Survey Comments
I do some QRP
I do sometimes operate QRP on CW just to see what I can do. Sometimes I'll park on one of the QRP frequencies and call CQ and other times I tune around for a CQ, QRP or otherwise, and try to call them running 5 watts or less just to see if I get an answer.
Another thing I've recently started trying was firing up the rig with 1 watt and seeing who responds, or responding a CQ with 1 watt to see if they come back. It can be a challenge.
If you want to try it, 30 meters is a great band for QRP.
Jonathan, KB5IAV
Posted by
KB5IAV on 2004-01-29
Mikey tried it, did not like it. :)
In NYC QRP does not cut the mustard.
Even on CW, it took me hours to get three contacts.
Posted by
WA2JJH on 2004-01-24
qrp operation
I have just purchased an Icom IC-725 from E-bay. Once recieved Im going to drop the minumum power to 5 watts and use it for a nice qrp rig. I think it takes great skill to use qrp as opposed to pumping legal limit through your antenna. I use cw only and with just 5 watts most times you can work the entire US and Canada,and if conditions are right,alot of dx. Count me in as a qrp fan! Vaughn-N1XV ex AB7UW
Posted by
AB7UW-MONTANA on 2004-01-14
QRP
WHATS QRP? Does this mean you cannot afford a good amp? QRO all the way
Posted by
KX2S on 2004-01-05
QRP
This survey was written in a strange way.
Four of the answers are essentially a "YES"
response....so I read that to mean that 61%
of the respondees DO operate QRP in some form......long live QRP!!! QRO leads to a
dull life.
73
Posted by
W5EEX on 2003-12-29
Listen for the weak ones
I don't run QRP, and frequently have an amp on, running 800watts. However I really appreciate the challenge that some hams take on with QRP. So if I have called CQ and several stations return my call, I'm now more likely to respond to the weaker station - whether limited by antenna or power.
Posted by
K0IZ on 2003-12-29
Listen for the weak ones
I don't run QRP, and frequently have an amp on, running 800watts. However I really appreciate the challenge that some hams take on with QRP. So if I have called CQ and several stations return my call, I'm now more likely to respond to the weaker station - whether limited by antenna or power.
Posted by
K0IZ on 2003-12-29
Low power portable/mobile
I use low power, but not because I want my identity to consist of a Q-signal. The FT-817 is my mobile radio because it's convenient and portable (twice the size of a handheld) and I operate single-op-portable (no longer called QRP portable) in VHF contests because I'm competitive in that category. Low power is not the objective, but portability is - and if you're hearing me, I'm just in compliance with the FCC rule for "minimum power to insure reliable communication."
Posted by
N3EG on 2003-12-29
Like Fishin...
I operate QRP Mobile using the FT-817 and the Outbacker on all HF bands including VHF to my echolink station...
It's like fishin...sometimes they bite and sometimes they don't but it's more satisfying after you've snagged one :-)
Pablo WA6RSV
Posted by
WA6RSV on 2003-12-27
QRP
Life is way too short for QRP.
Posted by
W9WHE on 2003-12-26
QRP Operation
I routinely run around 25 watts RF on CW with my 100 W rig. Though not QRP by definition,, the audible difference between 100 watts and 25 watts is about 1 s unit. My transmitter and power supplies run cooler and I enjoy using lower power levels to communicate.
Good DX!
