If you listened to the latest Ham Radio Workbench Podcast episode–our Field Day Debrief–you will have heard that my Field Day was a pretty low-key event.
Originally, I had hoped to fly out to Oregon and hang with my friend George (KJ6VU) and his radio club, but there were just too many family activities happening this year for me to travel for a week.
Instead, my wife, daughters, and I met up with my buddy Vlado (N3CZ) and his sister, who was visiting from North Macedonia.
We met at the Zebulon Vance Birthplace (US-6856) and, luckily, had the picnic shelter to ourselves. The weather was gorgeous, and we put together a proper potluck picnic.
Field Day POTA
Vlado and I decided to do some casual Field Day operating, and I brought the radio gear.
Since I’m currently testing the Xiegu X6200, I brought it along to see how it might handle the RF-dense environment of Field Day.
We made a few contacts with the X6200, but the audio and receiver struggled in that RF-congested environment. This isn’t a surprise, in truth. Most portable field radios aren’t designed to have contest-grade performance—they’re designed for portability and functionality in normal field conditions.
The other radio I brought along was the Penntek TR-45L. I can’t remember if I’ve used it during Field Day in the past, but all Vlado and I could say was…
Wow!
The TR-45L sounded phenomenal!
I’ve always believed that the TR-45L (both the original and skinny version) has some of the best audio in the world of field radio. That is a major plus when it comes to Field Day.
The thing is, it also has a stable front end—the TR-45L receiver handled those packed RF conditions with ease. In fact, we were both amazed at how easily we could hear all of those competing signals. There was absolutely no listening fatigue at all, and both of us could hear weak and strong signals all occupying the same space..
It sounded distinctly analog and “pure.”
Vlado and I both tend to operate with filters wide open—using the filter between our ears—so the audio produced had excellent fidelity.
A couple of times, we did narrow the TR-45L’s audio filter when there was a strong competing station, but by and large, the audio was so clear, we really didn’t need to.
Top-Shelf
The takeaway for me is that the TR-45L series radios have proper contest-grade performance even if they lack contest-grade filtering.
I shouldn’t be surprised because even its predecessor, the TR-35, can handle crowded conditions with ease.
I should add here that the supply of new Penntek radios may already be dried up. As I mentioned in a previous announcement, John (WA3RNC), is retiring and selling off all of his existing radio inventory.
According to his website, he might still have some TR-45L Skinny models, but that’s it. In fact, that notice was dated May 28, 2024, so I’m not sure if it’s still correct.
I love the Skinny as much as the original TR-45L—they sport the same receiver and audio; the Skinny simply lacks the ability to add an internal battery and Z-Match ATU. What you get, though, is a radio that’s even more portable and provides an excellent operating angle with the bail folded out.
Have you ever operated a Penntek radio during a contest or Field Day? What are your other favorite field radios for this type of environment? Please comment!
I can taste that feta cheese bread from Finland!
Who cares how many contacts one makes when you are in good company with delicious food to eat.
The audio is what sold me on the Pennteck radios when a friend gave me a TR-35. I was so impressed with the clean clear audio, even in a pile up that I looked into the history of the producer and saw that the 45 was coming out. Of course I had to be one of the first to get a TR.-45L And have been so happy with the same clear audio, even when there is a jumble of signals on the band.
I brought our club’s FT-857D with 500 Hz Collins filter to Field Day this year, and man, do I regret that! it seemed to me that no matter where I tuned, there were dozens of CW operators all within that 500 Hz span, and it made it difficult for me to pull individual operators out. I made do, but decided next year I’m bringing a rig with a better receiver.
73, Howard
AC4FS
The X6200’s poor performance doesn’t surprise me one bit. Although economical, I’m sure, I live by the adage of “You get what you pay for”. Pay economical prices you generally get poor performance. It’s why I own an Elecraft KX3. Although expensive, I got what I paid for, a phenomenally performing radio even on crowded bands. Another great blog Tom!
Tom-
You bring up an interesting point about audio quality. Sadly, I think that aspect of a design is often overlooked with some products out there. John- WA3RNC- did it right with his TR-series radios.
There’s a tendency to push filter design for every last iota of QRM-fightin’. There’s a downside to it, though- another case of ‘No Free Lunch’. I’ve been relaxing my filtering designs recently- accepting somewhat broader audio in exchange for better audio quality. It really pays off with fatigue-free listening.
I’ll get a paper out. It’s associated with a current project.
73- K1SWL
I can’t wait to learn more about this, Dave!
Just purchased the 45L. I’m in an apartment, and trying to figure out an antenna to use on my small screen patio ( non metallic screen). Any thoughts on the Chelegance m-104 four band hf portable?
Dan, I’m also in an apartment with east facing patio on the 4th floor. I have FT-857 and Atas 120 I saved from mobile set up. I also have a Lithium battery for a complete set up. So far, only static. CW is in my bucket list, not there yet but practicing.
Your efforts will be appreciated, especially antenna and grounding. 73 Roy
Looks like you guys had a good time out there and good food makes it even more enjoyable. Every once in a while one of these radios will show up on ebay and are scooped up quickly by Qrp lovers. I’d like to try one some day. Thanks for sharing, enjoyed.