QRP POTA: Testing my new Penntek TR-45L "Skinny" QRP Transceiver!

[@stampdealer]

"This radio is foolproof." SOLD!! Thomas, I have been on the hunt for a dedicated CW radio and came across the Penntek site today and really liked the look of both versions of this radio. Then, of course, I found this video. I'll read your article, too, but I think the hunt is most likely over! In fact, I think I'll go with this exact rig you deployed. Thanks very much! -Greg K8LAM

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You will love the TR-45L!

[@alvinnorris6523]

When I turn my radios on, I expect them to return the favor. Looks are very important to me. Thanks for your videos.

[@billjobes1851]

The TR-45 Skinny is one of my very favorite radios ! Thanks for demonstrating such a great, 'real' radio.

[@W4EMB]

mine too

[@hgjobe]

After yours and Ed W4EMB comments on the MC-750, I got one and love it.

[@W4EMB]

thanks for the shout out

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You won't have buyer's remorse. It's an excellent antenna.

[@BobBroeking]

Always the beautiful pavilion to operate from!!!! Nice video!

[@w1rcp]

Tom, I just told Vince in an upcoming “One CW Question” that I put your videos on before going to bed. I pop in my headphones and decode CW until I’m out. I use your videos for head copy practice. Rob -W1RCP

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thanks so much, Rob. Hey--it's an honor to lull you to sleep with CW. :)

[@davidg5308]

Great audio - thx for the post!

[@TridentMissileTech]

Thanks a lot. Another radio I got to get. 😊

[@W4EMB]

he did it to me too!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Oops! :) You know you love a good Penntek, though, Ed! Thanks for all of the great comments.

[@TridentMissileTech]

I got the tr35 and 45. Don’t have the skinny. I thought the KH1 would be my last got to have radio. I owe my collection to Toms videos. Including my key. All the keys I have, I love the cw morse double paddle best. Thanks Tom for your videos.

[@spivey8481]

I got a kick Thomas from your comment about the “skinnny” being in your top 10! I’m thinking just how many a was Qrp rigs does he have lol.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha! I won't say how many I have out loud in case my wife is listening! :)

[@JohnCook-bx4gv]

Awesome video

[@Windmill97]

Loving these vids with the Penntek transceivers. I will definitely be getting one soon. Consider doing translation subtitles for the CW so we lesser beings can follow the conversation.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

If I had the time, I would add subtitles for the CW in the videos. It is a time-consuming process, though, and sadly, I don't have the time at this point in my family life. What I try to do, instead, is show my log book at all times.

[@Windmill97]

I notice the Begali seems to be more “clicky” than the CWMorse paddle. Is that your experience? Also, do you still have the BamaKey? I hope it makes a cameo some time?

[@chevnut712]

Tom, you ARE an enabler...lol. i just bought the Skinny 😂. WA2OUZ

[@pablod6872]

Better hope he never starts a channel featuring luxury cars and private jet aircraft!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ooops! :) This is why my name is often a bad word in certain households.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

🤣

[@chevnut712]

@@ThomasK4SWL I have nobody that monitors my spending or behavior.. I probably should, but I don't. And now today, I ordered a Red Oxx bag 😂😂

[@KU9L]

I love my Skinny!!! I love my TR-35 also and have offered to loan it to Evan to use in his Head to Head CW radio comparisons. I loved my Skinny so much that I asked John for a TR-46L Skinny version that covers 15, 12, 10, & 6M!!! So far I have only heard Crickets back!!! ... Darn! Nonetheless I love my Penntek's!!!! John repaired my TR-35 for free when I accidentally dropped it which broke off the BNC connector. Now both my Penntek's have their own Pelican style cases, the TR-35 case being smaller & my Skinny hard case being just a little larger (medium). Since I do 99.9% POTA & 0.1% SOTA I use my TR-35 for my hike in activations. Thanks to Aaron W4ARB I use my ATU-10 for my 29' Packtenna 9:1 REFW antennas which is small, light weight, effective, highly portable, & an easy match which also makes contacts!!! 72 & Cheers, Davey --KU9L PS-- I love the side tome volume in the right hand side of the chassis. I use it often when the strong local CW signals challenge the AGC!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Oh man! A high band TR-45 would be brilliant. Also, I'd love it if he made a similar radio that would cover 80-10M! My TR-35 is with NJ7V on loan, too. All Penntek stuff is truly amazing.

[@KU9L]

@@ThomasK4SWL please Gently nudge John for us! FedEx lost my first TR-45L when his shipper miss-labeled it, so I eventually got it. I told him I was sending back the extra so he could convert it into a high band version, I hope he didn't think I was loony, lol. I Miss working 10M on QRP CW, lol. Davey

[@Windmill97]

Davey, which radio do you think you use more? The Skinny or the TR-35?

[@tysonherzog8010]

Good job .great radio .a bit much wind noise . better at the end . Thanks

[@KU9L]

Tom, I just saw that John, WA3RNC, is retiring, it's very sad we aren't getting a high band version of our TR-45L, but I wished him the best in retirement nonetheless! Cheers, Davey --KU9L

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Holy Cow. This is a recent decision! I'll need to post something on QRPer about this. Those who've been sitting on the fence might just go ahead and make a purchase while they can. Thank you!

[@MBrewah04]

I see ya with the Go Ruck bag!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

One of my favorite packs!

[@milwman1958]

First thing I seen was the bales on ether side would work well with a camera strap if standing world be better some times.Scott KF0HRF

[@dandypoint]

Did you log on your iPhone AND keep a list of stations on your notepad at the same time?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yes. Most of the time I log on paper and simultaneously on my iPhone.

[@dandypoint]

@@ThomasK4SWL It’s very hard for me to just log on the iPhone, so I usually just do paper and transcribe later. I can do the iPad sometimes. Maybe I need to try again! 73 de N4DJ

[@nrfchannel8580]

Nice place , good activation vy73

[@ae4xo]

brought the wind?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Seems so! :)

[@robertallbright]

Nice one Thomas 73 Rob G3RCE

[@billcosgrave6232]

👍 KD9SOK