How to Use the Mountain Topper QRP Radio

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.

[Photoeye]

I have Version of the 3 band. Nice video.

I have the 4 band on order now.

[QRPp_Radio]

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

[MoTown]

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

[Johnthetripper]

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 yet. Thanks for the video.

[Thelesphore]

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

[philipclancy]

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

[MXGVJake]

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.

[simoncaponewaiting]

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

[VEIPS]

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

[mikegolini]

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

[JKarle]

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

[RandyUpchurch]

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

[paulfallon]

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

[f_papp]

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

[kdopi]

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.

[Sky]

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

[kaiserollz]

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?

[jbell]

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

[davidedger]

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

[nikkogutierrez]

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?