I’m a ‘bit late’ to the party too, but I love the idea of the fun event. I’ve used my FT790R to activate Dunkery Beacon a couple of years ago, but quite fancy getting the FT290R that I’ve just repaired out on the hills, too.
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Stay tuned for 2026 so. I’m trying to organise something like a 145 Alive/433 Alive but for niche stuff like 270 FT8, SSTV, CW etc all on one day. Make the niche, quiet areas of 2 and 70 hoppin’ again even if for a day. 
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I hope HF operators will be able to join the fun as well.
Maybe I can borrow back the Ameco AC-1 transmitter that I gave to a friend…
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I wouldn’t mind joining a HF event with this handbag which is looking for some airing.
I’ve been chasing SOTA and some nice DX with this one with pleasure, taking the chance of the good propagation of the past weeks.
Please don’t complain if you notice a bit of drift from this oldie.
73 Ignacio
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I’ve just replaced the battery cells in a 1986 vintage Kenwood TH-205E handheld transceiver that I picked up off eBay for about £25. I used three 14500 3.7V LifePo battery cells (same size as AA batteries) with a BMS to provide 12v. It works beautifully, and I use the original charging point on the battery.
The advantage of old technology in this case is the wide input voltage operating range (fully charged cells are around 12.9v), so even though the original battery was around 7.2v it is quite happy running off this higher voltage.
I love the form factor and robustness of these 80s handhelds - look at that wonderful fat stubby antenna - and think it would be a candidate transceiver for a reinvigorated vintage SOTA event.
- Amateur Radio magazine, June 1987
- In its “New Models” section, the TH-205E is listed at £218 (including VAT), along with a rubber “duck” antenna, Ni-Cd PB-2 battery pack, and trickle charger. World Radio History
- The article explicitly compares the TH-205E with the TH-215E, noting identical RF circuitry but different microprocessor features. World Radio History
- Practical Wireless, April 1988
- There’s a price list showing the TH-205E at £215.26. World Radio History
- Instruction Manual
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Wow, that’s the fancy model - the HW-9. Even has WARC bands!
I built my HW-8 in 1977, which was an improvement on the original HW-7. VFO stability was adequate for the time. I did find, however, that packing a pair of wool socks inside the top cover to save space in my backpack shifted the VFO up by about 20 kHz.
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I thought those two buttons said Tone Loc. First thing I thought of is that handie should be renamed Wild Thing. 
…and the VHF lettering in gold. 
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I’ve got an HW-9 too (although not fitted with the WARC bands) that I’ve been meaning to take on a SOTA / POTA activation…
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My daughters handbag would easily hold a couple of HW9s (and it is really heavy, I sometimes wonder what the heck she carries in it!) so we wouldn’t have to think small for a handbag event.
Are we happy to include ex-mil clansman kit they’re pretty vintage nowadays.
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Standard fitting for any lady’s handbag is at least one concrete building block………….
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Anyone hauling a clansman up to a SOTA summit gets my respect, regardless of the vintage.
I also remember the niche of tube-based rigs on a summit, but can’t remember the context. That’s the next level down this rabbit hole.
I’ve taken my 320 up a few short, summits, definitely a work out.
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Sorry to have missed you on Wednesday, I saw your alert but didn’t see any spots when I was up Newtyle hill GM/CS-122.
I was hoping for a complete to Torlum.
Andy
MM7MOX
hmmmm, might lug a 4M FM1000 up an easy hill for this! released in 1988 so deffo qualify for the pre ‘89 cut off! haha failing that, i have a selection of old PMR gear, and an FT290.. so plenty to go at!
Alan
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I checked the dimensions on rigpix, it would go in side first but the zip wouldn’t close, I’m not sure if the handles would cope with 13.6kg but feeling the weight she carries its in with a chance. My TS-520S is a bit too big…
That looks in good nick, is it yours?
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Ideal Christmas gift?
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Yes, it’s mine but currently kept in a box in a container, whilst we renovate our farmhouse. The receive side is pretty deaf and I’ve already been in and had the relay apart, cleaned it and reinstalled it. To no avail. So it’s on the list of projects, along with this 2m rig, the Icom IC201 which awaits restoration.
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You’re right, I threw a boomerang…
but time is relative… when the idea is very good