The new Penntek TR-45L: A Full Overview, Tour, and POTA Activation!

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024

Комментарии • 122

  • @jeff-73
    @jeff-73 2 года назад +7

    Omg!!!!!! This is what happens when HAMs make radios and not corporate execs. What a complete work of art.

  • @randalltom9750
    @randalltom9750 2 года назад +19

    Ok Santa, I’ve changed my mind on what I want for Christmas!

    • @k5rpb
      @k5rpb Год назад

      You'll have to wait. I've been a better boy and will get mine first! :-)

  • @W7LDT
    @W7LDT 2 года назад +14

    It looks “vintage.” That means I like its appearance. It sounds really good. I like having the switches for operating rather than menus.

  • @duncanchaboudy4187
    @duncanchaboudy4187 2 года назад +4

    Now THAT is a cool looking radio!

  • @plaws0
    @plaws0 2 года назад +14

    2:45 - that big, silly, retro meter ... I LOVE IT!!!! I have no issue with menus and submenus (because I'm an Icom fanboy and they keep their UI fairly consistent) but I do appreciate that this has single function controls. It's just a reallllly cool looking radio!

  • @KX4UL
    @KX4UL Год назад +1

    Super radio! I absolutely love the looks and design of this TR-45L. Nice contacts Thomas!

  • @gliderpilot8882
    @gliderpilot8882 2 года назад +6

    Thanks for the video. Nice rig. Not impressed with the antenna tuner. 73's

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад

      Actually, I've used this Z-Match on a number of antennas and it performed just fine. This particular day, I just couldn't get the SWR as low as I have in the past. I honestly think if the wire was 6" longer, I would have gotten a perfect match.

  • @ibgeorgeb
    @ibgeorgeb Год назад +1

    Wow! Great information. Thank you. 👌🏾

  • @carolgawle719
    @carolgawle719 2 года назад +2

    Oh boy, you have cost me some $$$ with your videos Tom! I just couldn't resist this throwback to my Johnson Viking Ranger! Brought me right back to my novice days. The Ranger was my first transmitter paired with a National NC-300 receiver. Gosh! If I buy any more radios after this, I'll have to move to a bigger house!

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад +1

      Ha ha! I promise: no buyer's remorse with the TR-45L. :) And it takes up so little space, you'll have room for more! 😆

  • @TravelinHam
    @TravelinHam 2 года назад +1

    Hey, Thomas. I’ve gotten my first two CW activations completed. Thanks for your videos. I wouldn’t have gotten to this point without them.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Год назад

      Thank you so much for sharing that, OM. Makes my day. I hope to work you on the air soon!

  • @joeblow8593
    @joeblow8593 2 года назад +3

    Nice looking radio. The only improvements I would make is to put protective handles in the back to protect the tuner and the binding posts and to have a remote switch to activate the memory keyer so you don't have to constantly reach for the radio to access the memory keyer. Maybe an outside control to change the pitch too.

  • @m0mseadventureradionstuff329
    @m0mseadventureradionstuff329 2 года назад +2

    What a lovely looking radio. Very steampunk.

  • @jburchm1
    @jburchm1 2 года назад +3

    Love that you just casually got hunted by W1AW

  • @mikemiles3068
    @mikemiles3068 2 года назад +5

    Nice video, looks like you’ve got a nice new little addition to your QRP collection. I absolutely love the switches and knobs instead of all the buttons on today’s rigs. 73. KV5P

  • @WillShattuck
    @WillShattuck 2 года назад +1

    Great video Thomas! That radio is really incredible. I think I now have something for my Christmas wish list. :-)

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад

      Write your letter to Santa now. :)

  • @HamRadioAdventures
    @HamRadioAdventures Год назад +1

    Terrific radio and very nice video. More on your partner next time, hi hi.

  • @w2aew
    @w2aew 2 года назад +3

    That rig really looks and sounds great. Really nice that there are no menus. Is there a way to adjust the sidetone volume?

    • @jburchm1
      @jburchm1 2 года назад +2

      Looking at the photos on the website it seems to have the same internal pot for adjusting sidetone volume that the TR-25 and TR-35 have.

