I run Tattu brand batteries with a XT60 connector on a MTR5b and they work great. You can also find their products on amazon. For charging I use the Blomiky charger, also available on amazon .
I wonât laugh at that. To quote a prior @MM0FMF post the best radio is the one you carry to the summit and use. For shorter hikes with less elevation gain, my go to is the FT891⌠the extra weight is worth it for the power and band/mode options.
The KX1 with the 80/30 accessory kit will do 80m. If 60m were important to me and if I wanted a rig that can be purchased new, as best I can see the KX2 is the way to go.
Thanks for the tip on the 350 mAh batteries - I will look into that. I currently carry a Bioenno 4.5 Ah that has been great but is overkill for a single activation with my little radio. Looking to lose some grams!
Iâve got an ATS3B, I modified the firmware and built an extra band module for 60m. Now itâs a 7 band radio in an Altoids tin.
I love my QRO FT-891 despite it making me the butt of jokes of some of my SOTA peers. That said, my favorite tranceiver is my little MTR3b. It ensures that I donât have pileups when I use it with a 9 volt battery and run at 2.5w. hihi
I can tell the difference in pileup between running QRO or QRP; however, I am fortunate living where I do for SOTA. I have been more than surprised on a few occasions that QRP has resulted in a queue of calls waiting for a QSO. On one occasion, I ran 1/3 watt off a Pixie, and somehow folks like @WU7H and @WW7D immediately came back along with a few others in a smaller pile. I appreciate the persistence of other stations, though, particularly in EA land, who keep sending their call to make the SOTA DX after all the super-strong stations complete their QSOs and despite QSB and such. I can generally tell how the bands are doing based on a few key station signals though, for example, if @W0MNA is coming in a 559, you know the bands arenât that great. Definitely a difference between throwing out 100w and 3w. What I can also say is that Iâd rather carry the 891 than an 817. The extra w can make things more interesting and fun
I have a Youkits HB1A which is a surprisingly good rig, especially as mine cost well under $100. The ergonomics may not suit everyone, but the simple facade and clunk-click tuning hides a half decent rig. It is the only rig I have that has full break-in, so for me operating it is a different experience.
If you plan to use a tuner with an MTR, I would suggest the Elecraft T1 tuner. I have it and think its a great light weight tuner. I rarely use a tuner when using my mountain toppers (have 3b and 5b) but when I do, itâs the T1.
My battery is a Turnigy Nanotech, 350 mAH weighs 40 grams, just over an ounce. I obtained it from HobbyKing dot com. I use a miniaturized homebrew EFHW matching device pioneered by AA5TB which I have fitted into a dental floss case. My entire set-up including a 17 foot antenna supporting pole that collapses to just 18 inches, weighs under one pound. the antenna uses two tiny traps such that it is 12/15/20/30/40, but I also have a three trap version that adds 17M for use with the MTR5. My paddle is a touch key built inside the radio and consists of two posts mounted on the radio. My log is a trimmed 3x5 card clipped to the back of either the MTR3 or MTR5. I write with spacepen called the âStowawayâ which weighs about six grams, and which I have tethered to the radio. This all allows me to simply operate standing up. Things like snow, mud, cactus, ants, make being able to operate standing up a worthwhile thing to work toward. &3 Fred KT5X (aka WS0TA) More information and pictures can be found here:
Indeed!
Ken
I already got the perfect solution to overcome all those issues. Itâs a foldable chair.
73,
Guru
I want to put in one more plug for the humble HB1B. It is my favorite portable radio. So easy to operate and the RX is clear as a bell. But I take my KX2 95% of the time since my HB1B does not have 60m or 80m which I like to operate for the local chasers. If I could get either 60 or80 on my HB1B it would become my primary portable radio. Yes it needs a resonant antenna but thatâs easy to arrange.
Scott kw4jm
I am using HB-1B, but I already repaired it few times.
Wait. You CARRY a chair? - fred
Iâd never be without mine. It only weighs about 550g:
https://www.idealo.at/preisvergleich/OffersOfProduct/4337703_-ground-chair-helinox.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw_NX7BRA1EiwA2dpg0nNZFvl1DlWw6DF90qU_3xpOi5sE0JXBO5vYbSgZ_jQa2Zc5b5WOvRoCP-kQAvD_BwE
If your back is not what it used to be, as in my case, itâs a real life saver.
73 Matt
I built and use a QRP Labs QCX CW transceiver. At less than $100 USD, it works amazing and will almost fit in a back pocket. If 5W is not enough for you, there is a lightweight matching 50W amp for it. You can get one already assembled, but itâs a fun build. QCX+ 5W CW transceiver kit
John AK4AT
I built a QCX last year, and integrated as much as possible into the case. I built mine for 30m considering it a compromise band since you will not get blown out on contest weekends and at least where I activate get most of the same chasers I would normally get on 20/40. I have done a few activations with it, but have since moved to an MTR b/c itâs even lighter and smaller (but not near as cheap)
Looks like the MTR3b may be no more. I got a message from LNR that they are going to âre-evaluateâ the 3b next year, but that a ânew and improvedâ 4b will hopefully be out by the holiday season. I really hope the new 4b is smaller than the current one, which is more than double the weight and volume of the 3b.
Really disappointed because I really have no need or want for 80m and âExtra room inside enclosure for batteryâ at a $100 premium over the 3b. The only thing I could think of that would make it worth the extra bulk and money would be a built in ATU.
So those of you with both a 3b and 4b, are there really any differences in operation other than the addition of 80m?