Let’s Try the Penntek TR-45L!

I did a video on my channel where I measured the actual keying speed of the TR-45L and the Elecraft KX2. Yes, the TR-45L actual keying speed is about 10% higher than the displayed keying speed. (The KX2 is about 5% higher than indicated). That being said, I really LOVE my TR-45L. I bought it to rotate it in the field with the KX2, but to be honest, it has become the rig I used most often in my shack. I have also brought it on vacation and used it in the beach house. Final note - you might have had slightly better luck with the Notch control turned all the way to the right which actually puts the notch filter outside of the audio passband.

That TR-45L has a beautiful sound! Thanks for sharing...

top notch review Aaron. Thanks for your input and points of discussion. Between you and Evan, You both have quite a few QRP rigs under your belt . My limited QRP collection hinders me from a broad range of knowledge. Thanks again for the review!

The bamatech is a nice looking key! Thanks for doing what you do, Aaron!

Man, good on you for knowing a lot of those guys names that you worked. That's impressive.

You're really doing quite well with the Alex Loop. Nice vid.

That is one cool looking setup. I have been looking into the Penntek line for a while now. See you down the log! 73 KO4JKV

Thanks for the great video Aaron as always. I have a TR45 and a 705 I agree with your comments. The 705 is a ripper. I find the meter on the TR45 acts a bit odd, bounces around quite a lot especially on SWR after keying pegs flat out, I also wish it had a NB where I live there are a lot of electric fences I can blank them out completely on the 705. All and all the TR 45 isn't a bad rig but the 705 is brilliant 73 😊

Woot..I love hearing that I actually was readable

Can you please tell me what key you are using and where I can find it? Thanks great content. 73s

Penntek TR-45L too clunky for me. Thank You for honest review. I'll stick with ICOM IC-705 and YAESU FT-891.

I haven’t watched all your videos but was curious how you learned CW.

I have never played with the original version, but my Skinny is essentially the same front panel controls. Beware that if the mode is on SSB, it will still transmit CW, but the IF is wider than in CW Wide mode I think. CW narrow mode is around 400Hz & the Audio filter helps cut static even more, not always needed. The Skinny has a side volume control for the side-tone whereas the original version must be adjusted with the chassis case opened up. The CW Speed adjust seemed to be a little faster over the setting on the dial. My wrist is currently able to sustain around 14 wpm for an hour or two, but I am trying to work on the arthritis influence which also affects my straight key operation, lol. Cheers, Davey --KU9L

Agreed on all points. Too busy, not packable, too big and heavy, and the filtering made me want to punch myself in the face at times LOL. I also noticed the key speed showed 2-3wpm lower than it actually was. Now, it's not all bad. I can see the use case for the TR-45, and I really like the feature set and ease of use. I might snag one if I can find one used at the right price, but it certainly wouldn't be my go to field radio. Oh...........and as for sound quality, I personally thought it was pretty good (aside from the side tone being too high), but it isn't really fair comparing it to the IC-705 since that is the best sounding QRP rig on earth bar none!

When did you use the TR45L with ThoMas K4SWL?

Hello Aaron! 🤝

Alex should send you a Hampack to test. Better product