  • @VE3FAL1Fred
    @VE3FAL1Fred 2 года назад +3

    Man I like the looks of that radio, the meter makes it look like an old time radio for sure...have fun with it. Fred VE3FAL

  • @BubbaWarbucks
    @BubbaWarbucks 2 года назад +4

    Having a real analog meter for S-readings makes this radio stand head and shoulders above other portable QRP rigs.

  • @K3JRZOnTheAir
    @K3JRZOnTheAir 2 года назад +2

    That’s a pretty sexy looking, old-timey radio. Very 1960’s space program looking. Have fun with it! 73 de Jeff K3JRZ

  • @qrplife
    @qrplife 2 года назад +1

    If you use a 50 ohm resistive bridge match detector, like in the ZM-2, then you can 1) be less of that “tuner upper” guy because you’re actually dissipating most of the energy into resistors and 2) keeps your finals happy by not exposing them to a big mismatch while tuning.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад +1

      I'm actually planning to take the ZM-2 out a LOT this fall/winter.

  • @ai5dd
    @ai5dd 2 года назад +4

    I can't wait to get my email from him when he's ready to ship it. I love the old school S-Meter, switches and dials. I just started watching, so I'm sure I'll be editing this response. *Edit* I emailed John to ask if he could update my order to include the tuner. OMG I love how the side tone sounds! Incredible! I didn't think I needed another QRP radio, but man I'm glad I ordered this. BTW, you got the ARRL HQ (W1AW) wow. Nice!

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад

      You'll be pleased with the TR-45L! And it's so funny: as I copied W1AW, it didn't register that it was ARRL HQ. Then when he gave the op callsign, it hit me! :) Great to get them in the logs. :)

  • @oneDeltaWhiskey
    @oneDeltaWhiskey 2 года назад +4

    The retro look is awesome!

  • @johnrees44..G4EIJ
    @johnrees44..G4EIJ 2 года назад +2

    It looks a great radio…and I learnt something today!..That’s the first time I’ve heard ‘72’ in CW…I thought you had mis-keyed 73 until I did some research..Great video..thank you..73 (Sorry..72😊)

  • @KC2BKM
    @KC2BKM Год назад +1

    Great video and even better article. I may buy one to motivate my learning of CW

  • @N2AKJ
    @N2AKJ 10 месяцев назад +1

    Looks like im getting one being that I just got bit by the qrp bug last week

  • @qrplife
    @qrplife 2 года назад +4

    Definitely a cool radio. For me, a radio in that “lunch box” form factor really needs both CW and SSB. Also, the antenna connectors and tuner controls precludes laying the rig on its back. Any creative design like this reflects the values of the designer, as it should be. I hope he sells a lot of them. I’m saving for a KX-2.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад +2

      Good points. And, yes, the KX2 is a worthy goal. The most versatile HF field radio ever made, from my point of veiw.

  • @andyw3720
    @andyw3720 2 года назад +1

    Oh man I’ve been waiting on the edge of my seat on this one. Nice looking radio. Thanks Thomas. De Kn4eqg

  • @JayN4GO
    @JayN4GO 2 года назад +3

    What a great looking rig man. It’s been awhile since I actually saw a qrp rig I wanted. Haha. I mean one guy called you his hero. Has to be the rig man! 😂 brother you send very very well with the weighted cwmorse key es with an arm free. Great for picnic table sending. The dev of these particular radio has a bright future in manufacturing for sure. Tnx for sharing Thomas. 72/73

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад +1

      Thank you, Jay! You know? I think I'm going to start bringing a weighted key to picnic table activations. It really does make life easier.
      And yes. The TR-45L is a looker! Thanks always for your comments, OM.

    • @stevechannel7588
      @stevechannel7588 Год назад

      @@ThomasK4SWL Yep, I was the "you're my hero guy"! Frankly, K4SWL is the entire reason I took last winter to learn CW and this winter to work up the nerve to try an activation. Think my spot will say "patient ops only, old guy, bad hearing!" hee hee. Well he cost me $$ but I have the TR-45L and NO REGRETS whatsoever! Thank Thomas. Steve, KD9JTU

  • @pkvalsvik
    @pkvalsvik 2 года назад +3

    I love this channel, I got my lisence years ago, but since work and life never got to start and now I'm starting all over! Thanks to your videos I'm super motivated and now know I want to start with SOTA and POTA, and I'm even practicing my Morse code 😁 my wife is not to happy thoug, as I want every single radio you show, especially the tx-500

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад

      Ha ha! I hate to disturb the domestic tranquility! :) Good on you for learning Morse Code. I can tell you that SOTA and POTA are truly addictive in every way. The combination of the great outdoors and radio is simply hard to beat. Thanks for your comment and I'm sure someday you'll land a TX-500!

