QRP CW ~ Mountain topper QSO! MTR3B + Trail Friendly Portable Antenna

[@yanickfournier800]

Tom keep doing your video, they are always interesting... specially when you do the CW contact and we can heard the QSO, it is helping when you try to learn the code. cheer!!

[@hamradiocq]

Tnx so much

[@renegerald3289]

I guess I'm pretty randomly asking but do anybody know of a good website to stream newly released tv shows online ?

[@iraesteban8998]

@Rene Gerald Flixportal :P

[@renegerald3289]

@Ira Esteban thank you, signed up and it seems to work :D Appreciate it!!

[@iraesteban8998]

@Rene Gerald you are welcome :D

[@magwhyte]

Tom, I am a general class ham learning the hobby by myself and my selection of KZbin channels. FYI, your 'failure' videos are just as informative as your 'successes'. Allows me to set realistic expectations for myself. Thanks, Tom.

[@hamradiocq]

And thanks for that super nice comment. Its nice to know videos help. 73

[@davidsradioroom9678]

@@hamradiocq I also like the "failure" videos, too. My first attempt at POTA activating was a failure. No contacts, but I had fun anyway.

[@Capt_Duffy]

Nice one, and thanx for decoding the msg and showing on the screen, that will really help the people like me in learning the code (which I'm trying to do for quite a while 😇).

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks I'm glad it's appreciated cuz it's a lot of work to do in video software...but I have found it's basically required for many that don't do CW at all and those that are learning too it helps.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

@@hamradiocq I am glad, too. I do not know CW...yet. It helps me decipher what's going on. Would like to know what some of the abbreviations mean.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Great video! Glad that the Mountaintopper is doing such a great job. I always like to see people go portable I also enjoy your videography. Looks you had a great time at the park. Thanks for sharing.

[@hamradiocq]

So nice of you. Tnx so much

[@davidsradioroom9678]

@@hamradiocq Always a pleasure to watch your videos. 😊

[@windowfitter1587]

Another great video mate, I have always seen amateur radio as sitting in front radio's behind a desk, I must admit seeing you out and about with the small rig has inspired me to do some of the same. Thanks again.(M7PLT)

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for the great comment. I find it kinda boring to sit behind a desk. I like the challenge and advantage of being outdoors. Preferably mountain top, but I take what I can get.

[@jtburns1522]

Very nice Tom! Glad to see you back!!

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks so much JT

[@alternative3d87]

Of all your videos I enjoy these portable QRP ones the most. Great job.

[@hamradiocq]

Thank you. I will continue to mix it up and do a variety and the title will always be accurate I know some people like different stuff.

[@sidkwakkel]

That was really good to watch. I'm just starting out with ham, and your videos inspire me to learn Morse and get into CW.

[@hamradiocq]

Thank you Sid! I love hearing that. I just like to share my stories.

[@SevenFortyOne]

Love the Geddy Lee intro and outro...Thumbs up bud!

[@hamradiocq]

Good catch my friend!

[@Aussat]

Added bonus making a contact Tom, well done!

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah, I feel I need at least 1 contact to make a successful video. Dark was gaining ground on me!

[@theexperimentalcqdx4208]

Practicing writing down your QSO, fantastic Tom

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks Roaming! Yeah it's a good way to learn.

[@TheOpenAirGarage]

Looks like you found a good setup! Enjoyed the video.

[@hamradiocq]

Yup thanks I was surprised how fast it happened

[@stewpot3971]

Another awesome QRP video! 73 from the UK

[@hamradiocq]

Awesome comment too friend. Thanks so much. How bad are mosquitoes there?

[@stewpot3971]

@@hamradiocq the mosquitoes are now 'silent keys' here in the UK. We tend to only get them near the marsh lands and forests in the summer months.

[@barrykery1175]

Looks like you did well in the park. They are neat little radios. I'm looking forward to warmer wx so I can do same. Thanks for posting the video. Barry, KU3X/QRP

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Weather cools of aaaaaannnnnndddd......he's baack! Good seeing ya Tommy!

[@hamradiocq]

Ha. Yah still mosquitoes though. Lil bastages

[@WKMG365]

That’s was a fun video! Great how you stayed in the QSO with the antenna down. Tnx

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks! 👍 I appreciate that comment WKM

[@CenturyofTerror]

Great demo of the Mountain topper. Doug Benson is a legend. One criticism that I only add because you are getting so many views-- Prosigns like SK, BK, AR etc, are one continuous string of characters. We only call it SK... but it could just as well be VA... BK could be TSK. .. it is one continuous string. 73 Chris

[@hamradiocq]

I hear ya Chris.

