The new version of the MTR-3B is out.
Main differences compared to previous MTR-3B:
Interesting that there is an intention to do a sizeable production run of this, when SA612s are out of stock in quantity worldwide. Good news for QRP enthusiasts though.
I somehow doubt it will be as popular as the original ATS and MTR kits were because it’s three and a half times the price! (Original MTR kit was US$100)
I also hope that LNR have fixed the QA and setup problems that beset the original LNR built MTR radios
It’s an all new design so perhaps he has designed them out.
Will have to wait for further details, the information is just put out as a teaser at present. The batches will be small, and the 612 mixer is still out there to buy.
Based on the details known so far, I can already guess that the revised version will unfortunately not have any notable features that are not already offered by my MTR3B-LCD. But in the interest of everyone, I hope that we will not just see old wine in new bottles here.
Of course, there will also be many new QRP enthusiasts who will be grateful that an MTR3B is even available to buy again.
The only thing that is really “new” about the new version seems to be that
→ the popular 30 m band has been omitted at the expense of the 15 m band - presumably for marketing reasons, because 15 m is a novice band in many countries.
→ the MDS value of ~0.1 uV. Whether this is actually better than the value of ~0.2 uV specified for the previous MTR3B versions cannot be verified, as no measurement conditions are specified (e.g. the bandwidth).
→ 13 volts are required for an output power of 5 watts, 11 volts were sufficient for the previous versions.
→ the new display with colored font and the data arranged in a way that takes some getting used to, compared to the very tidy display of the MTR3B-LCD.
→ the 2 cap nuts of the capacitive touch-paddle called external keyer.
→ the slightly larger housing in all 3 dimensions.
Requiring a screwdriver to adjust the volume seems like a bad design choice.
Also, I don’t like that color.
Buy the Henry Ford version. 
I know it’s a super little rig, but the cost seems a bit steep to me… or have I spent too much time in Scotland? 
Ha!
LNR seem to like making the camouflage rigs, maybe they should go olive drab next! First it was rock grey and now it’s desert sand. Is it a ploy to make people misplace their rigs and then have to order replacements?
OK - it looks robust…
But isn’t it a bit expensive for what it offers? … compared to the QMX?
The choice of bands makes sense to me… an endfed for 40/20/15 /(10) is quick to build.
73 Armin
No you haven’t!
To be fair to them, it’s a new feature, the previous models don’t have a volume control at all.
Maybe this is for the sidetone and the audio volume control is via menu?
If not still a slight improvement from last version but not an ideal solution!
The earlier Mountain Topper versions used an external volume control, like this one, you probably didn’t notice it when you unpacked the radio, hi.
I think having sidetone as a menu item and audio volume with a knob would make more sense. I rarely want to change sidetone once I have it set the way I like.
More pictures were published as well as the manual:
A few remarks:
Without a VFO knob they can be useful.
The first devices have been received.
First Youtube video below.
I looked at the manual, and I see no reference to ‘Direct Frequency Entry’ (DFE). I have the original MTR3B (before LNR) and my absolute favorite thing about it is the DFE feature. If they deleted that, it is a shame.
Hmmm, that display has got to be a mistake - why stop using a simple traditional LCD display (QCX etc) that you can read whatever the lighting?
That doesn’t make any sense to me, for the same price (ok its slightly bigger and heavier) the CFT-1 would be my choice for more bands, better display and sensible controls or save a lot of money with a QMX. I guess there’s just a ‘mystique’ to the MTRs that I must have missed 
