Hey Mike,
That sounds like my start. I had a TR-22C and I had an old JLB synthesizer
with a 20-watt brick I could hook it up to as a "base" station at my dorm
room. I used to carry that rig around my neck. The only problem was the
telescopic whip which used to rattle and create a crackling sound for those
listening to my transmissions.
Like Mike, I got a TR-2400 HT as soon as they came out.
Steve K8SP