QRP Head 2 Head Episode 10: Penntek TR-45L vs. Elecraft KX1. Which CW only radio is for you?

Today we'll put the KX1 up against a new challenger, the Penntek TR-45L. The TR-45L is an interesting radio, packed with features. It's a literal shack in a box, and it makes for a fantastic package......for the right operator. Stick around and see how it compares to the KX1, and hear what my thoughts are about this quirky and interesting radio. Thanks for watching and 73!
Evan
K2EJT
www.buymeacoff...

[@w2aew]

I made some measurements on the key speed, and found that my TR-45L the actual keyer speed is about 10% or slow faster than the indicated speed. Full review on my channel too. I have measurements of the filter responses in my review.

[@davidg5308]

Thx for the comparison and I agree...just love the audio on the Penntek! The 45L is on my wish list and I will take it 100x more than the KH1. I cannot handle the sidetone of the KH1 and never will. Blessed to have a good KX1, so loving that...73!

[@ralphnunn3]

So far, I really love my TR-45L. I got the fully loaded one like you have in this video.

[@jimbragg8909]

Thank you Evan for another great video.

[@W4EMB]

Thanks for the review and the time you took to make the videos. You have a lot of experience with a multitude of radios, so your input is very valuable. I would love to hear your thoughts on the skinny version. Thanks again Evan!

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thanks for letting me spend some time with the radio Ed! I appreciate it.

[@mikesmithg0rfd356]

thank you

[@betterbprepared]

Hey Evan, thanks for another great video. Loving the Head 2 Head series. Penntek wasn't even on my radar. Now I am watching TR-35 videos to learn more about it. I am in need of a backup rig yet, so doing more investigation. Still liking the SW-3B based on your videos, but the TR-35 might be an option. Thanks again and 73 for now.

[@EvanK2EJT]

I don't have any hands on time with a TR-35....yet, but that will likely change soon. I'd say that the Penntek radio will have more features than the SW-3B will. Granted, it's much more expensive, so it should, but it's also probably a better radio overall.

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

It is ham sexy looking. A meter, knobs, switches, old school handle.

[@Swamp-Fox]

My problem with this series is that it makes me want one of everything you have reviewed! 73, Patrick KF4LMZ

[@EvanK2EJT]

😂😂😂 You're welcome

[@KD9ZHF]

I love the look of the Penntek, but I really don’t like the prices for a QRP radio.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, it's definitely pricey for what it is!

[@KYFriedHam]

Ironic that it's called "lite" when it's larger and heavier then essentially all other QRP rigs.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, it's a fat boy for sure. The Skinny or the TR-35 would probably better suit how I operate

[@KU9L]

What external speaker do you use for your LNR's? The same would work for the TR-35. My Sony BT rechargeable works great, but is a little clunky for SOTA if I was a minimalist. Oh, but could I spare my TR-35 for a couple if months? Davey --KU9L

[@EvanK2EJT]

I have a couple of little aux speakers I bought from Amazon. One has a volume adjustment, and one doesn't. Since the LNR radios don't have a volume adjustment, I normally run the speaker with a volume adjustment, or I use an aux cable with a built in volume potentiometer. If I'm not as worried about weight and space, I'll bring an Anker Soundcore Mini, or a JBL GO2.

[@KU9L]

@@EvanK2EJT I have noticed that all of the CW rigs have AGC limitations and since we deal with extreme ranges of very weak signals to very strong ones that there is always the strong likelihood of overload when the strong local signal comes in. It's nice to have the volume control.on the TR-35 & once I balance the interaction with the BT speaker volume control it does well. The 3.5mm output is mono which only is an issue with stereo headphones as the BT speaker manual input does not care or show the problem whatsoever. The problem I have is when I go to adjust the TR-35 volume quickly, there is a 50/50 chance I slow my CW keyer speed down instead as the intuitive positions of volume & speed control is backwards on both the TR-35 & TR-45L -- mostly a personal problem with me, lol. My best appreciation of my TR-35 is the VFO being upgraded to an optical encoder, makes it much smoother tuning than my old KD1JV LNR Precision predecessors. If you want me to send my TR-35 to you for several months of test comparison reviews I'd be happy to send it to you Evan. The inner diameter of the power connector on the TR-35 is 2.5mm vs 2.1mm of the TR-45L so I would be sure to send you the correct ones. This difference is the charging input positive pin on the original TR-45L is 2.5mm so as to not confuse it with the power plug. You can find me through my QRZ dot COM contact, etc. Cheers, Davey --KU9L

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@KU9L Thanks for the offer! I may take you up on that!

[@bob-N4REE]

So much emphasis on weight and size really leaves me wondering what kind of men we're raising these days. Nearly every "influencer" drones on and on about weight ... and most are healthy young(ish) men. What's happened to men in the past several generations? Are they weaker and wimpier? Other than that, thanks for your opinions.

[@EvanK2EJT]

I wrote a big long response, but I decided it wasn't worth an argument. I respect you and your opinion Bob, so I won't carry on with this comment thread. Thanks for your input.