A Match Made in Ether.
Something old: Morse code the original Mode.
Something new: Radio skills learned, new opportunities' earned.
Something blue: MTR-3B, on the Ether to be free.
Her name is: Elinar, and I do. CQ, CQ I’m here for you.
AI assisted "Mountain Topper Three-Sisters" background based on the LNR MTR-3B three band peak graphic. Not to be confused the the Cascade range Three Sisters mountain peaks East of us in OR.
2B or not 2B? 2B on a 3B is the answer, not a question!
The MOUNTAIN TOPPER 3B is back!
An all new design by Steve Weber (KD1JV), the MTR3B V4 CURRAHEE version offers some significant updates all in the same ultra lightweight, small form factor that everyone loved with the original. The color scheme is desert sand with black artwork, coupled with a black base in a gorgeous matte powder coat finish!
Bands: 15M/20M/40M
Power Out: 5W typical with 13.V supply
Minimum Detectable Signal: ~0.1uV
Push Button Operation
Real Time Clock
Five(5) 62 Character CW message memories
Nine(9) Frequency memories per band
Notable Features
COLOR LCD DISPLAY! (1.06" x 1.04") or (27mm x 26.3mm)
External Touch Keyer! (located lower right of enclosure)
Adjustable Volume Control!
Adjustable Side Tone!
Enclosure has slightly raised side panels to protect LCD display and switches and eliminates need for acrylic bezel for better visibility.
Lightweight! (5.72oz.) or (133.8g)
Small Form Factor (3.9"L x 2.625"W x 1.09"T) or (99.85mm x 66.25mm x 28.6mmT)
More details, photos and product manual coming soon! Note: photos shown are from prototype enclosure. Artwork is expected to change very slightly on final version.
We plan to release 100 units of the MTR3B V4 Currahee with online ordering beginning on October 1st at NoonET. These units are expected to begin shipping in November. This is essentially a limited "pre-order" release for those that want to get an early opportunity to purchase but are also willing to waiting a month or two before receiving. We manually build, program, calibrate and test each radio before shipment and being a small company, this will allow us some time to hone our process before ramping up the scale before Christmas and for the beginning of 2025. This is going to be a VERY popular radio and we do plan on a large scale production run. Also, we are keenly aware of pricing, so we have worked hard to make the 3B affordable and within reach of everyone. Parts, components and fabrication costs have escalated greatly over the last few years. There is a ton of technology packed inside this little radio that takes a lot of craftmanship to get right. We think you will find value with the supreme quality and reliability you have come to expect with the Mountain Topper transceivers.
It is the latest installment of THE Original Miniature QRP transceiver by Steve Weber.
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Picture from Wiki: The Three Sisters, looking north. Cascades mountain range near Sisters, Oregon The Three Sisters are a trio of volcanic peaks in the Cascade Range of Oregon. They are known for their impressive height and striking beauty. South Sister: The tallest of the three, standing at 10,363 feet (3,158 meters). Middle Sister: Standing at 10,047 feet (3,062 meters). North Sister: The smallest of the three, standing at 10,085 feet (3,074 meters).
This section has the LNR announcements as originally posted.
LNR will update and replace announcements as it gets closer to release.
This is a well loved and sought after CW QRP radio with good circuitry, filters and front end. It has no dial VFO and has a button menu system. Good as smaller easier to pack and no dials to damage, though Knobs are very handy for quick tuning. No AF gain/volume control in the 2020 model but has very good volume that some turn down with optional external volume control(extra part). Works well with an amplifier. It was designed to be of fine quality but to use simple circuitry , low power draw requirements and lightweight QRP operations in mind. With its simple low power circuitry, simplicity in of design in mind there were compromises of convenience made such as no volume, and three manual switches to move to select each band selection. This radio is on of several circuit designs by KD1JV "Steve Weber". other ham radio circuit products are made or sold at such places as: QRPGuys and Pacific Antenna(not an article about KD1JV and his other circuits.)
