🏆 QRP CW QSO w/ Subtitles ~ Mountain Topper MTR-3B 🏆

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
🔥 Rig Expert Antenna Analyzer: amzn.to/3kfwXG4
🔥 Portable Speaker: amzn.to/2VNK2v4
🔥 In Line Volume Controller: amzn.to/3iDIj6w
🔥 CW Notes, Space Pen: amzn.to/2BQoEvX
🔥 Step Down Voltage Device: amzn.to/2YC6KH8
🔥 Sling Shot 4 tree antenna: amzn.to/2SRCDZT
🔥 Arborist Throw Box: amzn.to/2SSwJr8
🔥 Throw Bag2: amzn.to/2BVfNt1
🔥 Tree Antenna Weight: amzn.to/2Fvj6dS
Chapters
1. 00:00 Intro
2. 00:23 Mountain Topper Discussion
3. 03:55 Antenna Analyzer
4. 07:25 Program Direct Frequency Entry into the radio
5. 09:51 Start CW QSO
6. 22:40 Debrief the QSO and Video.
Mtn Topper 3b QRP LNR Precision trail friendly
LNR Precision. The Mountain Topper does not have the European CE mark, thus European customers that this affects should not purchase if this is an issue for you. At this time, we will not be offering this as a modified kit as we did for the original Mtr3b.
The Mountain Topper Rigs are designed to be a very small, light weight, very battery efficient, multi-band CW rig suitable for field operation. The small size and low weight make this rig ideal for SOTA operators and backpackers.
● 3 band operation - 40/30/20
● Wide power supply operation - 6V to 12V
● Low operating current - 20 ma @ 6V, 15 ma @ 12V
● 5+ Watts out at 12V supply, 2.5-3W at 9V supply
● Easy to read 2 line LCD display with back lighting.
● Push button tuning and audio limiting eliminates protruding knobs.
● Iambic B mode keyer, 9 to 31 WPM range in 1 WPM steps.
● Three, 63 character message memories with beacon mode.
● Optional decoding and display of Morse being sent via paddle. Know you are sending good code.
● Built in 24 hour real time clock.
● Battery back up restores last used settings on power up.

[@PT9KK]

Tom, another great video. Congrats. The new introduction dial thing with Aleluiiiaaa is terrific. You must be very smart to create such thing and put it on video. I still think you should try a low take off angle antenna such as the delta loop

[@hamradiocq]

Hey Luciano thanks for the comment. I might just try that someday.

[@Ron_C]

Nice! Your sending and copying skills haven't wavered!

[@hamradiocq]

Tell that to my brain that's working 10x harder lol. : )

[@RA4FOC]

Wow! Good CW device! Thanks!!!

[@edbeckerich3737]

What a cool QSO! Fantastic! Great QRP video...

[@hamradiocq]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much Ed.

[@pakeck1]

Great video QRP is amazing , 3 w !!

[@hamradiocq]

It sure is!

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Glad you got the radio working. Looking forward to your portable ops.

[@hamradiocq]

I just made this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5i3eIB8i8-cd7s

[@walteredwards544]

Thank you for this. I'm new at this but I plan on eventually learning CW. I'm learning how to solder now and it's helped me a lot and in .more than just Ham Radio. I have reached Russia on 5 watts SSB so I'm guessing you can reach much farther with CW. Good luck and I look forward to more of your videos. 73

[@hamradiocq]

Great to hear! I like that Russia on 5watts. Impressive. Thanks for nice comment

[@elmoreglidingclub3030]

Really enjoyed your video!! As a new ham, just licensed, and having a deep interest in HF, CW and QRP, this was very helpful and inspiring. Hope to have a QSO with you some day. I hear a lot of OK stations here in central Alabama. 👍

[@QRPadventures]

This dude inspired me to learn CW. This is a great channel. I have a MTR-5B and it works amazing.

[@hamradiocq]

Great to hear! I have a feeling we will make a contact someday, I think OK to AL will work. I went to Gulf Shores a few years ago. We drove all the way through Alabama and even by the state capitol. Lovely state!

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks QRP Adventures!

[@Photoeye65]

Tom. My 6 pin pad did the same thing. Same symptoms. Sent to LNR. $25 repair to my MTR-3B ver 2. N1JWW

[@FoxtrotMike]

Heyyy, great to see new videos from you again. :)

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah great to aee nice commenta too

[@FoxtrotMike]

@@hamradiocq In the meantime, I bought the MTR3b and started learning Morse at the CW Academy (cwops.org/cw-academy/) . So hopefully soon can I get a decent level to get in the air. By now my ears are slower than my fingers. :)

[@lonestarprepper0156]

Very well done. Thanks

[@hamradiocq]

Glad you liked it!

