Yesterday, I received my Penntek TR-35. I am looking forward to taking it to the field next week. The radio is mounted on my homemade flight deck which is a modified clipboard. The 9-volt battery is for scale. The tuner is an Elecraft T-1 and the paddles are N0SA SOTA paddles. The notebook is a Rite-in-the-Rain 4×6″. I have been using Rite-in-the-Rain products for close to 50 years. There is nothing better for field use. In addition to the N0SA paddles, I can also use my Begali Adventure paddles.
Both the Begali and the N0SA paddles attach with a 4-40 screw.
I have made two adjustments to the TR-35. I had to adjust the sidetone volume and it was too low for my old ears. The adjustment was simple. Remove the 4 screws that hold the case together, split the case, and there is a variable pot next to the power port. A twist with a screwdriver and all is well. The other mod I did is I added 2 small tip-up feet to tilt the radio a little. I got this idea from John AE5X and you can find the feet here: https://tinyurl.com/2ht9yks2. They add just enough angle to make viewing the top of the radio easier.
To finish kitting out the radio, I added the following:
6′ RG-316 cable
15′ RG-316 cable
Power cord with extension
Bioenno 3 AH battery
Skull Candy earbuds
Stereo to Mono adapter (not shown)
Spare 9-volt battery (tuner)
Cable Adapters
The stereo-to-mono adapter is for the earbuds. The TR-35 has a mono output and when you plug stereo earbuds in, you only get sound in one ear. Everything but the flight deck and the notepad fit into a Condor utility bag.
The bag and its contents weigh just shy of 50 ounces.
I have one addition and one modification to the setup. I have had an original In Reach satellite communications device for many years and it was showing its age. I now have a Garmin Messanger which works so much better. Many times even when I am doing a POTA activation, There isn’t much if any cell service. It’s nice to be able to spot in real-time. The Messenger is small and will reside on one of my shoulder straps.
I and using a USGI first-ad/compass pouch. I believe the one shown actually comes from my Army days. The Messanger also provides peace of mind for both my wife and I. I can send her a text message that I am okay and my location. I can also send an SOS if I have an emergency. It’s cheap insurance.
The last change I am going to make is the pack bag. The Camelbak HAWG is a great pack but for what I am doing it is just a little bit too small. It currently fits everything with a little room left over for food. Since I am out and about year-round, I need a little extra space for clothing and maybe my little Snow Peak stove. I’ll keep you posted. 73 — Scott
KK4Z 