How to Use the Mountain Topper QRP Radio

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Get up-and-running with the Steve Weber-designed Mountain Topper 3-Band QRP radio that is being sold by LNR Precision Inc.
The video tells you about the radio and then shows you how to use the controls. You'll learn how to use the buttons to check frequency, battery voltage, tune the VFO, set CW speed, program messages, etc.

Опубликовано:

13 дек 2015

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Комментарии : 91

@QRPp_Radio 3 года назад

An excellent intro to this amazing radio - thank you so much for explaining each function in a conversational manner - ready to hit the trail now! 73

@MoTown44240 5 лет назад

Very thorough review from not just a reviewer but a reviewer that uses the product being reviewed. You've used the Mountain Topper and can report on the use of it. Hope you meet Steve Weber. I met him once. I walked away with a good feeling about the man. 73

@Thelesphore 7 лет назад

Terrific video Cliff. Your thorough review and enthusiasm convinced me this little rig was "the ticket" and indeed it is. I just received mine this week and it is, in fact, a blast. My only other rig is a KX3 that I've had for five years. Having since added the 100-watt amplifier and pan adapter, it's become too cumbersome to uncable it for outdoor use. Plus, I've never been comfortable taking my expensive KX3 out in the wild. I love it for home use. The MTR-3B, on the other hand, is just perfect for taking anywhere. I'm using rechargeable 9V Li-ion Ni-MH batteries and pleased with them so far. I also purchased the EFT-MTR 20M/30M/40M antenna LNR designed for use with this rig. Works great without a tuner to lug around. Good advice on getting the Koss inline volume control. I'd say it's a necessity. It just so happens I own Koss PortaPro headphones and they are a perfect match for field use. Waiting for my Palm Pico Paddle and Youngerbaby shoulder bag to arrive and complete my "go kit." Folks, don't be intimidated by the unusual features of this rig. It quickly becomes intuitive. It's the most fun I've had since that first novice contact back in 1966. Bob, W2TAC

@QRPSchool 7 лет назад

Thanks, Bob. I'm glad you're having a great experience with the MTR-3B. And thanks for mentioning the Youngerbaby bag. I'll have to check into those. I have a weakness for buying cool bags/backpacks! 72 - Cliff

@philipclancy1779 6 лет назад

Cliff, your review is why I decided to get one of these, Thank youPhil VK2JDL

@VE3IPS 6 лет назад

Thanks for the comprehensive review and glad to see it will work with my Elecraft T1 tuner

@Johnthetripper 7 лет назад

Got one of these, love it, easier to drive than I thought it would be. I found direct frequency input really easy and my cw is not the best..... yet. Thanks for the video.

@simoncapone1716 8 лет назад

Hi Cliff, thanks for the heads up re: the headphone specs, I found some locally that are the same ( 16ohm @1K) work fantastic :) 73!

@Photoeye65 2 года назад

I have Version of the 3 band. Nice video. I have the 4 band on order now.

@paulfallon181 8 лет назад

Nice video cliff, nice little radio too. Hpe to qso with you on the bands, 73 de paul

@26CW128Jake 7 лет назад

I was holding a deck of playing cards and I thought it looked about the right size. When you said 'It's the size of a deck of playing cards' I freaked out a little.

@QRPSchool 7 лет назад

Ha! I'll bet that was a little weird! - Cliff

@mikegolini4999 8 лет назад

Cliff - I recently built the PFR-3B, another design by Steve Weber. I was on the fence between the PFR-3B and the Mountain Topper. The final sell was due to the internal tuner and a full 5W available (although I know 3W is plenty). Definitely bigger than the topper, but worth it due to not carrying extra cables and tuner. My 2 cents. Great designs, both of them - similar layout and operation as well. 73

@QRPSchool 8 лет назад

+Mike Golini Thanks for your comment, Mike. My Elecraft KX1 has the internal tuner option, making it similar in functionality to the PFR-3B... a kit that I have long considered building. As for the tuner, after playing around with a lot of wire antennas, I've pretty much standardized on using resonant dipoles - so I don't really need to use a tuner... but I'm glad it's there in case I have to deploy my antenna higher or lower than than the elevation it was tuned for. With QRP power levels, I like having a very efficient antenna. I'll take another look at the PFR-3B at Dayton. Thanks again- Cliff

@QRPCW 8 лет назад

Gracias por el video 73

@JKarle 7 лет назад

Great video(and QRP series) I just purchased this radio! Thank you, Sir!