  • @KU9L
    @KU9L Год назад +1

    Drool, drool, drool .... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Thomas, sir! -Dave - KU9L

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Год назад

      Here's wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

  • @RobMacKendrick
    @RobMacKendrick 2 года назад +3

    I love everything about this radio. Looks and sounds great! As for the tuner, as you may know if you use the ZM-2, the skirts on that tech are incredibly sharp. You have to fiddle with both knobs, barely turning them -- basically just staring hard at them in some cases -- to get a perfect match. Then you have to do it again, briefly, if you move up or down the band any great distance. But I use mine for half or more of my ops, and it tunes up almost anything.
    I'm amazed at the length of your poise; it's like a second antenna. My longest poise is about 10 feet. You might try shortening it up a bit and see if that improves tuner performance.
    Anyway, thanks for the thorough tour, Thomas! This rig looks brilliant!

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад

      The Powermini 2 is an excellent device! And Powerfilm Solar panels are top-notch!

  • @TridentMissileTech
    @TridentMissileTech 2 года назад +2

    Love the aesthetics of this radio and the sound but IMHO it is very high price. Especially when you consider the tuner and battery is extra. It’s awfully expensive. Also the size is a little large for travel. I have the TR35 and love it. If I got this one it would more than likely stay on a shelf.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад +1

      So based on the photos, I actually thought it would be larger than it actually is. It's like a mini lunch box. It's portable enough I'll definitely do SOTA with it.
      The price isn't low, that's for sure. I know John (WA3RNC) would like to offer it at a lower price, but the components pricing has increased so much, he had to compensate to make it all a reality. That and components availability as well.
      If you have the TR-35, you've got a brilliant little radio!

  • @ruhnet
    @ruhnet Год назад +1

    Great video with a great radio, Thomas! I enjoyed it even if it was a bit long. I like the “I’m sitting next you watching you operate” feel. 😄👍 73s/72s!