[@sparky42]

Enjoyed the vid. very much . Especially when you said your root beer was sugar free , I cracked up .

[@Bob814u]

Near the end of that last QSO my Alexa Dot started going crazy! I am not sure why but she started booping (making noises). I was thinking on my next video to say clearly "Alexa, subscribe to (my channel name) and add to my favorites." LOL!!! Loved the video!!

[@hamradiocq]

I love that comment friend! Thanks so much!

[@4428314]

Another fabulous video. You provide more educational tips on how to make outings better than anyone on the net. I wonder how you have time to do all that you do, but I hope you will continue. Realistic and informative. All the best and 73. KG5OBD

[@hamradiocq]

Man thats a very nice comment. I do a lot of this for those very kind of comments. I just like to tell a story using video.

[@n8nkqrp595]

Congrats and thank for for making this vid. You're a brave and adventurous ham. I must confess something I'm not proud of: I love it to no end when you get harassed by insects! The flying ones, the creepy crawly ones, and especially the human ones. 73 OM

[@hamradiocq]

I was just thinking, I wish there were more spiders and less mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are 10x worse than spiders. They are airborne

[@willian.direction6740]

Great portable set up Tom like the tree Arbor set up for getting antenna up nice and high. Good work success this time.

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah, I've found it most effective.

[@vicowen3032]

Just came across this video, Tom. Very fun & well done. I just received an MTR-4B and have the LNR 20-30-40M EFHW, and a Begali Adventure Mono key. Looking forward to doing some POTA with it. 73, Vic KB7GL

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks I hope you did some POTA 73

[@victorbell1378]

I've been using near the ground resonant dipoles with good results for portable ops for many years .Keep having fun.

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for the comment, I will keep on.

[@richardp4548]

Nice set up and interesting about the psu. Lots of ideas. I thought you would pull a rabbit out of that pop up box :) I'm still trying to figure out how to store line and antenna without getting tangled up.

[@hamradiocq]

Well look up the arborists and their throw line, they tend to drop it in a box and they have a lot of line to deal with. I have tons of tangles myself.

[@dheller777]

Good job! Thanks for sharing.

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks

[@jimthvac100]

that reverse beacon network sounds really cool. I want to look into getting set up as a skimmer lol.

[@gerrym2162]

Thanks for the video. I have just activated a QRP rig and appreciate all the QRP tips posted on KZbin. Looks like you should cut yourself out a 6-8 inch long antenna winder out of thin plywood. Save you some time winding up the antenna...

[@hamradiocq]

Great suggestion!

[@paulkinas7926]

nice video, try using the memory keyer function on the rig. After you program it in (pretty easy to do) you just hit a button on the rig and it will call CQ automatically for you. Makes it much less boring when you are sitting there trying to work stations for several hours... good luck!

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah you're right, i tend to forget from all my radios what I've set my memories to.

[@JReed305]

Great video! I reccomend a ThermaCel to help with the blood suckers.

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah I have that, but forget to bring it with the millions of equipment pieces I have.

[@JReed305]

@@hamradiocq It is hard to remember everything lol

[@Toner126]

Please keep it up. I love your videos. I’ve been checking the RBN lately to try and make a QSO with u. I’ve watched a lot of ur vids while learning CW. De K2NAV

[@hamradiocq]

Thank you so much for the nice comment. I'm in the middle of a move right now and a job change so I'm not on the air much.

[@MuratSenSunar]

Awesome equipment, qso and video. Thank you for sharing. 73 de TA2AWR

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrAlanmcd]

Tom thanks again for the vid. What was that 'reverse app' you flicked up?

[@hamradiocq]

Google, Reverse Beacon Network. It's a bunch of radio "listeners" out there that report if they can "hear you" when you transmit.

[@claudem.p.7969]

EXCELLENT. Any issues with the Mountain Topper. A lot of complaints about poor quality and a lot issues with frequencies stability. is it good ? VA2SOB - Claude

[@hamradiocq]

It seems decent, I don't find any bad issues, it is what you'd expect.

[@aldewitt9]

Bought that throw weight. It works great. Hit 30 feet the first time. I am working on learning CW now. You’re an inspiration. 73. AD0DQ

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks, I love my throw weights. You should, with practice be able to hit 40-50 feet.

[@mank_legend5584]

What key are you using? Would be perfect for my portable kit as well.

[@hamradiocq]

It was probably the Pico Paddle

[@Fishermanfred1]

Tom, would you happen to have an extra palm paddle that you would want to sell ? I can't leave home to go to hamfests to look for one. Thanks Fred.

[@hamradiocq]

Hey sorry, I have been traveling. I do not, but you can order those palms easily online. That's how I got mine.