@QRPSchool 7 лет назад

Enjoy that great little radio! - Cliff

@RandyUpchurch 8 лет назад

Great video! I just discovered the channel. Great information. Thanks for all the information.

@jbell5423 8 лет назад

Just ordered this tiny rig. You're doing a great job with the channel, Cliff. I just love it ... very informative. One question, did you inline fuse your battery pack? Thank you and 73 - Julia

@QRPSchool 8 лет назад

+J Bell (KF8JBB) Thanks for the kind words, Julia. As for an inline fuse on my battery pack... no, I didn't. It's a good idea, though. I'm relying on good karma to protect me. Whether or not I've sent out enough good karma for it to come back around and protect my little rigs... we shall see. (So far, so good!) - Cliff

@jbell5423 8 лет назад

Teaching us is your good Karma! I've read that fusing LiPo is more critical than NiMH. :-)

@nikkogutierrez5393 7 лет назад

Interesting rig did you build it yourself or can I get already assembled ? And what is that battery and where did you get it from?

@QRPSchool 7 лет назад

I bought mine already built... from LNR Precision: www.lnrprecision.com/mountain-toppers/ I use 8 AA batteries in a plastic battery holder like this one: www.adafruit.com/product/875 I replaced the existing plug on the battery pack to a different one that fits the Mount Topper radio. (The same power plug for the Yaesu FT-817 fits the Mountain Topper) Cliff

@kaiserollz 8 лет назад

im thinking about getting the mountain topper, but Im not sure what dipole to get (dipole because Id like to take it camping/hiking etc) to best optimize the bands available on the Mt Topper. Do you have suggestions?

@QRPSchool 8 лет назад

+Scott Kaiser Hello, Scott! An excellent choice would be the LNR Precision antenna that is made especially for this radio. I've got one and it works great! - Cliff www.lnrprecision.com/store/#!/EF-MTR/p/52039905/category=10468543

@davidedger3935 8 лет назад

First rate video and very helpful. I need to put together a battery pack for mine instead of running from power supply. Would appreciate any tips based on your experience. 73

@QRPSchool 8 лет назад

+David Edger Hey, David. I've seen others using LiPO battery packs like those used for RC model cars. That seems like a pretty good way to go. You'll need to get the charger, too, of course. Because I have dozens of rechargeable AA batteries from my photography hobby (powering flash units), I just purchased an 8 AA battery pack and soldered the required plug (1.7mm pin - same as used on an FT-817 radio) to the pack. When fully charged, I get about 11.3 volts and it takes a long time for the voltage to drop to 10 watts. I've got more than enough operating time. The only negative is that my 8 AA batteries in the pack are larger and heavier than the radio! That's not a real problem, of course. So, if you've got a bunch of rechargeable AA's laying around, you can use those. If not, check into those LiPO packs for model cars... just google QRP RADIO LIPO BATTERIES and you'll find some good links. Sorry I can't recommend something specific! - Cliff

@Sky1 5 лет назад

batteries that are allowed on a plane. I still use NiMH as well but they drain when not in use

@WA8QFE 7 лет назад

Cliff, For my MTR-5B, I bought a couple 11.1v 2200 mAh Lipo's. Their initial charge voltage is about 12.3vdc. Do you think that slight difference would damage the radio ? Lee, WA8QFE

@QRPSchool 7 лет назад

From what I've read online, you should be fine to start at 12.3 volts. - Cliff

@WA8QFE 7 лет назад

I'll smoke check it !! HI...HI. Lee, WA8QFE

@f_papp 8 лет назад

Could you make a video about Elecraft KX1 vs. Mountain Topper, with some qso examples? I would love it. Thanks Cliff. 72

@QRPSchool 8 лет назад

+Pappo Official Channel That would be a tough comparison. The KX1 costs more and is about 3x the size (in volume). It does have some features that the Mountain Topper doesn't have. But the Mountain Topper is designed to provide great performance in the smallest possible package... so the designer consciously chose to reduce the feature set in order to keep the size smaller. With both radios, you'd be able to communicate with the same people on the far end. If you want the smallest, great-performing radio, the Mountain Topper wins. If you don't mind the radio being larger (but still compact), the KX1 has more features and expandability. Maybe I should do a review of the KX1 by itself and then viewers could decide for themselves which is best suited to their purpose. - Cliff

