Smoke (But No Mirrors): The Cigar Box QRP Transmitter

When it comes to assembling homemade QRP transmitters, pretty much every kind of container is fair game. QRP rigs built in sardine cans, tuna tins, or mint tins are already classics. But have you ever thought about using cigar boxes? Here is the story of one American radio amateur, James M. Surprenant, AB1DQ (Photo A), who combined his passions of radio and smoking a good cigar to produce a beautiful 5-watt transmitter. James was inspired by the famous “Cigar Box Guitar” and by Bob Heil, K9EID’s “Pine Board Project,”¹ to assemble his radio project (Photo B).

Cigar Box Guitars

Guitars made from cigar boxes () are an old American tradition. This form of construction dates back more than 150 years. From the mid-1860s to the early 1950s and before the mass production of musical instruments lowered costs, it was common to see people make their own guitars