  • @rogergrimsby5805
    @rogergrimsby5805 2 года назад +1

    I like a good CW youtube. This is a very good CW youtube.
    Antenna thing: With the tuner switched to the Coax position, the RF power is all on the center conductor of the BNC connector, and the shield is grounded. By definition, ground is always Zero volts, so no signal on the shield. That's an 'unbalanced' output. Unbalanced outputs work well with unbalanced antennas, such as the center conductor of the coax cable going to a vertical radiator and the shield going to a ground plane -- or "counterpoise."
    With the tuner switched to the Balanced position, both banana plugs have [generally] equal and opposite voltages. They are both active with signal. Balanced output is good for dipoles, inverted V's, rhombics, loops, and hooking up your two antenna wires.
    So, if you hook up your two wires to the banana jacks, the wire from the red banana jack going up into the trees, with half your transmitted power, will be an effective radiator, and good for receiving, too. The wire that's laying on the ground, with the other half of your transmitted power, will have most of its power absorbed by the ground, and won't help the receiving situation much, either. Don't dismiss the Black banana jack as having no signal. It has as much signal as the Red banana jack.
    One suggested arrangement is to have both of your wires going up into the trees, preferably with more than a 90 degree angle between them. (Less than 90 degrees is less desirable, but better than nothing in a pinch.) Running both wires up into trees would be a lot more balanced compared to one of them laying on the ground. With both wires going Up, the arrangement would give you a V-shaped antenna, an upside-down inverted V, with most of the power radiated at picnic-table-height.
    If you've had success with one wire on the ground and one in a tree, it promises to be even better with both wires up in the air.
    The next evolution in your antenna system would be to add some twin-lead transmission line. Instead of the feedpoint of your wires -- and most of the radiation -- being right at the banana jacks, the twinlead moves the feedpoint up into the sky, and then your two wires can drape away from the sky-end of the twinlead, perhaps as a dipole or inverted V.
    Going portable and traveling light, flat TV twinlead is cheap, lightweight, can handle 5 watts of transmitter power. It's a transmission line that does not create high losses as the SWR climbs the way that coax does -- so most of the power gets up to the antenna with twinlead, not so much with coax cable. And twinlead is more compact to carry than coax cable.
    If the 'Black' wire is also up in a tree instead of lying on the ground, I think maybe the tuner adjustments on the TR-45L will be less touchy and it will be more easy to bring down the SWR.
    This is a good place to mention that with 5 watts - in other circles known as ''CB power,'' you're regularly communicating with other stations many states away. A thousand miles or more is frequent. The sunspots are picking up NOW with the 11 year sunspot cycle, and I'll bet your 20 and 17 meter operations have probably started going worldwide within days or weeks after making this video. So for CBers, getting your Ham license and access to a huuuge swath of the shortwave frequencies is something to think about. It's 26 letters in Morse code, and that's not so many. The internet is full of painless, efficient methods for learning the alphabet. And since it's a hobby, it doesn't matter if it takes a few weeks or a few months to get all 26 letters under your belt. And then you're set for life enjoying CW.
    Once upon a time in the Army, you had a few weeks to get from Zero to 20 words per minute. If you didn't reach 20 wpm in the allotted weeks, you went back to the Infantry. And when you got out of the Army, you likely didn't want to ever do Morse code ever again. But with Ham radio, for instance, it took me 10 years to go from zero to 20 wpm, and I enjoyed it the whole time, and bullets were never shot at me for progressing slowly. 40 years later, I'm still going 20 wpm, showing no improvement. And I'd still rather be on CW than phone.
    For the uninitiated, we should mention that ALL Morse code requirements were eliminated from ALL ham radio tests, so you can go all the way from the entry-level Technician license to the Amateur Extra license without doing a stitch of Morse code, unless you love it. The Tech license has some Phone privileges on 10 Meters, which is pretty valuable with the increasing sunspot cycle. But to get on other valuable shortwave bands that only have CW subbands for Techs, you'd have to switch from a mic to a key.
    Also, the Tech license allows 200 watts output on the Tech's shortwave subbands. Most mainstream radios provide 100 watts, I think the most popular operating output level. But obviously, 5 watts goes long distance when you don't have the whole world trying to talk at once on a frequency. Get a chart to see the frequency privileges for Ham licensees:
    www.arrl.org/graphical-frequency-allocations
    And old Hams have to start learning to recognize CBers as an untapped resource of people that love being on the radio.
    Some favorite articles that look at antenna systems using balanced transmission line:
    webclass.org/k5ijb/antennas/All-Band-Doublet.htm
    www.hamuniverse.com/feedlinelengths.html.

  • @brianve7jyd943
    @brianve7jyd943 Год назад +1

    thankyou Thomas - well done -- and dont appologise for your real time manner - love it - 73 Sir

  • @romanomorelli2831
    @romanomorelli2831 2 года назад +2

    Straight away i see the awkwardness of having to use the ATU , great looking little radio

    • @SuperSetright
      @SuperSetright 2 года назад +1

      That's part of the satisfaction of using a radio like this.

  • @billcosgrave6232
    @billcosgrave6232 2 года назад +1

    I am glad you used the zmatch. I have one and have been struggling with it a bit. I am using mine with an LNR LD11 that I bought from someone. It was still in the box unused. Works great when I use it with resonant antennas. Cool video and 73

  • @k8drtqrp
    @k8drtqrp 2 года назад +2

    I do enjoy a good kit build. Fine review.

