDIM 2010 (13-16 May 2010).
• Only one part may be an IC, all other parts must be discrete components.
• Knobs, sockets, tuning dials, copper board, power source and enclosures are not considered parts.

FAQ

1. Can I use MOSFETs and voltage regulators ?
   
   Yes, MOSFETs and voltage regulators are considered discrete components.
2. What about IF cans, crystal filters and mixers -
   are they considered discrete components ?
   
   Mixers such as SBL-1, TUF-1, canned xtal filters, IF cans (XFMR with parallel trim cap) will be permitted, but the component count must include internal discrete components. For example, if you use an SBL-1 - it counts as six components (two xfmrs and four diodes).
3. Will I be disqualified if I use more than one IC ?
   
   One IC may be used and counted as one component. If you chose to use a second IC, you must count the internal components towards the 72 allowed. For example. an LM386 looks like 19 components, so if that is your second IC, it would count as 19 components of the 72.
4. Are vacuum tubes (valves) allowed ?
   
   Yes, and the filament transformer does not count as a component.