"The LNR Precision MTR transceivers are designed to be efficient portable CW rigs. Whether climbing a mountain and operating SOTA or just out for an afternoon in the park, the MTR’s small size, light weight and meager battery requirements makes it a great choice for these activities. "
This 2024 MTR-3B version is said to be 40, 20, 15 M bands. Other than that we do not know what other changes there may be.
LNR Update: July 2024 3B Announcement included this teaser for the 3B
"....We are also in full production mode of a newly redesigned MTR3B for the end of 2024 and hope to release official details and features by end of August."
So we know they are already "in full production mode". Sound like being produced, so design is locked. It is a new redesign, and they are not ready to release its official details and features until the end of august. So there are new design details and features.
Likely it may cost more than the previous $269.99 they went for before. This model will be collected by collectors who have the money to collect radios for the passion of it. Depending on how big of a run, there may not much chance of getting one for around $269.99. Several hams on the LRR FB group think it will be $300 which is a reasonable increase, but some think it may get to around $400, if so, this wonderful kit will be out of my economic range. 🥴😬😮💨 The August 2024 release of the MTR-4B was only 369.99. I am in hopes the newly redesigned MTR-3B with improved features is more like $299.99.
LNR Update: Aug 21, 24 "....Stay tuned for announcement on the upcoming newly redesigned MTR3B which will be available this year."
Notice the clause "...hope to release official details and features by end of August." was removed. 🤔
"Newly Redesigned 3-Band Mountain Topper Coming Soon! (Expected Fall 2024)
Prototype units are being beta tested now and production is in full swing! Pictures, features, specifications, and pricing will be announced hopefully in the month of September 2024 with online ordering opening up very soon thereafter. As soon as we have things finalized, we will be releasing the details but want to make everything works in the highest quality you expect from our products. We already feel this will be the best Mountain Topper yet!
Please hold off emailing asking to be placed on a waiting list as we do not maintain a waiting list. Our products always are first come, first served upon ordering. That also includes deposits or pre-orders. We don’t want to take your money until we have a Mountain Topper promised and guaranteed to be delivered to you. Our plan is to initially offer several hundred units in our first production run and expect to drastically escalate immediately subsequent runs as this will likely be a VERY popular CW transceiver. "
Getting closer to final release specification and cost. My fear is it will be too expensive and I will be priced out of the market.
My view of three of the Elenar peaks based on the LNR MTR 3-B peaks along with ImagineArt AI art generator.
MTR3B_LCD (Production run ended 8/2020)
For feature comparison in anticipation of the 2024 version
New[2020] Mountain Topper redefines Portable CW with a gorgeous LCD screen in a small lightweight enclosure!
The Mountain Topper Rigs are designed to be a very small, light weight, very battery efficient, multi-band CW rig suitable for field operation. The small size and low weight make this rig ideal for SOTA operators and backpackers.
Features:
Size: 3.85”(3-7/8) L X 2.5” W X 0.9”(7/8) H
3 band operation – 40/30/20
Wide power supply operation – 6V to 12V
Low operating current – 20 ma @ 6V, 15 ma @ 12V
5+ Watts out at 12V supply, 2.5-3W at 9V supply
Easy to read 2 line LCD display with back lighting
Push button tuning and audio limiting eliminates protruding knobs
Iambic B mode keyer, 9 to 31 WPM range in 1 WPM steps
Three, 63 character message memories with beacon mode
Optional decoding and display of Morse being sent via paddle. Know you are sending good code
Built in 24 hour real time clock
Battery backup restores last used settings on power up
The 8/2020 version had NO SWR unlike the MTR-4B . No Power out display.
Production Run Complete
By Paul K7VIQ 9/11/24
Pictures from LNR Precision 2016-2020 version Reviews
One day I hope to add my own pictures of whatever QRP radio kit I end up with. I will start with the one I made on the left.