[@shadowlab9543]

i hope they bring back the mtr 3 b

[@hamradiocq]

Agreed!

[@JReed305]

Great video. I recommend a ThermaCell to help with those blood suckers.

[@hamradiocq]

Yup I hear ya.

[@vk5fe943]

Nice video !

[@hamradiocq]

Thank you.

[@MattTrader7]

Hello my friend good night I looking for this Buck Converter already assembled do you know where can I find one please?

[@hamradiocq]

Please see description of this video.

[@jimthvac100]

Does the Mountain topper have a built in filter for CW? I believe the one from Youkit has an adjustable filter.

[@hamradiocq]

www.lnrprecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MTR-3B_LCD_user-manual_9_29_18.pdf

[@5x9withQSB]

Love your video's tom ..thanks

[@hamradiocq]

Very nice comment thanks so much Dylan.

[@odobber6]

Tom,was wondering why you never send QRL? before transmitting.

[@hamradiocq]

90 plus percent of the experience never makes the video

[@sanebedlam]

I really wish they still sold these as kits.

[@hamradiocq]

I hear ya Zachary

[@sanebedlam]

@@hamradiocq it looks like the pfr-3a is a great kit built alternative

[@MrCowboybud]

Are you liking this radio more than the HB1B?

[@hamradiocq]

Well, I suppose. I like that it's smaller and tighter, just seems more interesting. That HB1B is heavy. I like all my radios though!

[@ThatguyFirst]

Nice video - informative and entertaining. I am just getting started in portable ops so this is most helpful. Question: where can I find more info on your voltage regulator? It looks like something worth looking in to.

[@ThatguyFirst]

One more question: how come your 'ham' license plate ends in zero instead of the letter O?

[@ThatguyFirst]

Disregard question One: I see it was listed among the links above. I missed it earlier.

[@hamradiocq]

In the description

[@raykiii]

Nice setup! The notebook is cool too. Do you use QRZ.COM on your cellphone? Do you log your contacts electronically when you get home? Good Video, Tom, thank you for sharing it. PS I have started to do POTA in MO. and I like that you post your failure because many is the time I do not get ten contacts with my luggable setup.

[@hamradiocq]

I use HamLog for my phone logging. Sometimes I look people up on qrz.com. Thanks for the nice commey Ray. 73

[@jamescoffey5225]

Just getting to this video a few months late. Great video and I like your set-up. I too own a MTR-3B and the 3B_LCD and they are great rigs! Re: your inconvenience with winding your Pactenna antenna on its wire-winder, I suggest you try an old wire spool such as a Radio Shack speaker wire spool. Much easier to unwind/re-wind and definitely less frustrating. Just a thought. 73/72 de AE5ZX SK

[@hamradiocq]

Great ideas James, thanks for comment 73.

[@MoTown44240]

You lost tension on your antenna wire when you got up to adjust the camera. Still in MO. If you move it probably won't be until Spring, eh? Your Morse is improving Tom. 73 KB8AMZ

[@hamradiocq]

Ha, yah you are right about the tension!

[@philpuzick5016]

Nice video. You may want to invest in a kite winder to store your antenna wire. I use the plastic butterfly type to figure eight the wraps. 73 es GL

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah I've since purchased many of them.

[@MCCRITTERS]

Thanks for sharing! I like these videos on set up and QSO's ;-) Did you get a new camera or lens? Some of the b-roll shot look "buttery", I have not noticed that before. Also, your editing skills have really improved too. Happy October! ( One of my favorite times of the year too) 73 K9MFJ

[@hamradiocq]

Happy October Mike! Looking more buttery, I'm working on my skillz. Thanks for noticing!

[@hcy0]

Nice clear qrs cw - here I only hear cw that's much too fast for me or much too slow.

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah I question if the fast is a computer.

[@russkydeutsch]

What do you use to recharge your power supply? And what is your typical setting for voltage and amperage on your step down converter when you work?

[@hamradiocq]

That battery has a wall charger. 12 volt for step down. I don't know amp setting.

[@jberk8529]

Great video, I can copy you CW, I am just starting keep up the good work. I live in southern MO.

[@hamradiocq]

Awesome tnx fer the comment JB

[@bamabeesqueens]

What do you use for reverse beacon network

[@hamradiocq]

I don't use anything, I just look up my reports from the network.

[@davidwilliamson2115]

why not put it on a fishing reel?

[@hamradiocq]

That's an idea right there.

[@davidwilliamson2115]

please link to previous video

[@hamradiocq]

studio.kzbin.info6nFOnbVR4NU/edit

[@theexperimentalcqdx4208]

Top what is ur preferred key speed, looks like 15 wpm? Nice copy

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah I'm happy with a pleasant 16wpm. No need to rush

[@theexperimentalcqdx4208]

@@hamradiocq Sorry I spelt your name wrong, typo...