  • @janiceemery2008
    @janiceemery2008 2 года назад +1

    Thank you for sharing Thomas. I just love that radio, not sure if I am experienced enough to operate it but, maybe one day. It has a great look to it. Thank You

  • @W4EMB
    @W4EMB Год назад +1

    W4EMB here... had hoped you blurred my call and beeped over my CW by now, but no joy hihi. I joined LICW in Aug to learn CW, This was one of my first attempts at a QSO... The QSB was really up and down that day on my end.... Now thanks to Thomas I have this rig. It is fantastic. I hope as my CW improves to be activating my own parks with it soon. (please dont showcase anymore cool toys... im retired on a pension ..... ok, keep the cool toy vids coming.... I can sell a kidney I think or give plasma. (hihi) Ed in TN

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Год назад +1

      Ha ha, Ed! So funny!
      Wonderful news regarding your CW. You sound great, OM! It's most impressive that the LICWC has taken you SO far along this journey. Amazing! Keep up the great work and I look forward to working you again very soon! :) Just remember not to sell both kidneys. okay? Ha ha!

    • @W4EMB
      @W4EMB Год назад

      ​@@ThomasK4SWL // I've done 3 parks with the TR-45L.... Absolutley fantastic radio.

  • @AlpineWarren
    @AlpineWarren Год назад +1

    Probably the best looking radio I've ever seen!

  • @andrewwiggins9934
    @andrewwiggins9934 Год назад +1

    ilysm hazel 😭

  • @iotadx7614
    @iotadx7614 2 года назад +1

    Looks very nice Thomas! 73, de BA4TB

  • @agrizi
    @agrizi 2 года назад +1

    Very nice radio little too big for me. Nice it has 5 bands.

  • @JDDupuy
    @JDDupuy Год назад

    Received my TR-45L last Monday. Really enjoying it! Good CW OP you are.

  • @robertallbright
    @robertallbright 8 месяцев назад +1

    Very useful Thomas
    thankyou 73 Rob G3RCE

  • @ShoesOnTheTrail
    @ShoesOnTheTrail 2 года назад +2

    Great video, Thomas! Thanks for sharing this new rig with us. N4AAJ

    • @JayN4GO
      @JayN4GO 2 года назад +2

      Make you wanna sell the 35 and get one? Can you imagine that on contest ridge ? What a blast man

    • @ShoesOnTheTrail
      @ShoesOnTheTrail 2 года назад +2

      @@JayN4GOon Radio Ridge no one would believe we were QRP. We definitely need to try that sometime! Keeping the tr-35. I love that little rig :) This definitely gives me the itch to go activate.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад +2

      Yes: the strategy here is to keep the TR-35 and add the TR-45L! :) That's what I plan to do.

  • @stevemercure902
    @stevemercure902 2 года назад +1

    Nice radio, I may have to buy one just to have a radio with an analog meter. After all taking my Drake Twins out for POTA probably isn't the best idea! 73 de W5EN

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад

      Oh but those Drake twins int he field? Yeah...I'd like to see that! :) You'll love the TR-45L.

  • @SteveSmith-fs8dn
    @SteveSmith-fs8dn 2 года назад +1

    Sounded good from the other end, too! Glad to catch you, Thomas. (When we set up there I was at the same table and probably used the same branch for my wire!) 73, KC5F

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад +1

      I bet so! It's a great spot to activate. Nice to work you ground wave, Steve! 73, Thomas

  • @Canyonman44
    @Canyonman44 Год назад

    Hi, Not up to your speed level but I catch some. I was wondering what the whole format is that you xmit? I see they send you their state, I'm assuming you have sent yours. Do you mention POTA other than on the hamrs? How do the guys line up so neatly, timing, etiquette? Does everyone send at their best speed then all adapt? OK I'll stop, I have a million questions (but no-one to ask) but I'll let you go. BTW, you send very clear and timed code!!

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Год назад

      Great question. You might check out this video--in it, I explain standard POTA exchanges. I roughly do this same thing now (but sometimes vary): ruclips.net/video/Fq3teRrNypA/видео.html

  • @MidlifeRenaissanceMan
    @MidlifeRenaissanceMan 2 года назад +1

    RUclips are still sending me ads for these videos. Even if you don’t monetise, they roll ads. Haven’t come across a mid roll add just yet. It’s a matter of time before they do I’m sure

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад +1

      Thanks, Chris. Yes, a few other subscribers have alerted me to this. I can't see those ads when I'm looking at my own videos. I'm actually starting to ad videos to my new Vimeo account. There, I can make sure no ads appear, but it comes at a pretty high cost. Patreon supporters are making it a possibility, though. Plus, it's nice to have backups of all of my videos.

