PFR 3B Overview
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- Опубликовано: 18 сен 2024
- The PFR-3B has been around for awhile. It's still in production today! The PFR-3B is the "original portable field radio" which means it has onboard batteries, and onboard antenna tuner and an attached key. The only other things the operator needs to pack are earbuds and some wire. The PFR-3B is a kit. The operator is assured that at 12 volts, the output on all three bands -40, 30 and 20 meters - is at least 5 full watts. The PFR-3B is well worth a serious look for the operator who is looking for a 'travel' rig that is miserly on battery draw but can provide a 'full QRP gallon and match just about anything for an antenna.
I own the PFR-3 having bought it "already built" on Ebay. Getting up in years (71) & no longer possessing the eye/hand coordination (and patience) for building small things that I used to have when I was younger. I used to build Heathkits including an HW-8 so many years ago. My rig also has the battery checker option, and I also have the DCP connected with the paddle bracket, although I prefer a straight key at my CW skill level. Very well constructed rig and a sensitive receiver! The Z-match ATU is excellent. I don't think it will tune the proverbial noodle (non-conductive) but let's say instead the proverbial large metal paperclip. Hi! Hi! My CW skills are rudimentary; lazy and out of practice. I should have been a Radioman, but I ended up a Supply Officer (retired) instead. 😊 But I have been getting tired of SSB ops and have never taken a shine to digital ops, although I have tried various modes. This means I have to get more active on CW! I highly recommend the PRF-3 series of QRP CW transceivers. Loads of fun to use. BZ on the video presentation! 73/72 de AE5ZX
You're right, these are great rigs. I built mine in 2017 and have enjoyed using it for the past three years. It's traveled with me to Italy and operated QRP portable all over Tuscany including atop Voltera and at Cinque Terre. The build was fun and with the expert help and patience of Dale Putnam, WC7S, I was able to peak and tune the rig. There's a learning curve to using the internal BLT, but once you've got it down pat, it's fantastic. I own a KX3, KX1, K1, FT-817ND and other rigs I built and this one probably gets used as much as any other one. 72 VA3YG
The DCP actually isn't available directly from James and Kathy, their site redirects the user to the American Morse Equipment website (Doug Hauff is who makes the paddle among MANY others sending devices) and it's about $60 US.
That home brew speaker is excellent. I like this rig. I’d considered the PFR before going with the MTR3b and decided to go with the MTR. I’ve paired it with a T1 giving me a decent setup. I picked up a handful of these micro buck converters that allowed me to make up a cable with PowerPole on one side and the little power cable for the MTR on the other and I set the voltage to 11.9v which worked out to 11.5v under load.
Good sounding setup there. Very jealous of your VK contact on 5W. I got a VK earlier in Feb at 100w and it was a bit of a struggle at that.
I'm just about finished with building the kit and am confused about the BP - binding post wires that are inside of T1. The directions aren't clear. What gauge wires are used - #26 or # 28? Also, do these come out from the bottom of the PC board and attach to the radio case? Otherwise, the directions have been good. Any help you could offer would be appreciated. Thanks and I hope my radio turns out as good as yours! 73
Where did you purchase the battery test button & light? I didn’t see it on the Pacific Antenna site - perhaps I missed it. Enjoyed the video!
it's called the Battery Status Indicator (BSI) and it's under the subheading of power management on the Pacific Antenna website.
Great video!
You can also "tune" the coax I think ?? Sounding great. Would like to build it but already somany trx in the house .... .. And as you say, no longer a KX_1 available .
Have fun with it !
73 ON6UU
Yes, you can, that's correct
Should have added, I’m in Ireland.
Do you know if there is a wired version of this radio available?
No...BUT there is a fabulous fellow - Dale WC7S - who will build it for you and he is an EXPERT builder with the knowledge and resources to deliver to you a finished product that meets or exceeds all specs. Look him up in QRZ and contact him via email. Dale is an older gent who really enjoys building for those who cannot or choose not to build their own equipment. Dale built THIS radio for me because I'm now an "old guy" and my closeup vision is an issue and my fingers have lost feeling. I'm fine with larger components but I have a real issue with today's tiny parts...they end up on floor or in ,my dog's stomach. So give Dale a shout.....73, Stan.
@@stanscoyote Thank you for the info.
I want one of these ready built. Where do I go please?
I would email the guys at qrpkits.com and ask if they know of anyone. I built the original PFR-3 version myself.
@@joeym6730 Thank you👍☘️