Midway Electronics is proud to introduce the new Mark I and Mark II series QRP kits.
Mark I pictures
The Mark I should be available in May, 2025. The Mark II should be available in Summer 2025.
Our first release will be for the 40 meter version which we sell the most of. The other bands will be forthcoming.
The kit electronics is basically the same circuitry as the legacy ME40+ series. The only changes are the sleek new black enclosure and a slightly smaller circuitboard to accommodate the slightly smaller extruded enclosure. There is also a 2nd order filter to bring the unit into F.C.C. compliance. The Mark II has a completely different front panel board that has a direct reading OLED display. This display board is pre-assembled and not recommended for the user to assemble.
The legacy ME40+ (and other bands) are being discontinued because the enclosure has almost quadrupled in price.
Pricing: Midway is doing its best to try and keep the Mark I the same price as the legacy ME40+, ($129.95) but many parts price increases are forcing the price up. The Mark II will have an introductory price of ($159.00). Those that purchase the Mark I, and decide they want the display version they can just purchase the front panel for ($44.95). No soldering. Just plug in three cables!
Some questions one may ask:
Q: Can I still get the original circuit board to build my own units from scratch?
A: Yes, we still have ample legacy boards available for US$6.00 each plus
shipping. We also have an ample supply of the hard to find IF transformers which we had specially made
for us. Part number 42MID123
Q: Do you have a compliance fix for the original legacy kits?
A: Yes, we have a small filter board and parts kit available for ($11.99).
Q: If something happens to the Mark II display panel will the radio still work?
A: Yes, the display is just a display. Everything will still work just like the legacy
and Mark I units.
Q: If I get a Mark I unit is it possible to upgrade to the Mark II with the display?
A: Yes. You just have three connectors.
Q: Is it possible to get a display to work on my original ME40+ unit?
A: We are working on a stand-alone display that could be retrofitted into larger enclosures. If you built
your own enclosure and have enough room, you can just pick off the VCO from TP1
(Pin 7 of Ul).
Q: Is the front panel display pre-assembled or is it in kit form?
A: We recommend providing the assembled unit due to the small size of some SMT components.
Q: Can I get a different color display?
A: The OLED display comes in standard white which we recommend.
Q. Are any of the existing ME40+ kits still available?
A. Not really. The enclosures are the problem. The price is not cost-effective. If you provide your own enclosure, you can
purchase everything (but the enclosure). The
price will be ($109.00) which includes all the front and rear components not
including postage. The ME40+ has been discontinued and the ME40 Mark I and II will be the only ones available.
Q. When will the Mark II be available?
A. We estimate late summer, 2024 if all parts come in.
Q. Will the 80, 30, and 20 meter versions be available?
A. Yes, once the 40 meter band is released we will work on the other bands. We
concentrated on the 40 meter first since we sell more than 70% of them.
Contact Midway by email for any other questions. midway7726(at)gmail.com