Mike
Posted by
AK7P on 2003-12-26
QRP
QRP is fun. It is similar to fishing, the more you do it, the more experienced you become, and you try thinner lines, to trick the fish. It is the same with QRP. I used 600W with monobanders. It is fun, but becomes boring. There is 'always propagation' if you turn your antenna to a direction. I can work all stations I can hear. Or just call CQ and everybody is coming back from all islands of the world. I got bored. 100 W is better, but 5W is great. You have to fight for a QSO. It needs time, expertise, and you feel great if you manage to break a pile up with tricks. So we people are different, everybody likes different taste of food, and different way of communication. One more thing about QRP. You can overcome a common problem with radio: 'You guys just sit in smoky rooms and listen to noises...'. Well QRP lets you go out to nature, hike, camp, etc. So have fun. Bye! Lajos
Posted by
AA1BW on 2003-12-25
double challenge
i think qrp is great , i dont run qrp , but surely do resepct the hams that do .
i work most all cw & my favorite band is 80 mtrs . i run across a lot of homebrewers / qrp/old boat anchors , i find it very exciteing to work all of the above , as it is a way to see how ones antennas preform & our recivers , as well as our copying capibilities under marginal condx .
so keep it up , i enjy qrp as much as the fella that runs it . its a class of dxing all by its self .
ill be listening for u o^o 73s
BILL K8fly
Posted by
K8FLY on 2003-12-23
QRP Ops
Regarding QRP: it's the receiving operator who deserves the congratulations, not the transmitting op. Many times in my ham tenure I have listened to boring old windbags who bragged about bagging India on 1/2 W...
So what? It's the guy in India who should be congratulated for digging the peanut out of the hash and trash.
Certainly the ops who use QRP when possible and QRO when necessary and something in between are following good operating practice.
I operate 5 W or less because that is all I have, and I am ok with that.
Posted by
KF6HCD on 2003-12-23
QRP Ops
Regarding QRP: it's the receiving operator who deserves the congratulations, not the transmitting op. Many times in my ham tenure I have listened to boring old windbags who bragged about bagging India on 1/2 W...
So what? It's the guy in India who should be congratulated for digging the peanut out of the hash and trash.
Certainly the ops who use QRP when possible and QRO when necessary and something in between are following good operating practice.
I operate 5 W or less because that is all I have, and I am ok with that.
Posted by
KF6HCD on 2003-12-23
Sometimes
I like to operate QRP for a change of pace. It is fun to see how far away a watt or two will go. I would prpbably operate more of it if my cw was better.
Bill KW4J
Posted by
N8MIQ on 2003-12-23
Yes and No
When working cw on 20 or 40 meters, quite often QRP stations come back to me....so I try to reciprocate. If I turn the power all the way down on my IC-746PRO, my external wattmeter says I am putting out about 2.5 watts. Not REAL QRP but satisfying none the less.
Posted by
W1HEN on 2003-12-22
Yes and No
When working cw on 20 or 40 meters, quite often QRP stations come back to me....so I try to reciprocate. If I turn the power all the way down on my IC-746PRO, my external wattmeter says I am putting out about 2.5 watts. Not REAL QRP but satisfying none the less.
Posted by
W1HEN on 2003-12-22
An Insult
QRP is an insult to my amplifier. :-)
Posted by
KL9A on 2003-12-21
QRP
is driving a alpha 87a with 5 watts still considered QRP somehow? :-)
Posted by
KB9UWU on 2003-12-21
Do you operate QRP
Several years ago, I built a one tube transmitter using a 30 tube on 80 meters.
I recently found it again, and put it back
on the air. It's only about two watts out
on a good day, but having a blast playing
with it. I'm trying WAS on CW QRP again.
73's Chuck K8BBE
Posted by
K8BBE on 2003-12-21
QRP Operation
I purchased a FT-817 about a month ago and am using it with an Outbacker Joey. Wow what a kick. Almost as much fun as when I got my ticket 50 years ago. Takes more timing to work the DX stations but can be done.
Posted by
W0KE on 2003-12-21
I just became a convert
After 20-odd years I suddenly became a convert.
I never thought I was interested in QRP. Well, I started with a 20 W HF transceiver, then upgraded to 100 W and have always used such equipment. I always dreamt of a kilowatt, which I never had (I live in an urban area).