    • @MidlifeRenaissanceMan
      @MidlifeRenaissanceMan 2 года назад

      @@ThomasK4SWL not a problem and what a nice looking rig. It has a certain old school layout. There’s something nice about analog controls vs buttons and touch screens. While there is a place for both, a backlit analog meter that uses an incandescent lamp is such a nice touch.
      I have some Behringer branded hybrid tube preamps and a couple of compressors in the home studio that have those exact meters but with a different gauge printer on them. After a few years of regular use, the lamps to pop, but replacement is relatively straight forward if you are careful.
      Those Behringer “tube” pre’s use a starved plate design off the 50V or so supply they use to get the 48V phantom power to power a 12AX7 they have as a triode amp with a cathode follower arrangement to make it sound “tube”. All the gain on those things is in the silicon. Bit of a gimmick, but they sound really good when you upgrade the critical chips in the signal path with a combination of sone sexy Burr Brown chips and the venerable 5532 along with some better sounding 12AY7s vs the cheap 12AX7s they had in there.
      It’s funny, with a room full of sexy microphones and a rack full of audio processing gear, 90% of my radio is with a key, and a straight one to boot :-)

  • @ChrisN8PEM
    @ChrisN8PEM 2 года назад +1

    I was a little out of practice on my straight key Thomas! Nice video and nice look at the new rig. Thanks for the info!

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад +1

      I really need to do a straight key activation sometime. Thing is, I'm sure that 10 minutes into it, my fist will seize up! :) At least, that's what happens on straight key night. I really should stay in practice.
      Thanks for the kind comment, OM!
      And, oh yes, I enjoyed your video about what's in your SOTA pack. Like you, I add Doggo supplies if Hazel accompanies.

  • @tomporrata4359
    @tomporrata4359 2 года назад +1

    Hi Thomas! What is the filter wideband and narrow bandwidth ? Was not specified in the instructions . Thanks for the video.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад +1

      Good question. To my ear, the wide bandwidth is 2.2 kHz or so. Narrow sounds like 750 Hz and when you add the extra audio filter it sounds like 400 Hz to me. Again, not sure what they really measure, it's just how it sounds to my ear.
      I will add that in the wide position, SSB sounds fantastic.

    • @tomporrata4359
      @tomporrata4359 2 года назад

      @@ThomasK4SWL thank you Thomas.

  • @WN8HGZ
    @WN8HGZ Год назад +1

    thanks very much de wb8idy swansboro nc 73

  • @jwag869
    @jwag869 2 года назад +1

    Great Thomas, I hope they sell out quick. I can't afford another radio right now.

    • @jwag869
      @jwag869 2 года назад +1

      And when you flipped the radio over to show the tuner......, 😱

  • @OregonOrcadian
    @OregonOrcadian 2 года назад +1

    Thomas, I hope you are safe. As Ian reaches the Carolinas, I am praying for you and your family.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад

      Thank you. Fortunately, the really bad weather never materialized here. The rain wasn't quite as bad as forecast and the wind field was much lower. We were lucky. Often at our altitude storm remnants still pack strong winds.

  • @JonFlyTV
    @JonFlyTV Год назад

    Great vid, my TR-45 is being shipped to me Monday. I do wonder if the counterpoise was elevated or run up into a tree , what would differ from laying it on the ground. 73 de Jon K7CO ( Utah POTA Activator )

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Год назад

      You can certainly do that! The moment you elevate the counterpoise, the antenna will match differently, so you'd have to experiment. Elevated counterpoises can have a positive effect if they can be made to be resonant on the bands you wish to cover.

  • @kq9l115
    @kq9l115 2 года назад +1

    Another great video! Your channel costs me a lot of money....I just ordered one of these haha!

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад

      Oh dear! Ha ha! Well, I can tell you that there'll be no buyer's remorse.

  • @qrptedmac
    @qrptedmac 2 года назад +1

    So there’s no beacon mode. I guess technically you could use a Pico with it.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад +1

      Yes, absolutely. The PICO would work just fine. Frankly, I can live without beacon mode, but it would be a nice addition.