[@Linas_LY2H]

I'm so sorry abt your grim experience with the rig before you fixed it ! But thanks for sharing what have you done to fix it! I have an older model of MTR-3B (with very rudimentary display) for many years now and had no issues what so ever. I've travelled with it accross whole Europe operating from the hotels with great fun. I'm sure you will have now toms of fun too after you fixed it for it's an amazing tiny radio! 73! Linas LY2H

[@hamradiocq]

That's the plan!

[@DomBru]

Thanks for the subtitles SIR

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for recognizing!

[@Peacemaker29073]

Great work station setup.

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks! Many hours of fun there I hope!

[@forthy62]

Great video again. And a really cool ragchew qso. BTW. a while ago I was looking for a small portable radio and had some questions to LNR about the MT. Never got an answer. So I got myself a SW-3b from Venus Technologies. Really great radio..Has everything you miss on the MT and the support is very responsive. :-) 73, Stephan, DF6PA

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for the nice comment. I'll look at the SW-3b from Venus. Never heard of it. Yep, zero support from LNR.

[@hardenpt2522]

I could listen all day👍

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks so much Paul

[@WKMG365]

Good QSO. The Mountain Topper got out. I get lost in longer QSO's on CW. I really don't get on the air on CW enough. I just bought a Wolf River Coil to take out portable. Sets up quick, just need space for the radials, but no trees needed. Good luck!

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah, the longer the qso the harder it is for me. I can't think of stuff to say and type at the same time. I might have to look into that Wolf River Coil. Thanks

[@WKMG365]

@@hamradiocq I bought the Take It Along. $153.89 all in.

[@barrykery1175]

Nice video, well done. I have the same paddles you have, aren't they great ! I have one set for portable, one set in my car and one set in my shack. The Mountain Topper is just a tad too basic for me. I like my YouKits four band radio (15-40 meters). My go to QRP radio is my KX2. Hope to meet you on the bands, Barry, KU3X/QRP

[@hamradiocq]

Hey Barry thanks for the comment. I also have the YouKits. I need to break it out again soon.

[@ericchilver9113]

Hi, I’m in Australia VK3 Victoria. Keen to get my licence . Awesome to hear Morse code again. Subscribed to your channel. Still have my dads old Bakelite Morse key. I will get in touch with the WIA here in VK3 . The licence structure has changed some in 2019 . Thanks for your channel sparked my interest again congratulations on your success in getting the lnr box working.

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for the nice nice comment Eric... I love to hear that I inspire a bit.

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Nice little video Tom, good advice to newbies about learning how to solder. I am a devout bench addict. homebrew is my middle name. I make all my own switches. jumpers. test gear etc. antennas. I'm old school. so that was and comes natural . so glad to see you jumping in and getting your feet wet and passing your enthusiasm along to others. thats great and it is enticing trust me you are addictive in what you are doing. keep it up for the newbies sake and us old farts that like to was and relax. thanks again for sharing. 72! for the little Mountain topper! de Ellis WA1RKS

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah I wish you were my neighbor I could use some help doing some bench projects!

[@charlescompton4495]

I built one of the Pixie type transceivers...well several as they are mono band and operate them off standard 9 volt battery. The circuit board and battery fit in an Altoids tin. I figured they put out about 250 milliwatts to 1/2 watt. Made many contacts on 80, 40 and 20. Usually on a dipole antenna but have run them mobile on Hustler resonators. I have some of the monoband Rockmites and have done well with them; I think they are 1/2 watt and have many more features. I have thought about getting back to using them but need a big push to get me going. Thanks for the interesting video, Greg, KA8ZAF. 73

[@hamradiocq]

Interesting comment I always wondered if those Pixies (which I've built) were just a gimmick

[@N4KRX]

Glad you were able to find and fix the problem with the Mountain Topper. Can't say enough about good soldering skills. My Dad (KØQBR now SK) taught me to solder when I was 5 years old. 3 Watts on first try! That was pretty cool Tom...nice contact. I am looking forward to fall myself. Not only cooler weather but also less noise on the bands...yeah! Take care and 73 my friend!

[@hamradiocq]

Hey KX4UL, thanks for the comment. Yeah, I dread opening up a radio I didn't build especially one that tiny. Very disappointed in LNR they still have not responded even though I fixed the problem. I enjoy soldering a lot. I just wish I had more to solder! Hey, why would there be less noise on the bands in the Fall? I am curious.