This weekend I laid my hands on an FT-817. Oh men, what a nice piece of toy! With the internal battery pack and 2.5 Watts, with a short homemade whip, standing freezing (it's winter) on the balcony, I made more than a dozen QSOs on 20 and 40 meters in an hour or so. Great fun indeed! Much more fun than working the same stations from the shack, sitting in a cosy armchair, putting out 100W.
73! Chris, HA5X
Posted by
HA5X on 2003-12-21
1474 Miles on 500 mW
After building a Rockmite 20, my first contact was with K7TQ in Moscow, Idaho - 1474 miles from my qth on 1/2 a watt! Thats equal to 2948 miles per watt. Whats impressive is, he gave me a 5-5-9 on it. Not a great rst, but for 1/2 a watt 1474 miles away using a ground-mount vertical, that's not bad at all and made it all worth while.
P.S. - He answered the first "CQ" I sent on it. Back then, I was kc0pfc...
73 de
af0h - Rob
Posted by
FORMER_AF0H_RH on 2003-12-21
1474 Miles on 500 mW
After building a Rockmite 20, my first contact was with K7TQ in Moscow, Idaho - 1474 miles from my qth on 1/2 a watt! Thats equal to 2948 miles per watt. Whats impressive is, he gave me a 5-5-9 on it. Not a great rst, but for 1/2 a watt 1474 miles away using a ground-mount vertical, that's not bad at all and made it all worth while.
P.S. - He answered the first "CQ" I sent on it. Back then, I was kc0pfc...
73 de
af0h - Rob
Posted by
FORMER_AF0H_RH on 2003-12-21
1474 Miles on 500 mW
After building a Rockmite 20, my first contact was with K7TQ in Moscow, Idaho - 1474 miles from my qth on 1/2 a watt! Thats equal to 2948 miles per watt. Whats impressive is, he gave me a 5-5-9 on it. Not a great rst, but for 1/2 a watt 1474 miles away using a ground-mount vertical, that's not bad at all and made it all worth while.
P.S. - He answered the first "CQ" I sent on it. Back then, I was kc0pfc...
73 de
af0h - Rob
Posted by
FORMER_AF0H_RH on 2003-12-21
QRP
Actually, the FCC rule for transmitter power reads this way: An amateur station must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications.
Many of the rules for amateur radio are written loosely to allow operators a great deal of flexibility. One size does not fit all and nothing is the "only way to go". This rule lets us put our own definition on exactly what the desired communications are. Most of the time my desired communications are with signals that are well above the noise where copy is comfortable and not a struggle.
Posted by
W8CVE on 2003-12-20
Good Operating Practice
The amateur regulations state that we should use no more transmitter output than is necessary to maintain reliable communications. When conditions are good, QRP is reliable, but not always.
If all you have is QRP, then make the most of it and have a good antenna system, but if you aren't willing to do this be patient with the rest of us trying to copy your crappy signal.
I am all for using the minimum power necessary for reliable communications, but let's put the emphasis on RELIABLE!
It makes sense to reduce power to save your batteries during EmCom situations, but it's sure nice to be able to crank up the juice a little bit when copy if difficult.
For the record all of my HF operation is "barefoot," 50w or less (mostly on 60 meters) from the fixed station, and 100w or less from the mobile, about 50-50 split between 40m and 60m, all SSB.
I enjoy working the QRP and pedestrian mobiles on HFPack, but it is sometimes a challenge, but no worse than working weak signal SSB on 2 meters.
Posted by
KE4SKY on 2003-12-19
QRP
QUOTE from WB4WXD:
"A couple of the fellows indicated that "life was to short for qrp". Wonder how short their attention span was when the teacher covered to, two and too in grammer class. In any event.... QRP is a "mode" just like any other interest in our hobby. There's room for everybody. It even rekindled my interest in CW. 72 to all"
*****************************************
Lets see how do you spell LID. I've got it WB4WXD
Posted by
KX2S on 2003-12-18
QRP is another mode of many...
Well, some people like the challenge.