@f_papp 8 лет назад

+QRP School Yes, it will be nice if you do a review of the kx1. Have a nice day. 72

@mci1969 8 лет назад

I just ordered mine. Did the unit come with an adapter to solder to a batter pack/connector or did you have to purchase the plug (yaesu-817) separately? Thank you. Michael AD6S

@cliffbatson 8 лет назад

it came with a plug (1.7mm center pin) like the ft-817 -Cliff

@mci1969 8 лет назад

+Cliff Batson Thanx for the quick reply , 73's Michael

@mci1969 8 лет назад

+mci1969 Sorry to bug you on this but I haven't heard back from MTN Topper yet and I'm dying to play with this new toy I just got. Is the power supply center lug the GROUND? The face of the unit is a bit deceptive and I dont want to be wrong.

@QRPSchool 8 лет назад

+mci1969 Hello. The center pin is POSITIVE - not ground. I see what you mean about the diagram on the MTR-3B radio... there's a dash pointing to a "+" so it might be a bit confusing since the dash looks like a minus sign. It's definitely using a positive center pin, though. - Cliff

@MotorcycleMouse 8 лет назад

Can i use this as a technician on those bands? I know morse but havnt gotten my general and extra yet

@QRPSchool 8 лет назад

+MotorcycleMouse With a Technician's license you can do CW on 40 meters but not on 30 meters or 20 meters. Still, there's a lot of stations to talk to on 40 meters and it's open most of the time - especially later afternoon and night. In fact, if I could only have 1 ham band for morse code, I would choose 40 meters. So, go ahead and jump into the 40 meter pool! - Cliff

@denniscornell2747 8 лет назад

Can you do a video on the LNR LD-5? I got one off the internet used. So far it is a cool little radio. I am tossed between using the new 7300 and the LD-5.

@QRPSchool 8 лет назад

Hello, Dennis. I'm sitting on a cruise ship off the coast of Curacao, checking my mail so this is a good time to chat. I don't have an LNR LD-5 radio but it's received good reviews. It's a QRP radio (5 watts output) that is good for working portable because of low power consumption and small size/weight. The Icom 7300, on the other hand, puts out a full 100 watts and has a real-time, full-color panadapter built-in. It costs more than twice as much as an LD-5 and uses 3x the battery power in receive mode. It's not really fair to compare these two radios as they're not intended for the same purpose/market. I have friends who love the Icom 7300 and I've played with one. I was impressed. In fact, it's the first modern-day Icom that appeals to me... but there's not one in my future. If you've already got the LD-5, my advice is to have fun with it. If you find yourself wanting the additional two S-units of power and expanded features of the 7300, it's a fine radio and your LD-5 will be a great QRP radio for working in the great outdoors. - Cliff

@denniscornell2747 8 лет назад

Hi Cliff. Enjoy your cruise. I am jealous. I am enjoying both of my new radios. The LD5 is my first rap radio. When the band is open I like it. But the 7300 is a fun radio too. Have fun 73 Dennis N7HRO

@user-dh1kq3eh8q 4 года назад

Svaka čast majstore 73 Y u 1 q g

@Chungustav 5 лет назад

I'm hoping with all the new kits evolving Hams will be portable with inexpensive and more power. I like the idea of small CW rigs but I want power too

@QRPSchool 5 лет назад

Power can sometimes help but, don't forget this indisputable fact: A doubling of your power yields a 3dB increase but it takes 6dB to get an additional S-Unit. So, if you go from 5 watts to 20 watts, the receiving station will only hear you 1 S-Unit louder. Going from 20 watts to 80 watts would get you another S-Unit. So... going from 5 watts to 80/100 watts only gets you a 2 S-Unit increase at the receiving station. Sometimes an extra 2 S-Units can make a difference but most of the time it doesn't matter. This is especially true for CW or Digital signals as they have a more concentrated signal. Get more power and use it when you need it. There have been times when I've considered buying an amplifier but I just can't bring myself to do it! :-)

@WA8QFE 7 лет назад

I just bought the MTR-5B, even my PFR3 shows the freq. in the display. But you have me beat in size of the rigs...hi...hi. Lee, WA8QFE

@QRPSchool 7 лет назад

Lee, I have the MTR-5B and it's a keeper! Love that little rig... - Cliff

@kd8opi 8 лет назад

1) Cool, seems to work well for a small, band-limited, CW only, trail radio. A 3S lipo with 5000 AH will power this all day. 2) My critique is that you can make a radio TOO bare bones. Needing to buy "work-arounds" like an adapter because they used a nonstandard antenna jack, or a special in-line headphone adapter for volume control are indications of this. No internal battery is a minus. Now you have the radio, battery, tuner, key, and headphone volume control all separately wired in a mess strewn about, and you have carry all of it.

