Waited for over a month to get my TR-45L, and the wait was worth it. I will not rehash already published specifications, but will provide my experience with initial tests and an outing with the rig. I have owned many fine and not-so-fine QRP rigs over the last 20 years (817, 703, TT539, KX2 [ugh!], CTX-10, and kit-builts, such as SST, etc.)... more recent acquistions were the Penntek TR-35, and now the TR-45L.
The TR-45L i received has 21 knobs and switches (the 21st is for sidetone control). Also, the handle is different (better) than the one shown on WA3RNC's web site. I ordered a version with the built-in zmatch tuner, but no battery. Upon receiving the rig, i performed power-out tests for each band (something i do with all new or used rigs).
Using the power knob at the 9, 10, 12, 2, 3 o'clock, and full positions, i recorded the following watts out using 11.86V (5200Ah lithium ion battery) and a dummy load on one of my meters:
80M: .5, .75, 3, 5, 9, 10.25
40M: .5, 1.2, 3, 5, 6, 6.25
30M: .5, 1.5, 2.5, 5, 6, 6
20M: 2, 4.1, 6.25, 9.2, 9.25, 10
17M: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8
The meter pegs out at over 5W, but is accurately calibrated for 5W and under output. There is no mention of the SWR scale or how to interpret the scale; however, the general representation of low SWR matches needle movement to the leftmost position. The Hi-SWR LED is a nice touch, and worked well when tuning up using one of my /p MFLAs (original Alexloop). I did not test the zmatch tuner - that is for future outings.
After testing, I opened up the rig to look inside. Remove the six screws on the front panel and carefully separate from the deeper back, being mindful of connecting wires. To my surprise, i found the rig wired and ready for insertion of an internal battery. I wish i had ordered an internal battery, as the price is a bargain! However, i had a spare 2200Ah lithium ion that was a perfect fit inside, so I slid it into the holder (which is the only 3D printed plastic in/on the rig) and used the installed hook-and-loop strap to secure it inside. Now i have a backup internal battery for an extra hour or so of operation! BTW, the battery spot-check works for either internal battery operation or when using an external battery - a nice feature. This is a well-designed rig!
Taking the rig out into the wilds of a local park proved to be a lot of fun. Operation was smooth, easy, and intuitive, perhaps because I also have a TR-35. The wide, narrow, notch, gain, and post-IF audio filters worked well, helping to clean up sig reception on the bands. Programming and using the two keyer memories was a snap.
More complicated is setting and saving the VFOs for each band using the EEPROM write feature by holding down the VFO switch for 2 secs until the display blanks. This will save your band VFOs between power on/off. I used a couple B VFOs to save WWV freqs and modes.
So now, what is not included with the rig? Here's a short list in random order:
- no changelog for firmware versions and features
- no indication of possibility of firmware upgrades
- no CAT control
- no beacon mode
- manual, although adequate, needs more work
In my view, the TR-45L is one of greatest toys and useful QRP rigs on the market. A great American-made product. throwing two hanks of wire and a key in bag with the rig makes for a compact portable station, although the TR-45L looks handsome on the bench in the shack. I highly recommend getting on the reservation list and landing one of these transceivers - you will enjoy it for years to come! |