But I was necessarily forced to use low power for quite a while. When you can hear everybody else but nobody can hear you, the fun goes away REAL fast.
But I'm not standing in anyone's way of enjoying ham radio their way... have at it! And if I can hear you calling, I'll try to answer you.
Posted by
AD7DB on 2003-12-18
Spell
I agree wit da comment dat a lot of dem hams not be knowin how two spell to well but tanks to youz for pointing dat out too dem so dat dey can be fixin der mistakes. Peace out, my minizu in da hizow.
Posted by
AMATEUR2OO3 on 2003-12-18
To each his own
I certainly can believe that operating QRP can be fun...and there are lots of QRP stations that have really incredible signals...but one has to admit that often times, a good portion of the "ability" goes to the guy at the OTHER end of the QSO for his being able to pick hear that QRP signal!
Mike N2MG
Posted by
N2MG on 2003-12-16
Spell?
A couple of the fellows indicated that "life was to short for qrp". Wonder how short their attention span was when the teacher covered to, two and too in grammer class. In any event.... QRP is a "mode" just like any other interest in our hobby. There's room for everybody. It even rekindled my interest in CW.
72 to all
Posted by
WB4WXD on 2003-12-16
QRP now but going to QRO
I'm operating QRP now. But I'm going to build a little linear for my QRP TRX soon.
Posted by
UT7UX on 2003-12-15
PSK31 ideal for QRP
I just started to operate QRP on business trips with a http://www.smallwonderlabs.com PSK31 kit, running about 4watt on 20m.
4watt PSK31 on 80m is also in the pipeline.
PSK31 is a mode that lends itself naturally for QRP operations due to its small bandwidth and therefore modest signal to noise requirements.
73 de Serge ON4BAA / HB9DWU
http://salsawaves.com/propagation/
Posted by
ON4BAA on 2003-12-13
QRP
I have worked over 2600 QSO's with QRP (5 Watts). I have earned DXCC on CW, Millenium DXCC, and DXCC QRP. I have 145 DXCC entities worked with QRP. The comment that "life is too short for QRP" is a lazy ham's comment. QRP operation requires skill and dedication.
Posted by
W5RYA on 2003-12-12
QRP
I operate QRP "sometimes" at "less than 5wts" & "mostly" on CW using a MX6S (1w on a good day) During the aftermath of hurricane Hugo I was on the coast of S.C. using a 1/4 wave magmount on a '73 Ford Pinto & worked the left coast on ssb most of the afternoon! (I got the QSLs to prove it) On top of Kennesaw Mtn in GA (750'agl) I wrkd Lookout Mtn,TN abt 90mi on ssb... Standing in my front yard using the pullout whip I wrkd a Ham 60mi away on ssb but he can hear men talking on the moon! Six mtr QRP dx is "a real cool time, dudes" de KT4XF
Posted by
KT4XF on 2003-12-12
more QRP
P.S. ...I also run my old AMECO AC-1 on 160mtr cw at 1.812 (but it's not a qrp rig; it puts out 7-10w to a 150' wire)
Posted by
KT4XF on 2003-12-12
Do you operate QRP
Many years ago, I ran QRP to avoid RF interference to my dorm-mates. I found out that it was fun. It's like bow-hunting vs using a rifle.
Today I still run very simple wire antennas and <5watts on 15/20m phone. I only use higher power when I'm mobile, keeping a sked, or during nets (to enhance reliability).
Give it a try...you might enjoy it!
73 de kt0mm
Posted by
KT0MM on 2003-12-12
QRP
I run an 817 in my van and also take it out for portable use. I have a yaesu 100d for use in the house. Which radio do you think I get more pleasure out of makeing contacts with. The yeasu 817 of course. There is something about getting a good signal report from 5 watts and a hamstick that is missing from getting a good signal from 100 watts. Besides 100 watts seems like cheating now.