@QRPSchool 8 лет назад

I cannot disagree. The MTR5B has a BNC jack, which is nice. If I wasn't using earbuds, but regular earphones, I could slip the pads off my ears to change the volume. Not optimal, of course. It is what it is... a tiny radio with a number of compromises in favor of size and decreased complexity. BTW, as I type this, a friend is driving us home from the Dayton Hamvention. I just worked French Guyana mobile with the MTR5B. Great fun! - Cliff

@kd8opi 8 лет назад

LOL, I've been at Hamvention 2016 too, going back at 1:00 in hopes of a prize. I got an Elecraft KX2. I'd love to see your take on one; look for vids from me on it trying to do psk 31 portable with a cheap $49 kindle fire tablet. Subscribed.

@QRPSchool 8 лет назад

+kd8poi Cool. I look forward to seeing your KX2 videos! My KX2 is 20 miles away, according to UPS. I'll have it tomorrow... - Cliff

@kd8opi 8 лет назад

Just did qrp psk 31 via rig-blaster blue,a $49 kindle fire, and the KX2. Have fun!

@YosenBMamma 8 лет назад

So, an RCA jack is smaller than an SMA? There are any number of SMA, Mini and Micro-SMA jacks that would be far better than that ridiculous RCA jack. Are you supposed to use tape to prevent the antenna cable from pulling out?

@QRPSchool 8 лет назад

+Yosen B. Mamma I understand your point that there are better connectors for an antenna than an RCA jack. In the video, I show that I have two adapters... RCA to BNC and RCA to SO-239. I haven't had an issue with the adapter coming out of the socket. As a matter of fact, the adapters are very tight and I have to remember to pull straight out and not twist the adapter. One time I twisted the adapter as I removed it and I felt the RCA jack rotating slightly. I opened that case and there was no damage but I'm sure I could damage the RCA jack (break its connection to the PCB) if the adapter was tight and I twisted hard to remove it. - Cliff

@timmcdonough8543 7 лет назад

I think the RCA is a good choice. 1) If something snags your antenna or feedline it will pull out. 2) It is much easier to install an RCA on a small coax than it is an SMA, etc.

@QRPSchool 7 лет назад

"If something snags your antenna or feedline it will pull out." That sounds quite reasonable but, if the connecting cable is plugged in securely, any snag of the feedline would drag the tiny 4.4 ounce radio off the table/rock/lap and onto the ground. - Cliff

@cwqrpportable 8 лет назад

I looked at this little rig, but really it's a tad too minimalist for me. I have a YouKits HB1B that has more features, more bands and more output. Have had a ball with it and would still buy over this one. Not to say this isn't a fine little rig....

@nikkogutierrez5393 7 лет назад

CW CW where did you purchase the youkit hb1b?

@nikkogutierrez5393 7 лет назад

CW CW where you buy the youkit hb1b from?

@irvingm.baxter9703 5 лет назад

What is Webber's 'e' mail address? Thank you very much for an excellent demonstration of what would otherwise be hard to understand from reading the manual! Mack- WA2SJR

@QRPSchool 5 лет назад

I don't know Steve Weber personally. I'm just a fan. If you know his call sign, you can log into QRZ.com and look him up. His email is shown there. Here is his website: kd1jv.qrpradio.com/

@ioanniszorgianos5299 8 лет назад

Hi. Does anybody can give free a 10 watt CW 40 meters transceiver? I promise to make a good use and I have allready radioamator licence. Thank you.

@markusk8506 8 лет назад

Hello. Can you do a similar video of KX1, please. 73!

