Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: sub watt qrp  (Read 329 times)

KC3TEC

  • Posts: 150
    • HomeURL
sub watt qrp
« on: November 18, 2022, 07:03:36 PM »

while my trusdr is at 5 watts I'm working on a few ym, and yls. to get their tech licenses and have given them links to the 4sqrp site. I'm also teaching introductory classes in cw. I have purchased a couple of their code practice oscillators and built them.
I will be getting more for some of them to build. and will assist them with antenna construction.
its my hope that they continue on but if we set up even a small town wide network it will keep them interested.
anyhow i have built pixies and the crickets from 4sqrp.
while the pixie puts out a half watt its tends to be a bit noisy( 1st one i built) unless you use precision tolerance components.(2nd one i built)
and i picked up the signal on websdr in Utah.( Im in Pa.)

the crickets output 3/4 watt and are very simple to construct. ( you can also key down without an antenna attached without harming the final)
a properly matched antenna is crucial to their performance in transmitting, but for receiving you don't need to be fussy.

qrp is a fun challenge and while making a contact can be difficult, its also very rewarding.
a contact across the country or across town is still a contact and to make a contact on something you built whether kit or home brew is still a magical moment.
Logged

KG4LAC

  • Posts: 76
    • HomeURL
Re: sub watt qrp
« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2022, 06:19:36 AM »

Yes, QRP, IMO, is lots of fun. My WSPR transmitter of 0.2 watts is heard in Australia, Hawaii, Europe, Antarctica and the Artic Circle. Amazing what 0.2 watts can do.

Hopefully, same success once my QRP Labs QRP transceiver arrives.
Logged

KC3TEC

  • Posts: 150
    • HomeURL
Re: sub watt qrp
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2022, 07:49:10 AM »

Yes, QRP, IMO, is lots of fun. My WSPR transmitter of 0.2 watts is heard in Australia, Hawaii, Europe, Antarctica and the Artic Circle. Amazing what 0.2 watts can do.

Hopefully, same success once my QRP Labs QRP transceiver arrives.

The qrplabs transceivers are fun to build but not an easy one for a novice builder.
Calibration procedure should be run through about 5 times ( each time brings it closer and closer to peak calibration)
But they are a damn good radio.
If you purchased the radio pre built you have only to set up a good antenna and tuner if you desire.
They do have a good decoder but if your morse proficient you will be decoding by the sound anyway regardless of what the decoder is displaying.
Logged

HAMHOCK75

  • Member
  • Posts: 1297
Re: sub watt qrp
« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2022, 12:33:08 PM »

I applaud what your are doing. Where are you getting a decent key for the CW practice oscillators? I found a good key can make a  difference in whether newcomers pick up on CW because they can be adjusted to suite the user's fist.

If you like the (tr)uSDX, have you considered it instead of a separate CW practice oscillator and an Cricket? I just received an Amazon offer for the (tr)uSDX for $88 in kit form.

I own a used clone. I found the CW Decoder very useful. Not for receiving CW but I use it to improve my own sending.
Logged

KC3TEC

  • Posts: 150
    • HomeURL
Re: sub watt qrp
« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2022, 05:54:46 PM »

The code practice oscillator kits come with their own key that is attached to the board with 2 screws and spacers.
Functional but not ideal for everyone.

To use custom keys its just as easy to home brew a simple cpo using an earphone or mic jack of your choice.
This way you can use straight key, sideswiper. Or an iambic like the crick key ( since it has its own speed adjustment circuitry)
Logged

KU3X

  • Posts: 878
    • HomeURL
Re: sub watt qrp
« Reply #5 on: November 20, 2022, 05:08:22 AM »

I go from QRPp to QRO. I've been working QRP, from time to time, for over 40 years and find it very rewarding when I work DX with only 5 watts. When I purchased my KX3, I decided to work 100 countries again. It only took me three months to do so. I did not operate during a contest to get them.
Remember the Rockmite? Those little guys were only 1/2 watt. My friend, now a silent key, worked a VK station with CW and he lived in the eastern part of PA.......with the Rockmite.
At only 5 watts out I've gotten a lot of signal reports were I was 10 db over S9.
Like someone posted a comment on one of the forums, pertaining to QRP, "You are always S9 somewhere. "
Barry, KU3X
Logged

KD7RDZI2

  • Member
  • Posts: 689
Re: sub watt qrp
« Reply #6 on: November 20, 2022, 09:51:30 AM »

Running QRO calling CQ you develop some abilities in getting the call quicker to load as many contacts as possible on the log. Running QRP,  you usually search someone to have a QSO, you know his/her callsign before calling and, if you cannot have a QSO immediately, you understand when you might have a QSO maybe just a bit later. QRP is like surfing, riding the right wave, QRO is doing the same thing but with a motorboat ;D
« Last Edit: November 20, 2022, 09:54:45 AM by KD7RDZI2 »
Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up