[@N4KRX]

Ham Radio CQ - Summertime is when there’s a lot of thunder and lightning storm activity. The radio receiver is ultra sensitive to micro volts and lightening activity produces tremendously high voltage. Even storms miles away produce static on the bands. Fall and especially winter are mostly lightening storm free thus less noise.

[@stewpot3971]

Would love to see a series on learning Morse code...was hoping that the covid lockdown would give me time to learn but this has been my busiest period for quite sometime... awesome video as usual! Edit: now checking out your playlist series on CW!

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah, I have a lot of CW out there I would think you can see.

[@richardchambless12]

I agree on hams needing soldering skills. I got into ham radio by home brewing simple CW rigs (still can’t hardly make a CW QSO). Being able to fix something yourself can save a lot of time and money!

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah and making basic dipoles is a must.

[@Stuff_happens]

Thank you. You are my amateur radio outlet by proxy when I can’t get on the air myself. If that makes sense.

[@hamradiocq]

Makes perfect sense!

[@JnJTrueOutdoorAdventures]

Great video!!! I really like those small kits like that, but a little to expensive for me. I have the QRP-Labs QCX20 and QCX40 that I built and really like operating them. I am rusty has heck on CW though, took about a 11 year break from ham radio due to some personal health issues and family, and got back into it in 2017. I had sold everything I had and started out with a Pixie kit, then the QCX kits. Finally have a regular station setup, but love the QRP stuff. Thanks for sharing, gets me itching to start trying CW again. Juddie - WD8WV

[@hamradiocq]

I love that comment I'm going to checkout your channel also. Love your channel name. I hear ya on getting rusty. I got licensed in 2004 then after a while took a long break then got back in. This YTube community keeps me going.

[@JnJTrueOutdoorAdventures]

@@hamradiocq appreciate you posting back. When you go to my channel I have a playlist of "Amateur Radio" that has some of the things I have worked on. My page is more about hunting, but I do have reloading, casting, leather and knife making on there. The newest adventure on J & J TOA is kayaking!! Here I am 59 and getting into kayaking. Never to old to teach an old dog new tricks! LOL I have been sub'd to your channel for a while, can't remember when I sub'd.

[@peternilan4276]

hi i like your sending its well sent nice to hear

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for coming

[@MoTown44240]

Really like your intro; with your call on the broadcast tuning dial. Great QSO. My brother lives in Del City. I have visited there many times. Do not like the humidity when its present. Later es 73

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for the intro, I find it comical. I found St. Louis to be more humid to be hones.

[@MoTown44240]

@@hamradiocq I stopped in STLMO twice, once to view the flood gates, and second to do the Arch tour. Neither day was very humid. It would take living there, as you did, to experience that. Same thing in OKC. The longest period of time I visited my brother in OKC was 2 weeks. He was driving yellow cab. I went with him a couple days. He was acclimated to the weather. He would park on side street with windows down on a very hot day while I cooked he sat next to me very comfortably. lol

[@dennispeake1877]

Tom, great to see you back on CW mode and sorry mate, that winter has left you with a bit larger or a new camera? I have done the same thing put on weight...how do you stop eating? Gee!, I;m glad you got that mountain topper working. Cheers & Beers mate.

[@hamradiocq]

Hey friend, yeah, when I moved our house and stuff to the new location it made exercise difficult plus my back is hurt (that's my excuse). : ) I work from home all the time now and it's hard to stop getting snacks!

[@bentleys5059]

Another fine video. Question: what does the SE stand for around 13:18? many thanks! Really enjoy your vids and the CW subtitles are very helpful!

[@hamradiocq]

SE is a mistake likely.

[@jpipod1]

Thanks, your videos are great inspection. It also helps my real time copy. I am learning cw and get very close to being ready. May be am month and I will try a contact

[@hamradiocq]

Great to hear! Don't be afraid to messup, use a script to read off of, and add a line that says something like this, "I AM NEW TO CW BEAR WITH ME PSE" and they will understand.

[@hamradiocq]

also say something like this, "I AM NEW TO CW BT I WANT TO KEEP QS0 SHORT TNX 73 73"

[@Bartyron]

I am so jealous on all people who can receive morse. I just started learning, but i can't loose the visual dot and dashes when hearing the sound instead of directly see the letter. Not giving up though.. This sort of videos are a huge help. Nice QSO, You did good in the conversation!

