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Author Topic: QRP and Field Day  (Read 604 times)

N4OGW

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Re: QRP and Field Day
« Reply #15 on: June 17, 2021, 07:20:31 AM »

Field Day as single op QRP is fun and you can make a lot of contacts if you run 100% CW. I had 950 qsos (all CW) in 2007 running a K2 and two dipoles.

In my experience multi-op QRP with many transmitters is not much fun. Typically there will only be one or two band/modes where conditions allow a good rate while QRP. The other stations are stuck trying to make QRP contacts under marginal conditions or modes (like SSB on a crowded band). In the end you won't make a lot more contacts than the single op could, since they can choose to always be on the best band/mode.

Tor N4OGW
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WB7DND

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Re: QRP and Field Day
« Reply #16 on: June 17, 2021, 08:41:30 PM »

"This year I  propose to do super self-powered QRP. I will have a copper plate under my right armpit and a zinc under my left. Power will depend on ambient temperature and how fast I work CW. Not so much the choice of electrodes as much as the internal resistance of my body.  I wonder whether ARRL has a class definition and multiplier for self-powered (including tread mill, stationary bike, hand crank etc.)"

Sometimes QRP, especially at the bottom of a sunspot cycle, can be (wait for it) . . . the pits.
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K5LXP

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Re: QRP and Field Day
« Reply #17 on: June 17, 2021, 09:00:45 PM »

It's been over 20 years I've operated QRO, FD is so much more fun QRP.

Antennas, antennas, antennas.  Figure most field stations are running 100W and a dipole, so starting off 13dB down from there you need the best antennas you can put up.  A dipole works but any dB of gain you can get you will want.

Arse in chair - contacts are only made when the radio is operated.  Far too many groups I've gone with give up when the bands slow down, food shows up or folks want to get shut eye.  Schedule op time in advance and have details like food or other activities worked out.

Log with a computer, preferably one that's talking to the radio and keeps track of band and mode.  If you're ever taking your hands off the keyboard tuning by hand or working a paddle, you're wasting time.

Set realistic goals.  Since I can't run 24 hours by myself I use Q rates to compare with.  If this is a group/club and you want any chance at all of scoring in the top 50% you're going to need all the bonus points.  Someone needs to make this happen, it takes some effort to do so.

Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM
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WB0CJB

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  • Posts: 274
Re: QRP and Field Day
« Reply #18 on: June 18, 2021, 06:19:37 AM »

Our club is more of a social club and not so much a FD oriented group. We have a few that are big into FD operating but the pandemic, age, and caring for family who are in declining health has thinned our group.

One of of our group has a tough time keeping his butt in chair (his words). But he's a very good op and a good friend so I just chuckle when he bails. I always stress that we're not taskmasters driving everyone to make more Q's as fast as possible, but if we're going to make an effort to do FD in the TN heat lets at least make a decent showing.

The QRO stations will be getting to use the bandpass filters. I am looking forward to operating QRP as I've never have tried it at FD. I knew one ham (W0AV) who always did FD with a QRP group in Kansas City but I never took the time to look into it. Evidently they were quite successful.

Thanks for all the advice and continue to offer your thoughts. See you all at FD from W4GGM 4A TN.

73 es GL

Paul
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N3ZP

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Re: QRP and Field Day
« Reply #19 on: June 21, 2021, 10:26:13 AM »

I have done QRP Field Day several times in the past and have had fun and met my goal of at least 200 QSOs. I usually operate about 12 hours, depending on weather and how tired I get. I will be doing QRP FD this year with my friend Scotty, KG9Z, operating 1B Battery with an IC-705 and a variety of antennas, including a SteppIR Crank IR, Home Brew 80 meter End Fed and possibly a 40 Meter Dipole or End Fed. We will mostly work CW but may try some FT8 and some SSB, although QRP SSB can be frustrating. We intend to have fun and there will be some beer, burgers and brats consumed.
« Last Edit: June 21, 2021, 10:30:18 AM by N3ZP »
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VK3YE

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Re: QRP and Field Day
« Reply #20 on: June 21, 2021, 06:25:25 PM »

The VK Field Day is quieter than other countries field days.

Which can be handy if you attempt it with crystal control and a primitive receiver.

Which I did earlier this year.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGBvJZx69uI

This is more typical though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5PoVG9foH8
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Peter VK3YE/AK3YE    Youtube videos at VK3YE

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