HB-1A 3 BAND TRANSCEIVER DESIGNED AND BUILT BY BD4RG
The HB-1A ultra-compact 3-band CW QRP transceiver is designed and manufactured in China by BD4RG, a fellow ham by the name of BU XIANZHI in the city of NANJING, CHINA. The performance is similar to the Elecraft KX-1 and offers switching between the 20, 30 and 40 Meter bands. It is advertised to put out 4 Watts on a Mains connected 12 Volt DC power supply and 2 watts nominal on the 8 internal AA batteries. HB stands for Home Brew and was originally designed as a kit. Today the HB-1A is offered as a complete product (batteries not included) using professional assembly with Surface Mounted Technology. The cost seems to be in line with most other rigs offering similar features, power output, multi-bands and of course, size. The current pricing including freight direct from the manufacturer represents a bargain when compared to other units offering similar features. Let’s look at the features:
•20 meters, 30 meters and 40 meter amateur bands.
•Receiving from 5 MHz to 16MHz.
•Maximum transmission power of about 4 watts. 
•Weight 12 and 1/3 ounces (approximate).
•Battery compartment to hold 8 rechargeable AA cells.
•Built-in auto function keys. 
•DDS VFO with 20 frequency storage memory.
•Digital dial with LCD technology.
•Automatic keyer with the CQ programmable with your call.
•RIT 10 Hz, 100 Hz.
•Frequency conversion super- heterodyne receiver.
•Unit will operate with voltage supply from 8-14 VDC.
•Built in AGC function.
•
The digital display offers power output, RIT, storage frequencies as well as short-wave radio receiver functions.
This is an ideal transceiver for the CW enthusiast who likes to set up a station at impromptu locations. A picnic bench in a park with the antenna wire thrown in to the closest tree, a remote camp-site, long nature walks are just a few thoughts. The unit does not include an internal antenna tuner. I have found that the MFJ-971 works well with and makes and ideal companion for this rig. Of course, your choice of antenna tuner is what makes it ‘your station’. The current drain is of a low-power design and allows approximately 50-75 mA on receive. The manufacturer rates the unit, using 2200 mA rechargeable cells at 2 watts output power at 15-20 hours with receive and send ratio of 2:1.

Let’s start out by opening the package. It may have extra tape on it, but remember it did go through customs on the long trip from the factory to your front door, and they tend to wrap it so nothing is lost as it completes its journey to you. The battery case is shipped inside of the transceiver, so lets start by removing the bottom section of the case.

The first thing you will notice there are two battery holders. Neither is soldered together and not connected to the circuit board plug. Remember that the total voltage from the batteries presented to the board should be 12V DC. That means series wire the two battery cases and then connect the circuit board plug. You will find, in addition to the loose wires and plug with wires, four blue buttons should you want to change colors, rubber feet so the unit can be placed on finished furniture without marring and a miniscule black piece of shrink wrap to go over the connections once soldered.
The unit can use and Iambic key, Single Lever Paddle, or if you prefer, a standard key. The Iambic and Single Lever Paddles both get wired as you would for any other rig with a miniature stereo plug. A manual key still uses a stereo jack with the Tip and the Ground wired. The center is left unused. Hook up your power supply, connect your antenna and select your frequency and you are ready to go! I've put several photo's on the PHOTO page.

Its the end of April 2010 and I have lost contact with the brother of the manufacturer who distributed the product through his Canadian address.

June 10, 2010 - I think I know where the HB-1A went. Today I found it with a new name, one less band per version for a lot more money on the TenTec web site.

June 22, 2010 - Yimin (brother of the ham that developed the original HB-1A MKii and MKiii) notified me that he just returned from a visit to China and is introducing a SSB model within a few days. The specifications are as follows:

It's a 6 bands SSB/CW tranceiver, covering:



Model: LSB USB CW
Output: 10W






Tonight, Yimin sent the following information to me


Operating Power: 12 – 13.8 V

Receiving Current: 170 – 180mA

Output Power: 10 W (15 m: 5W)

Receiving Frequency:

BAND 1: 2.5 – 4.1 MHz
BAND 2: 5 – 8 MHz
BAND 3: 10 – 15.1 MHz
BAND 4: 18 – 22 MHz



Transmitting Frequency:

BAND 1: 3.5 – 4 MHz
BAND 2: 7 – 7.5 MHz
BAND 3: 10.1 – 10.15 MHz
BAND 4: 14 – 14.5 MHz
BAND 5: 18.068 –18.168 MHz
BAND 6: 21 – 21.5 MHz

Operating Mode: LSB, USB, CW

IF: 9 MHz

Tuning Step:
10 Hz
100 Hz
1 KHz
10 KHz
100 KHz

New Features:
Plug-in RX and TX BPF module
Plug-in IF XTL filter module
These new features offer flexibility to modify and update.

This kit is including all the parts that you need to assemble this nice transceiver, also the case.

This is a pre-order listing, the shipment will be start from 30/June.
Shipment will be handled by Post China EMS service, shipping time 7-12 days depands on your location. Shipping charge USD39.00 to USA and Canada. USD49.00 to most Countries.

We supply 1 year manufacturer warranty, the assemble manual will be updated in our website in a short time. We will also supply assembled unit in other listing. Please visit our store.

Happy QRP!


Thank you!

Yimin


Price:  Kit $245 plus $39 shipping.
Ready to use 297 plus $39 shipping.

The above shipping rates from China to USA other rates apply to other jurisdictions.

I will be running PSK field tests over the next two months with a Nue-Psk unit as its mate.

John K1HAH