[@hamradiocq]

You can do it too, just put in a bunch of hours and it starts to become automatic.

[@Scif64]

Great work Tom.. 73's

[@hamradiocq]

Many thanks!

[@ronjones4069]

Cool. Thanks. 73

[@hamradiocq]

You are welcome!

[@Andre-PY4DR]

This little rig is my dream... It looks so small and post apocalyptic ready... But now I am thinking...

[@hamradiocq]

I like it but I find I like the elecraft kx2 better. This radio does not have a tuner or speaker. Which can be problematic

[@leslieaustin151]

After which Apocalypse are you intending to use it?? Les

[@joyahamradio]

Cool as always, Tom! I want this transceiver so mush, but it's not availiable. 73 es GL

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

That Bioenno battery and that little QRP rig, you could power that thing for like a year before recharge :))

[@hamradiocq]

I know right!

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

@@hamradiocq on second thought, those Bioenno Batteries would probably FRY those LNR Precision Radios, because after charging they have a static Voltage of 14.6 Volts. So that's a no-no with those radios. I think the limit is 12 volts max. So If I purchased it, I would have to source my own cells or find some battery pack at below 12 volts. That's a pain. Why did they do that ?!

[@jamescoffey5225]

You might wish to try a Z-match ATU e.g., Emtech's ZM-2 which is sold as a kit or assembled for extra costs and you specify SO-239 or BNC female. There are others out there too. QRPguys-dot-com also sells a kit. A Z-match ATU with a SWR bridge built-in will protect the finals on you QRP transceiver from wild swings in SWR while coupling your transceiver to you antenna. Of course with LNR Precision's antennas you don't need an ATU as the antennas are cut for the CW bands. I own a MTR-3b and 3b-LCD and other ones too. the 3b and 3b-LCD work wonderfully for me. So does the LNR mountaintoper antenna (40-30-20 meters). LNR recommends keeping your supply voltage NTE 12 volts (some say 12.5 v). 73 de AE5ZX

[@hamradiocq]

Hey James. I need to look into that. I do have the Elecraft T1 ATU ANTENNA TUNER already that works.

[@jamescoffey5225]

@@hamradiocq The T1 is not good for most of the MTR Xcvr family, but perhaps for the newer production models LNR has designed power reduction circuitry that operates w/increasing SWR; in this case a T1 likely would be OK. Just keep power down at or below 12 watts; fewer watts would be better at least during ATU ops. Personally, I wouldn't take the chance with a T1 and my older MTR series of Xcvrs (yes, I am a collector!) because the rigs' finals potentially could be exposed to sufficiently high SWR during ATU ops to damage the finals. I cannot recommend too strongly a Z-match ATU from Emtech, QRPkits, QRPguys, or QRPme (Z-Rock Tuner). These are the providers of which I know. There may be other companies offering something similar. I also own a T1 and like it very much. I use the T1 with some of my other QRP transceivers. 73 de AE5ZX

[@Kel_Joy]

Hi Tom do you prefer this radio or the Youkits hb1b.

[@hamradiocq]

I see them both as very challenging to work with, very low power and no tuner. YouKits seems cheap but it's easier to use. Mountain topper is a cool novelty, just very hard to get a good antenna setup to use it.

[@4428314]

Happy times are here, again. Great video, love the subtitles! Wonderful teaching aid. Thanks for posting it. 73 KG5OBD

[@hamradiocq]

You got it!

[@joeym6730]

What antenna are you using? Can you supply a link?

[@hamradiocq]

Hey, I can't remember exactly but I think it's a HyEndFed antenna: www.hyendcompany.nl/

[@redman840]

The dits work for a nation,the dahs for an individual.

[@hamradiocq]

The spaces are for the minds of liberal democrats

[@redman840]

Ham Radio CQ It looks like you’ve been fully indoctrinated.You should reconsider leaving immature comments of a political,or religious nature out of Amateur Radio.We understand,though.You just couldn’t resist the temptation,nor make an attempt to remain impartial to all viewers.From all appearances,it looks like the biggest space actually lies between your ears.

