Good morning, QRPers!
Day two of Hamvention 2025 was absolutely amazing—and the weather couldn’t have been more ideal. I wish I had time this morning to write a proper recap, but I’m grabbing a quick breakfast and heading back to the Greene County Fairgrounds for day three.
That said, I wanted to drop a quick note and share a photo of a little surprise from the Flea Market…
Even though I told myself I wouldn’t buy another radio at Hamvention, I spotted one I simply couldn’t pass up:
I already own a TR-35 (a rig I absolutely love), so I let that one go. But I didn’t have an MTR-4B in my collection… and that red chassis in the early morning sunlight? Irresistible. The asking price was $200—very fair, in my opinion—so I snagged it.
Later that day, I showed it off to my good friend Joshua (N5FY), and wouldn’t you know it—he gifted me one of his MTR-4B protective covers!
As soon as I got back to the hotel room that evening, I installed it.
She’s ready for the field.
I’ve actually wrote a review of an MTR-4B I borrowed from a reader. You can check out that review with links to field report here. I’m looking forward to taking this little red machine out to a summit soon!
More to come after Hamvention wraps up.
Thanks again to everyone who’s stopped by to say hello—it’s truly been the highlight of my weekend!
— Thomas (K4SWL)
Saw those and was pretty sure at least one was going to find a good home in North Carolina
. Congrats
Does it have a name yet?
I figure the long drive home will give me time to think about it.
Nice! Two Benjamins for an MTR4Bv2 is a solid deal.
I would like to order the 3b v4 but no response from LNR. Do you know if they are OK?
Tom
W1UL
Nice find! When you’re tired of it feel free to send it north
72s de k8zfj
The Hamvention is not the place to test “I told myself I wouldn’t buy another radio”. Looking forward to seeing your next video with your new rig.
73’s de N6PAZ
Nice find, Thomas! I have used many Mountain Toppers (3B LCD, silver 4B, 5B, red 4Bv2.3, and 3Bv4 Currahee) and in my opinion the 4Bv2.3 which you have there is consistently the best performer of the bunch. The receiver is the best out of any mountain topper design – I have worked New Zealand and Australia from central NC with it!
Wow! I hope mine shares the same DX chops, Matt! That’s brilliant!
Wow! What a find. That radio looks brand new. It’s probably never been out of the shack. Congratulations on your find.
I’m thinking you’re going to have more fun with that than the FTX-1 you were considering…
Nice to have met you irl Thomas! Looking forward to more of your posts!
Hi Thomas.
Congrats to your purchase! Have fun with it.
I was last Saturday on a German flea market in Bergheim as seller and now I have again room for new gadgets ;-). However I am quiete proud of myself, that I did not buy anything new there!
Let’s enjoy our hobby together!
Cheers from Germany, Chris DL7CW
Nice purchase!
Always find something at hamvention to make you say “just one more”
73
K2WW