Based on several questions/suggestions on the QRP-L list and input from our members, the QRP ARCI club is happy to announce the 48V Challenge. C.F. Rockey, W9SCH, recently pointed out that there are many “old timers” and newcomers alike that would enjoy building a tube rig. He wrote: “Despite the technical tastes of our strictly state of the art people, there are still quite a few of us into QRP who build our gear in the good, old fashioned style.”

Accordingly, this Build-It contest for FDIM2000, entails building a tube receiver, transmitter, or transceiver that will operate on 48v or less. It's really that simple.

You may enter tube rigs you built over the past years as well as new rigs. The judges will consider the following factors (plus many of their own) in the contest:

The complexity of the unit - a transceiver would get higher points than a simple receiver.
The voltage at which this rig operates - the lower the voltage the higher the points.
When the unit was built - generally the newer the construction, the higher the points. It may however be a recently built old time rig.
The quality of the construction - neatness counts!
Multimode vs. single mode and mult band vs. single band. Obvious!

Entries may be original design or taken from articles. If you have original ideas/design, etc, please send a schematic/notes to W4DU by April 15. Photos are welcome. Then, bring your rig to Dayton!