Got my 1st CW rig

[solaris0121]

Nabbed an eBay bargain I think - £207 for a mint mountain topper mtr4b, a new palm paddle, SOTABeams mountain tuner, qrp guys tuner kit, mini speaker, 20m SOTABeams efhw 20m antenna and a 7m SOTABEAMS pole..... phew... and after all that, he threw in a wonder wand tuner and telescopic antenna.  Chuffed to bits.... the guy lost interest and wanted rid of it all.

The radio is a lot smaller than it looks in the photos and easy to use..... I'm still learning the code so more of a push now to get on and have a 1st qso.

[vwflyer]

That sounds like an awesome nab. If you're like me, you'll be nervous as hell on that first CW QSO but the rush will be well worth it.

[Andywragg]

That's a real bargain, well done.

[gil]

Lucky I didn't see it before you!
Gil

Sent from my SM-G928F using Tapatalk

[RadioRay]

I am OFFICIALLY jealous!  Really though, that is a superb bargain and the MTR of any variety is a superb CW rig, especially with your extras in the bargain. Once 'bitten' by the simnple and robust effectiveness of CW, you'll be hooked. This is a station that you can EASILY take with you on outings.


>RadioRay  ..._  ._

[solaris0121]

We got to test it in anger last night at radio club, they helped me set up the 20m end fed and one of the experienced CW operators guided me through it.   Then one of the other guys set up a HF rig inside and confirmed they were receiving a good signal - so at least I know it transmits.

I called cq for a while but no response yet ...... will try the large Multiband end fed at the house today.

[solaris0121]

Ive sold the mtr-4b on Ebay and swapped it out for a used You Kits Hb1b.    the mtr-4b is a nice radio, but it cant take more than 12volts DC input power, which limits its use in the car or in an emergency.   The hb1b has the same bands, but also adds SSB receive across 80m band through 20m which is a real plus too.   Add to that an internal battery (that seems to last for ages) and the fact that it was £100 cheaper than the one I just sold and its a win win.

[RadioRay]

Both are fine radios. As a dedicated rig for ultralite backpacking, the MTR series win hands down.  However, I found that I preferred the the Hb1b because of its versatility; it's good for signal search, is USB/LSB receive capable and SWLing as well. You made a good choice.  I only wish that they still made them with an 80m band, which is extremely handy for communication within that vitally important 'one-tank-of-gas- range.

73 de RadioRay ..._ ._

[solaris0121]

I might pick up an MTR3b for the weight saving if climbing..... the hb1b is pretty hefty with the internal battery and a touch bigger than the MTR4b - but as you say, the benefits of 80m and the SSB and power options are more important to me.

One question, can the HB1B be powered through the external 9-14volt connector if the internal battery is installed (it has a separate charge port) ?

[RadioRay]

Yes! the external power port is how I powered mine and kept the internal battery as a 'reserve' when away from home. 

de Ray  ..._ ._

[solaris0121]

so Ray  (just double checking  ;) )  I can leave the battery in place, switch the unit on and let it power up with the internal battery - and then also plug in an external power source (eg. car battery 13.9volts) and it will be happy ?

Sean.

[RadioRay]

1st - IT's been a few years and though that is how I remember it, CHECK YOUR MANUAL. The radio you save will be your own ;-)

2nd - If VWflier reads this, he can answer, because he bought it from me.


73 de Ray ..._ ._

[solaris0121]

ok thanks  - I read the manual but it isnt very clear and YouKits arent replying to my messages.  Hopefully VWflier will know.... :o