72 KF4MKJ
Posted by
KF4MKJ on 2003-12-12
QRP
I have a couple of 2Meter radios that qualify for that but my 10 M. is 25 W. max rated.
Posted by
AB8RU on 2003-12-11
Auf der Dauer
Auf der Dauer hilft nur Power! That means that in the end, power is what counts.
I have an FT-817 and use it with it's 5W. Didn't work any foreighn country...
Posted by
PE1RLN on 2003-12-10
QRP Sweepstakes
Worked 69 sections and 294 contacts during Sweepstakes, 5 watts the whole time. What's more the neighbors didn't know it, the XYL didn't know it, all the phones and tv's in the neighborhood were uneffected. The power company didn't know it either, solar charged battery power the whole time. If I heard them I worked them. The electric bill is too high for QRO... hi hi Why waste the electrons when 5 watts and patience will work the world!
Posted by
KJ5RM on 2003-12-10
BPL
Even if BPL produced no interference to Amateur Radio, its susceptibility to interference would be a major problem. When you are outnumbered 1000 to 1 you lose - Right, Wrong, of Indifferent.
If BPL were to become widespread the resulting interference to internet communications by Amateurs would cause a major public movement to curtail its use.
Posted by
KF7CG on 2003-12-10
QRP is the only way to go
I operate QRP about 95% of the time. If someone can't copy me well I do turn the power up. I do own a 100W rig but I rarely end up using it. If I'm getting a 57 or 58 report what's the point of running more power?
Have I worked the world? Yes. OK, it's not "on demand". Over the last 19 years, though, I've amassed an impressive collection of QSL cards from all over the place.
"Life's too short for QRP"? Nonsense! Ham radio is too boring at higher power levels. Working Europe on 20m at 100W is like shooting fish in a barrel. Where's the challenge?
WB2WIK, N0RKX: Not fun for the other station? If they can't hear me well I have two options: turn up the power or say 73 and move on. I do not believe in making the other station work for my contact and operating QRP does NOT necessarily mean being down in the noise.
TECH2003: FM only counts when simplex. If you're running through a repeater the repeater is doing all the work. When you get an SSB/CW HT (or other low power rig) for 6m or 2m or else upgrade and get one for HF then I'll consider you a legit QRP operator. Not before.
KX2S: 100W is not QRP for anyone. "Sometimes" you turn off the amp? Whatever happened to the bit in Part 97 about using the minimum power necessary for reliable communications? Do you not believe in following FCC rules? If 100W doesn't get you through by all means turn on the amp. You do DX the easy way. I do it the hard way. I still get it done :)
My favorite HF QRP rigs: Tokyo Hy-Power HT-750 3W SSB/CW HT for 6/15/40 meters, various Mizuho monoband SSB/CW HTs, Mizuho P-7DX and P-21DX CW QRPp rigs, Mizuho QX-21.
My favorite VHF/UHF QRP rigs: The same THP HT, just on 6m :) Mizuho MX-2, MX-6S, MX-6Z. Icom IC-502, IC-202, IC-302. Someday I hope to get the Nishi Musen SSB/CW 2m and 70cm HTs as well.
72/73,
Caity
K7VO
Posted by
K7VO on 2003-12-10
do you operate QRP
Well, I operate PSK31,I have my PSKmeter set to 15 watts. At what power is it QRP with digital? I regard 50W as QRO and 100w as a "California Kilowatt".
Posted by
AF2RF on 2003-12-10
I use QRP with my 817
I test my FT-817 sometime. I don't have any beam antenna and any tower. I only have a verticle antenna. Therefore, I can not compete with other big gun. One time, I made contact with a ham in Japan. This was very good. He said my signal was about S4+. Someday, making contact with MN,MS, and other states have no problem with FT_817 and verticle antenna. I use the QRP during most the VHF/UHF contest.
Posted by
KQ6EE on 2003-12-09
QRP
I sometimes run QRP(100W). I turn off the amp. Thats QRP to a DX'er
73 Ed
Posted by
KX2S on 2003-12-08
QRP
Life is to short for QRP!
