New Extra here, finally ready to try my first QRP kit build! I've had a hankering to build something lately and happened across a relatively new offering from the 4 States QRP Group: the Hilltopper Tallboy, a monoband QRP CW transceiver kit. Looking at the 40m version.

Anyone here built one? How's the construction difficulty for someone comfortable with basic soldering but new to kit building? I think the Tallboy would make a great group or club project. Builders - even new ones - would end up with a good transceiver for park activations or casual operation on the band of their choice. Unlike some kits out there, the construction of this radio is not at all intimidating.

The kit's contents were well organized as were the accompanying instruction. Parts are sorted into one of 10 bags and the assembly follows the bag's numerical sequence. Perfect beginner kit - I built the 20m version and it's been rock solid. The manual is excellent and they keep it updated online.

Just finished mine last month! Our specialty will be low cost, high enjoyment kits for the builder that can be assembled in an evening or two. The Tallboy took me about 6 hours over two evenings. Very satisfying build and QSK is great - no thumping at all. You'll love it!

Built three of them for our QRP club's group build. With the dummy load on the output of my WM-2 wattmeter I read about 8 watts out, however my DC input voltage to the rig was 14.2V - a bit over the 12-13.8 called for in the manual. So let's consider it a full QRP gallon at specified voltage. Great little rigs for POTA work.