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

Glad to see you settled in and on the air again. Two things other than good vid. 1) LNR went through a hurricane earlier this year and have been trying to recover. I ordered an MRT3B that took a long time to arrive due to their major calamity. The radio is awesome and making great contacts with it. I did go to a 11.1v 500mAh LiPo battery for super lightweight and full power output for the radio. Fantastic option at 1.5oz for the battery. Radio and battery 7oz. It will run the YouKits radio also. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07THZG4QT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 2) Rather than a throw bag for putting an antenna in a tree, I have gone to a small telescoping fishing rod with open faced reel and flourocarbon line and 2oz lead weight. Very efficient and quick deployment any where. At 17" long collapsed and 14oz weight it is the best deployment method I have found. www.amazon.com/Sougayilang-Spinning-Telescopic-Saltwater-Freshwater/dp/B074W3V1NF/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=telescoping%2Bfishing%2Bpole%2Band%2Breel&qid=1600541988&s=instant-video&sr=1-9&th=1&psc=1

[@hamradiocq]

Hey K7 thanks for the comment. I appreciate. I found fishing line to be especially tangley btw.

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

@@hamradiocq that's why I use flourocarbon line. Really slick and kind of stiff in a good way. The telescoping pole keeps it wrangled quite well. 73. K7ULM

[@strelok670]

Love ur video :) de R9FCZ 73!

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks a lot!

[@larry7463]

Good video. Also nice fist!! W7YDA

[@hamradiocq]

Glad you enjoyed it... I always feel like a beginner to be honest

[@vincentbournique8487]

I am watching your videos as I try to learn how to send and receive CW. Very nice. Hope I can do this at some point! -K9UDF

[@hamradiocq]

You can do it! Just remember I spent hours learning when I bought my first Gordon West cassette tapes. Repetition is the key.

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

github.com/hmatuschek/kochmorse/wiki

[@richylad]

Is BT short for by the way ? Update I think it might be ‘but’

[@hamradiocq]

: )

[@Man0fMeans]

“BT” in this context means literally a Break in Transmission. BT is sent as a prosign (letters together with no space) to indicate a change in topic or a pause in thought.

[@AlGritzmacher]

CR2032 was only 3 volts... Ummm, yeah. That's what they are nominally.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Sorry if I missed it; which key is that please?

[@hamradiocq]

Begali Traveler. Italian

[@johnratcliffe6438]

@@hamradiocq Very nice, I like it :)

[@soldarencasa9039]

Where is the bottle of wiskie friend, it's charlie wiskie no kekekekekeke

[@hamradiocq]

Ok

[@daveschwarz5279]

I have the original version without the LCD...... l find it a little deaf.

[@hamradiocq]

Hey, Dave. I think I've seen pictures of that original version. This one is ok I suppose.

[@daveschwarz5279]

@@hamradiocq don't get me wrong l would not give up the MTR 3 for nothing, it's awesome for the size. It fits my clip board perfectly thinking of adding a small SDR receiver like the Malachite and a change over relay for TX RX. Travel alot so weight and size is everything.

[@johnpinckney4979]

If it's not running on 3-phase 4160 VAC, it's only QRP...

[@hamradiocq]

um ok

[@johnnyjohnny7012]

Welcome to Oklahoma. DE KI5WW

[@hamradiocq]

Welcome back! I grew up in Miami, OK. I love it!

[@theexperimentalcqdx4208]

Just like politics, bwahaha Tom ur too funny !!! Love ur new shack nice and breezy :)

[@hamradiocq]

Hey Experimental, thanks for the nice comment. Yeah, that shack feels the weather I'll tell ya.

[@desertdefender]

Great video but, man, give them more than a day to respond to an email. Life happens and people have to be away from email sometimes, especially with small companies.

[@hamradiocq]

That's true, but I think it went on for days. no worries.

[@Locksnut]

I’ll have to watch the rest later but loved the R/L pop up! 😂 73

[@hamradiocq]

R/L Popup?

[@Locksnut]

Ham Radio CQ. I should have been more specific. The comment pop up on your paddle and the left side not working. 👍

[@nr3rful]

You were sending way to fast for the N8 station, you need to match him, he was slow.

[@hamradiocq]

hmm

[@n8telyons]

His speed was fine. I had to switch from the keyer to a straight key because rf kept getting into the keyer causing xtra dits. I can’t send that fast with a straight key. Oddly I can receive faster than I can send well, regardless of the sending device. N8HWV

[@racoondiver]

Hi, good qso, de gi0ggy.

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks diver!

[@DannyFreiburg]

That was amazing. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. 73 DE DL1GQD

[@Jimbo10250]

Great demo. Thanks for posting. DE N4KH

[@wkboggs5]

Bro Really enjoyed your QSO and I was even sharing your excitement as the Q so progressed! Very fun video to watch and enjoy. Kudos.m NR7K

[@hamradiocq]

Glad to hear it!