FT817 rocks

[LA9XSA]

Typically, the large antenna arrays are what give qro stations their big signals, not the qro.

Well sometimes you need both the amp and the antenna, but the point is a good antenna system will improve both transmit and receive power. What I find amusing is how on the Internet at least, I've come across at least a couple people who seem to think the power amplifier on the receiving end makes one hear the QRP operator better. These must be the same people who buy an expensive inert decorative item to place on their stereo system which will magically improve their audio in proportion to how much they paid for it. 

I plan to spend at least as much effort and expense on antenna construction as I paid for my FT-817. After passing that point, I'll get an amplifier kit as well. Nothing wrong with QRO, but use only as much power as necessary for the intended communication.

[STAYVERTICAL]

Typically, the large antenna arrays are what give qro stations their big signals, not the qro.

Well sometimes you need both the amp and the antenna, but the point is a good antenna system will improve both transmit and receive power. What I find amusing is how on the Internet at least, I've come across at least a couple people who seem to think the power amplifier on the receiving end makes one hear the QRP operator better. These must be the same people who buy an expensive inert decorative item to place on their stereo system which will magically improve their audio in proportion to how much they paid for it.  

I plan to spend at least as much effort and expense on antenna construction as I paid for my FT-817. After passing that point, I'll get an amplifier kit as well. Nothing wrong with QRO, but use only as much power as necessary for the intended communication.

Absolutely correct.
I routinely hear and work guys using 5W with an efficient antenna/feedline system who have very good signals.
I personally experiment with antennas all the time, and am currently building a rhombic pointed at Japan.
I think my 5W will be enough to get me heard, but time will tell.
Of course if I pumped a KW into the rhombic, I would have no problems at all, but for my personality there is no challenge in that.

That is the essential point many qrp critics fail to recognise, its not the capture thats important for some - it's the chase.
I also like to do bow hunting with a recurve, so my ham radio orientation leans in the same direction.
Others use rifles or compound bows - it's the persons attitude to hunting and their prey that defines their gear.

And in the end, its Effective Radiated Power (ERP) that's important.
Every QRP enthusiast knows (or should), that they should use the best antenna they can, within the limitations of their circumstances.
But of course, part of the fun of QRP is that you can put your gear in your backpack, and with some light batteries, and a solar panel,
trek into the wilderness and run for weeks.

QRP is more about a state of mind, and the freedom to do things you cannot when chained to a vehicle or house.

73 - Rob

[G7DIE]

QRP works well with crap antennas and short skip. You can work  South America on dummy load if you wanted  to do that! Even 1 milliwatt works on 1 hop short skip,  Just remember the other stations system gain especially on RX makes up for your lack of power. You need to send the YV station a bottle of Whiskey for pain and suffering for having to listen to a weak signal in the noise!

Try working long path or short path into South Africa  or some other difficult path like into Asia, you wont be so impressed with QRP power and simple low antennas.

For effective communications without headaches you need at least 20 watts on SSB. 5 watts and under works well for CW. Angle of radiation is the best amplifier you can have!

500mW SBB long path to VK6, that's nearly 25,000km, is that DX enough for an FT817 and a shortened vertical antenna? This isn't a one off either I regularly work VK/ZL/JA long path on low power, and quite often with other mobile stations, maybe it's their mobile antenna doing all the work 

[KG4NEL]

Every QRP enthusiast knows (or should), that they should use the best antenna they can, within the limitations of their circumstances.
But of course, part of the fun of QRP is that you can put your gear in your backpack, and with some light batteries, and a solar panel,
trek into the wilderness and run for weeks.

QRP is more about a state of mind, and the freedom to do things you cannot when chained to a vehicle or house.

That's exactly why even though I know the reasons for high-gain antenna setups, I can't help but chuckle at the idea of using a K1 with a 120' tower full of stacked monobanders Just sort of ruins the "minimalist" ethos, I guess...

[W8JX]

500mW SBB long path to VK6, that's nearly 25,000km, is that DX enough for an FT817 and a shortened vertical antenna? This isn't a one off either I regularly work VK/ZL/JA long path on low power, and quite often with other mobile stations, maybe it's their mobile antenna doing all the work 

On not on 40 or 80 and only when conditions are good on upper bands. The real work in on the end receiving this low power signal. Can it be done? Sure but you cannot bank on it like you can higher power. I have worked a few QRP SSB rig on 40 (where i mostly hang out) and it was a tuff copy and not pleasant at times.  I  know I can get into VK land in morn on 40 pretty much any day on grey line but not with 5 watts that for sure.

[G7DIE]

On not on 40 or 80 and only when conditions are good on upper bands. The real work in on the end receiving this low power signal. Can it be done? Sure but you cannot bank on it like you can higher power. I have worked a few QRP SSB rig on 40 (where i mostly hang out) and it was a tuff copy and not pleasant at times.  I  know I can get into VK land in morn on 40 pretty much any day on grey line but not with 5 watts that for sure.

I'm not sure what you're trying to prove, is it that sometimes, on certain bands, and with certain conditions, 5W into a minimalist antenna isn't going to cut it, that being the case, you'll probably find you're preaching to the converted, QRP doesn't necessarily mean easy, it usually implies a little effort is required and making best use of one's equipment and current conditions. I've worked DX low power mobile on both 40 and 80m, but I'd be kidding no one to say it was a walk in the park.

As for the upper bands, I could quite easily work VK long path most mornings on 20m with just 5W and my backpack kit, but if I want a pile up I go QRO with 80W

[K5TED]

My 817ND finally returned home today after a 4 month stay at the Yaesu depot, waiting on a new FPU. Elated to have it back now, shiny clean, tuned and ready to go with a new battery for Field Day QRP ops.