TR-45L QRP Transceiver

The TR-45L transceivers are now close to being available for immediate purchase. We've been working on a reservation list with delivery times of two to three weeks for wired TR-45L transceivers for those who recently added their contact information to the list. There are two exceptions...kits, and reservations from outside North America. For information about issues for shipping to the EU CLICK HERE.

We will continue for now to use the reservation list for placing TR-45L orders. When you place your information on the list, you will receive an email confirmation that you were successfully placed on the list. You will then receive another email within a week or so informing you that your unit is available for shipment. Once you confirm your desire to complete the purchase, an invoice will be emailed to you via PayPal. Your order will be shipped as soon as this invoice is paid. Note that we do not accept payments until your unit is ready for shipment.

TR-45 "Skinny"

This variant has received many positive comments. The form factor and reduced size is much better suited for portable POTA and SOTA operation. The tilt bail is standard and there are no other options available because there is no extra internal space. There is a self-contained speaker on the rear panel. The board set and circuitry of the Skinny is identical to the standard TR-45L. This unit is in production now and is available for inclusion on the reservation list.

TR-45L Kit Version Update

The kit version will be the “Skinny” variant. The kit has been delayed due to several (most) beta builders experiencing frustration with the process of assembling the front panel onto the main board with 15 loose and unsoldered switches, jacks, and controls. These issues indicate that the kit version will be offered as a semi-kit with the main board being largely factory assembled, leaving the pre-aligned plug-in RF board in kit form. Unfortunately, while greatly simplifying construction, these semi-kits will erode the normally expected cost savings with a kit. The tilt bail will be included, with no options available. The standard original full-sized TR-45L may or may not be offered as a kit in the future. The Skinny semi-kit is expected to be available by mid-summer 2023 and priced at $540.00 including the tilt bail. Those who have previously reserved a kit will be contacted to see if they want the Skinny kit when they become available.

For those interested in signing up for the reservation list, you can use the reservation form linked here. Be advised, it could take up to 6-8 weeks until the kits are ready to be shipped.

TR-45L Reservable Variants (effective 6/10/2023)

TR-45L

• TR-45L is a 5-band 5-watt CW transceiver covering the 80-75, 40, 30, 20, and 17 meter bands.
• Full band coverage is provided, with the transmitter optimized for the CW band portions.
• The receiver is provided with both narrow and wide band IF filters, and CW and SSB detectors.
• Precision optical tuning encoder for long-life smooth tuning. 
• An illuminated front panel meter shows “S” units on receive, and power output (forward or reverse) while transmitting. The meter also will display the battery state of charge.

• A “High SWR” warning indicator will illuminate if the antenna SWR exceeds about 2:1.
• The transmitter power output is adjustable from less than ½ watt to 5 watts with a front panel control.
• RIT is provided to adjust the receive frequency up to + or – 5 KHz from the transmit frequency.
• Two VFOs for each band are provided with recallable memories.
• Dual keyer memory message record and playback. 
• A built-in keyer is adjustable from about 5 wpm to 45 wpm with a front panel speed control.
• Separate straight key and keyer paddle inputs are provided on the front panel.
• A front panel adjustable sharp notch filter is provided to null out interference.
• A front panel receiver RF gain control is provided.
• Operates from a 12 volt nominal power source requiring up to 1.3 amperes on transmit, and about 130 ma on receive. A front panel power on – off switch is provided.
• Tuning speed is easily settable from 1 Hz to 1 KHz per step.
• A selectable dial lock is available to prevent inadvertent frequency changes.
• A built-in speaker delivers more than adequate volume.
• There is a knob or switch for every function – no confusing back menus!
• Size 8-1/2” wide, 5” high, 3” deep Weight about 2.8 lb with Internal Batteries
• Optional built in 5200ma Lithium battery pack and charger.

Resources & Documentation

• TR-45L Instructions (preliminary)
• TR-45L Main Board Schematic
• TR-45L Plug-in Board Schematic
• Z-Match Tuner Schematic

Additional Images

European Union Shipping Issues

Shipments to Europe are problematic because our products have not been tested for the addition of the “CE” label as is required for the European Union countries. Even though amateur radio equipment is largely exempt from the EU “RED” testing requirements, it seems that the “CE” marking is still required. This “CE” testing is very expensive. Based on the number of inquiries we get from Europe, we would never come close to recovering these expenses. We will not simply just add the “CE” mark without the required testing, as is common with Chinese products. However, it appears that the “CE” mark might not be required on kits because after all they a collection of parts and could not be tested for “CE” without being assembled. This might place the responsibility for compliance on the builder instead of with Penntek. Shipping kits only (and not wired units) might prevent the possibility of having the radio confiscated by European Customs for the missing “CE” mark. We welcome any thoughts and comments on this issue.