Many thanks to Bob (K4RLC) who shares the following article about his portable field radio kit which will be featured on our Field Kit Gallery page. If you would like to share your field kit with the QRPer community, read this post. 

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MTR-3B Bug-Out Go-Kit

by Bob (K4RLC)

I wanted to build a lightweight Bug Out Go Kit around the incredible Mountain Topper MTR-3B LCD model.

Bass Pro Shop sold a tackle box that seemed perfectly for this. I took a Bear Grylls Scout Knife and cut/customized the partitions as needed. The Elecraft AX 1 antenna and tripod mount, and a flexible tripod fit perfectly.

Counterpoise consists of three 13 ft BNTECHNO 22 AWG silicon wires, attached with a Mueller 55 alligator clip to the tripod mount.

The CW Morse Outdoor Pocket Paddle (and cable) fit into another section. For audio, use either generic ear buds or the rechargeable cell phone speaker with PChero volume adjustment cable.

For power, rechargeable Li-Ion 9 volt batteries use a USB connection, so no separate charger is needed. I keep this in the car.

It’s a great set up for POTA and lightweight enough to throw into a backpack for the steepest SOTA climb. The MTR-3B, the size of a deck of playing cards and not weighing much more, is an awesome QRP rig that’s still a keeper, if you can find one.

Equipment List:

• Antenna: Elecraft AX 1 Multi-Band Antenna with AX1 Tripod Mount
• Key: CWMorse Outdoor Pocket Double Paddle
• Mueller BU-55 Alligator Clip
• XRDS -RF BNC Cable 3FT, 50 Ohm 
• LP 9V Rechargeable Battery Pack
• CestMall F10 Mini Speaker
• BNTECHGO 22 Gauge Silicone Wire
• VELCRO Brand One Wrap Reusable Ties
• ATUMTEK Flexible Camera Tripod
• Bear Grylls Survival Knife
• Bass Pro Shop Tackle Box