@QRPSchool 8 лет назад

+Markus K Hello, Markus. I'd be happy to do that. Look for it next week. The KX1 is still my favorite small QRP radio - even though the KX3 is my best QRP radio that I own. - Cliff

@markusk8506 8 лет назад

+QRP School Hello, Cliff. That sounds good. I'm thinking to buy QRP radio. Maybe KX1 is the best option for me even if it's expensive. Thank you in advance. 73 de Markus

@QRPSchool 8 лет назад

+Markus K I just remembered that I shipped my KX1 to my wife's parents to use while we're visiting next week during Christmas. So, I WILL make a KX1 video but it will have to wait for a while. To me, the KX1 is the best value in a small CW-only radio. You can build (or buy used) the standard 40m/20m radio and then upgrade it later, adding an internal antenna tuner and the 80m/30m option if you want. It has RF Gain and variable filtering and a digital display. You can also listen to USB and LSB, too. A great little rig! Now, if you have more money someday, the Elecraft KX3 is the current state-of-the-art QRP radio. While I do love my KX3, I get more joy from operating my smaller, less powerful KX1. Something to think about... when you buy a used radio, you can use it for a while and then sell it for the same price you paid for it. Free radio! :-)

@markusk8506 8 лет назад

Thanks for the information.

@richardiancarpenter534 6 лет назад

Hey, Cliff! I wasn't sure if you were aware or not, but there are people re-publishing your videos on RU-vid under their own names. Rich KB3MBM

@QRPSchool 6 лет назад

Thanks for letting me know. - Cliff

@richardiancarpenter534 6 лет назад

No worries. Your reviews and videos -- and those of Michael Sansom -- are the reason why I'm getting back into amateur radio (in general) and QRP portable operations (in specific). Thank you for making these QRP School videos! Rich KB3MBM

@mptrax 8 лет назад

Great ! Where to buy it in Europe ?

@QRPSchool 8 лет назад

+mptrax Kanga is carrying them: www.kanga-products.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90&Itemid=101

@mptrax 8 лет назад

QRP School many thanks .

@dalemyers9265 8 лет назад

if it were voice qrp.

@user-dh1kq3eh8q 4 года назад

Cook ing recepti 73

@nilzthorbo5437 3 года назад

"there's only four buttons, how complicated can it be?!" ...me: tries hard to learn cw - a digital mode that allows you to communicate around the world with just ONE damn button :D

@QRPSchool 3 года назад

Well-said! :-)

@doomgod314 4 года назад

Cost?

@QRPSchool 4 года назад

Answer at 23:35

@doomgod314 4 года назад

$250

@doomgod314 4 года назад

QRP School thanks

@hangfire5005 8 лет назад

why is it so expensive

@QRPSchool 8 лет назад

+Jarrod P Hello, Jarrod. I don't know. My guess is they have several factors that have to be considered. Maybe they have to pay Steve Weber (the designer) for each unit sold. Labor costs of construction would be a factor. Knowing that they are going to spend some time (money) in customer support is a factor. Wanting to make a profit after royalties, labor, support should be a factor as well. I don't think $250 is unreasonable, though. Now, look at the bells and whistles of an Elecraft KX1 for $50 more and your decision becomes more difficult. (I have both and am glad to have them both) - Cliff

@hangfire5005 8 лет назад

+QRP School the kit has the same price as the assembled unit, seems too high to me but I dunno

@ms.janicelepe9916 8 лет назад

MFJ qrp sideband radios are like 200. I think one of the features that justifies the cost is the direct frequency entry. the others you have to scroll around on the vfo knob to find something. here, you can up and down yes, 50hz at a time, but if you know where you are going, you can key it in. since the radio only has four buttons on the panel, you do the entry on your paddal in morse. wonderful implementation of DFE.

@DeeegerD 8 лет назад

Cute, but my interest in QRP means old school amateur radio - you have to build your own. Anyone can spend a few bucks and buy a radio - no satisfaction for me. Each to their own.

@QRPSchool 8 лет назад

+Digger D How do you feel about kits? Is that cheating, in your opinion? I'd love to build a great transceiver from scratch but I just don't have the skills. I have built a few kits, though.

@DeeegerD 8 лет назад

Yeah, I like kits, good way to start learning how things go together. Commercial is fine if that's what you're into I just think you will get so much more from the hobby if you build stuff. Skills come a bit at a time and kits are a great way to start. QRP is a great place for those that want to get the original spirit of ham radio our fathers and grandfathers had. And today we can do it so much easier.