Got a note from the Four State QRP Group that they are kitting another run of the popular Hilltopper QRP Transceiver kits. Designed by Dave Benson, K1SWL, and kitted by the 4SQRPers, it’s been a popular kit that I’ve built in every flavor. So far. I hear they are testing a 15M version this time around so maybe I’m not yet done building Hilltoppers…

Keep an eye on the web site for additional details. There’s also a group list supporting this kit project.

The Hilltopper is a high performance, single-band CW transceiver. It is the perfect solution to your portable operation needs - small, lightweight, with wide frequency coverage and low current drain, extending the life of your portable power source. The receiver is adapted from K1SWL’s SW+ Series with minor modifications. The front-end circuitry was revised to replace the now-vanished 10.7 MHz IF transformers. The receiver output is suitable for headphone use.

The transmitter strip is a proven design using three BS170 transistors for the PA. The frequency source for both transmitting and receiving is a DDS VFO employing a Si5351 PLL module. Control for the rig is provided by an Atmel ATmega328P. This runs both the frequency control and the full-featured CW keyer.

A custom silk-screened PCB enclosure is included with the kit. No drilling or cutting required!

There are two pre-installed SMT ICs on the board, but the remainder are ALL THROUGH HOLE parts, and all jacks and connectors are board mounted, the combination making this kit very easy to assemble with no external wiring needed.