  • @rsdaarud
    @rsdaarud Год назад

    Thanks Thomas. I'm enjoying my Penntek 35 with a Bandipole at 5 watts and hit both coasts and Ottawa from Wyoming! Your review clinched it for me.

  • @paisteformula6021
    @paisteformula6021 2 года назад +1

    Beautiful radio!!! 👍👍👍👍👍

  • @trig6712
    @trig6712 Год назад

    Looks Excellent and sounds so to me and I have been a radio ham for over 62 years Love QRP operate hr in GM

  • @lenperkins5724
    @lenperkins5724 Год назад +1

    Thanks for a relaxing, candid recording and no Utube ads. I don’t mind you promoting the rig you are demoing. I hope to learn the negatives as well.
    You deserve a hot cup of coffee.
    This is my first time watching you.
    I look forward to becoming a cw operator.
    AD8FK Len

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Год назад

      Thanks, Len! All the best on your CW journey. Remember, it just takes a bit of time and practice, but you can definitely do it! Cheers, Thomas

  • @kq6up
    @kq6up 2 года назад +1

    Is it harder to build than the QSX-mini?

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад

      I'm not entirely sure. We might have to wait for builders who've done both radios to comment.

  • @Openwrt2023
    @Openwrt2023 2 года назад

    It is a very nice looking and working radio. However, the analog meter response seems a little odd.

  • @ae4xo
    @ae4xo 2 года назад +1

    how did you get back from canada so fast

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад

      So I actually got back from Canada around August 6. I'm just behind on videos at this point. :) I pushed this one to the front of the line.

  • @JonFlyTV
    @JonFlyTV Год назад

    What is the hole/port on the back beneath the BNC?

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Год назад

      So I don't have the radio here with me as I reply, but I *think* that might be the external speaker port.

  • @TridentMissileTech
    @TridentMissileTech 2 года назад

    So I wonder if the impedance transformer is built in the unit for what seems to be a random wire. That is without the tuner add-on?

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад +1

      This would be a good question for John (WA3RNC). I haven't noticed anything inside other than the Z-Match components.

  • @nr3rful
    @nr3rful 2 года назад +1

    You always send 72 in lieu of 73

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад

      Yes, that lets the other op know I'm QRP. :)

  • @paulbrach5778
    @paulbrach5778 2 года назад +1

    Just curious, why do you send “72” instead of “73”?

    • @JayN4GO
      @JayN4GO 2 года назад +2

      Qrp is 72. Qro is 73

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад

      Yes, what Jay said. It's a really easy way to let the person on the other end know you were running QRP power. It's also a bit of a handshake with QRP ops.

  • @bensmith4563
    @bensmith4563 Год назад +1

    Neat radio only problem i don't know code

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  11 месяцев назад +1

      There's never been a better time to learn. Consider checking out the Long Island CW Club. They are AMAZING and will take you from no code to doing your own activations. A very supportive and active community!

  • @ivandubinsky1857
    @ivandubinsky1857 2 года назад +1

    I just put my name on the list for the second run...ordered an assembled unit with internal battery but am thinking I should have also ordered the tuner. I hope they will ship to Canada on the second run. Ivan VE7IVN

  • @davidwilcox9110
    @davidwilcox9110 2 года назад +1

    Thank you Thomas! I have my order in. PayPal has my money. As soon as John lets me know mine is ready I will push the PayPal button. K8WPE

  • @n97223
    @n97223 2 года назад +1

    What a great looking kit radio and love that it can be bought in kit form! I have been looking for a radio to build this winter and this just might be it! Also the pricing is great when you consider the quality and features. Truthfully, I get more excited about new radio offerings like this than I do over the big name brands! de N1ONE (Bill)

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  2 года назад

      Same here: these radios are more exciting to me than those from the big manufacturers.

  • @carl-gunnarhillefors7612
    @carl-gunnarhillefors7612 Год назад

    THOMAS K4SWL YOURE DOING GREAT!
    IT'S A PLEASURE TO WHATCH EVERY "EPISODE" - WORKING SW (HF) WITH PLAIN STATION. WHAT A CREEPY CW THE FIRST GUY "USED"!
    WELL GO ON WITH THIS RXTX IN AUTUMNWEATHER.
    73s de Gunnar sm6oer >>\