Some years ago, I built a PFR3A for an "elderly" friend. It was an easy build for me and I was about 75 at the time. The directions were clear and there was plenty of space. The 3A had pushbutton tune with the option of input of frequency with a paddle. I believe the 3B has a tune knob. I found it easy to master the operation and even operated a contest with the paddle input and the button tune. My friend could not master the rig, so donated it back to me. It would make a good portable rig with very good performance for the price if you can adjust to a few "minor" quirks. The size and weight is a bit much for serious long back pack trips, however it puts out a full 5 watts on all 3 bands with internal batteries and the internal manual antenna tuner can match "almost anything reasonable" unlike most in rig ATU's. The tuner is also a bit "fussy" to adjust at first, but is easy to master. There is even room inside, so I made some modifications, not necessary but I am a ham and enjoy "butchering" any perfectly satisfactory radio. KD1JV has some very good designs for the price. I did find a few parts missing, but simply supplied them from my junk box. I do not own a Tri-Bander, but suspect it is a good design. Rick KL7CW