[@bentleys5059]

Another fine video. I’m still trying for my first CW QSO, so very inspirational. Could you please explain the meaning of RR? Thanks and 73 de WM1K

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks Bentley S. R R, means received received.

[@DesultoryDilettante]

@@hamradiocq I think you'll find that Roger Roger is the more common understanding. Fun vids. Don't let the skeeters fly away with any of your rig.

[@daleschleicher7794]

i uses lnr trail antenna and it works nice. n3reb

[@hamradiocq]

Yep I love it

[@McBeavzz]

I'm an Arborist, and the throw line is my worst skill haha! At least you don't need to cast through a big enough crotch to climb on!!

[@hamradiocq]

Ha

[@andrewmason8315]

Nice vid. What was that foldable box that you were using? Andy wa9kpz

[@hamradiocq]

See links in description of video on amazon

[@Swoop180]

Marshland mosquito repellent. I can't recommend this stuff enough, I live in S E Texas and swear by this stuff

[@hamradiocq]

I will try sir I keep forgetting to even bring spray

[@quickchicken506]

dude !!! you run that stop sign

[@hamradiocq]

There was a quick chicken chasing me

[@Phil-re6vl]

Wow Tom, a contact on the first CQ ... that's great! Very impressive. Always enjoy your videos. Thanks for posting all the links for the gear I'm getting that voltage step down module your using. Where did you get that super fine throw line?

[@hamradiocq]

I buy that at Dayton hamvention 5 dollars for 150 feet. Thanks for the nice comment

[@dougw2399]

Can anyone tell me what coax he's using

[@hamradiocq]

I would if I could but I don't remember it exactly. Probably cheap stuff.

[@n4bc852]

With QRP, the secret is in the antenna! 73 de Dick N4BC

[@hamradiocq]

Antenna antenna antenna!

[@timsmith428]

great job! always enjoy these videos... 73 de VE6PG

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks fer letting me know 73

[@randalltom9750]

You have this enormous case for a tiny radio... lighten up your kit. Mine fits in a small tin.

[@hamradiocq]

this is the case i have

[@marcosrodriguesmorais615]

Ótimo vídeos👏👏73, PP2MR Marcos Centro Oeste do Brasil

[@hamradiocq]

Hola Brasil

[@jackiegreen9810]

I can copy 10to 11 wpm

[@hamradiocq]

That's pretty good. Good enough to have fun.

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Cool. :-)

[@OcFishHooked]

Great work! I started learning CW back in July. I'm spending over an hour per day, and it's really now starting to click. Currently at 25wpm with 12wpm farnsworth spacing. Hopefully I will get to 25wpm at 25wpm spacing by the end of the year. Thanks again, and hope to make a contact with you down the line! AI6ZV

[@hamradiocq]

Wow 25 wpm is a grand goal. I will say I have plenty of fun at the 16 wpm area. I'm impressed by how hard you work. Not many are willing.

[@OcFishHooked]

@@hamradiocq Thank you, and I am impressed with the time you put into your videos. For cw I'm learning the sound of the characters, and not counting dits and dahs. 25wpm somewhat forces me to do this, and it seems to be the average cw speed across all the bands. That being said I still count from time to time; still working on that!

[@justinelliott3529]

I use magnetic loops, but they are a pain to tune

[@justinelliott3529]

I use magnetic loops, but they are a pain to tune

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Great Signal -->> Antenna Falls to the Ground -->> Still Ground Signal *Conclusion:* You Don'y Need No Sticking Antenna! lol

[@dogfishheadcase3954]

Thanks for the info. I just got the MTR5B last week. Appreciate the info on a voltage regulator. It’s nice to use my bioenno with it. I got the extra plug options when I purchased the MTR and got a pack of (Real 18AWG 43x2pcs Copper... www.amazon.com/dp/B072BXB2Y8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share from amazon to get the battery to connect to the unit. It’s more than I need but I figure they’re backup and good for other projects. I got the youkits from consignment. So far I really like the MTR, seems to make clearer contacts, but not sure if I like it better yet. Thanks for all your help on the hobby and hope to cu for a QSO

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah, tnx for the great comment friend. I live the MTR5b, but it's not easy.

[@michaelmontisfortis]

Vu.

[@hamradiocq]

Vu 2

[@toniw2900]

You picked up the wrong hobby if you're worried about people staring at you, lol. What you're doing is out of the ordinary. People are going to look at you. 🤣

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks Toni for stating the obvious. Captain you are.