Posted by
KX2S on 2003-12-08
Time and place
Building a single-transistor TX was what got me into radio in the first place, and after a few years QRT, building a K2 was what got me back into it. I've had loads of fun with the little miracle rig and still take it with me on trips, although I've now reverted to my old TS850 and amp for day-to-day DXing and serious contesting. I always make a special effort to work other QRPers though and will QRP on demand. Working real DX with QRP is hard work but very rewarding: family members can hardly believe "the power of a torchbulb" will span at least half the globe!
73 Gary G4iFB (aka "little i")
Posted by
G4IFB on 2003-12-08
QRP is fun
One of my first contacts with my FT817 was with a guy in Argentina. He had just put up a home brewed dipole for 10m and running 100 w. I was mobile, ham stick, 5 watts. . .no signal reports. . it was just audio both ends. Great 25 minutes QSO (band was quiet). After the first 5 minutes, we forgot equipment stuff and just enjoyed a nice talk.
If there is a will, there is a way.
Posted by
KF6CET on 2003-12-07
50mhz qrp
Worked a guy in Argentina on 50mhz in early 90's he was in a tractor and running 4 watts on AM and I has 25watts to a 5ele
Charles EI5FK
Posted by
EI5FK on 2003-12-07
qrp with a yaesu ft817
i have just brought a ft817 to use portable and managed to worked bill W1ZY on 15m the other day using 1/2 a watt and he gave me a 5 by 6 report,i was using a cushcraft ma5b mini beam and the qth is 1000ft asl..it just goes to prove that (life is not to short for qrp)and it really is great fun, i must admit you have to be very patient sometimes and keep calling cq without any replys but when a station does come back to you and you manage to work the station it makes it all worth while,i also managed to work a station in the indian ocean with 2.5 watts on the same day.
just goes to show you dont need a huge antenna farm and 1000+ watts to make contacts even if sunspot cycle 23 has almost gone.
jim, 2E1SDX
England.
Posted by
2E1SDX on 2003-12-06
qrp
I know qrp is not for everyone, but it has sure made ham radio more fun for me. This last year I have been operating qrp/mm from my kayak with a ten-tec 1340 rig and hamstick antenna running 5w. So far I've logged 57 qso's and the delight in hearing back, "thats a first kayak contact" makes my day. It's been fun and I get to enjoy the great outdoors at the same time. For me to set in the house in the summer time and spend time operating is hard to do when I could be outside. The qrp hams are just great people who like to build radio's, antenna's, hike in the woods, camp,and just have fun with a wonderful hobby.
Bud w8bhk
Posted by
W8BHK on 2003-12-06
Wind Chimes
Nice Article. I am happy to have known hams who have dedicated their hamming to 1 watt and less. Their skills in recieving are legendary. I like to kick my stuff up a notch, but that's just me. Whatever kind of hamming you do, it should be fun and satisfying. Try all the flavors and then pick favorites.
If you are QRO in the living room, what are you in the bathroom?
QRPeein.
Posted by
K8DIT on 2003-12-06
QRP Operating
With several Pixie II's, 1 Tiny Tornado, FT-817, Tuna II's kicking around, the FT 890/AT gets little use. I do agree with some comments about QRP sigs being a pain to copy on the other end, but if the contact is as interested in hearing/working QRP,fine.
The biggest kick is getting a 5/9, or 5/9/9 and THEN telling that I am operating QRP. I find more comebacks to CQ's when I do not tag QRP on to the CQ. By the way, just a ladderline fed dipole through a BLT tuner, no beams, etc.
Posted by
WA1GJF on 2003-12-06
QRP
Forgot to mention that I built 2 of Phil's (AD5X) potable vertical antennas. They work dynamite on 40 meters & up with QRP.
Posted by
WA1GJF on 2003-12-06
QRP
Forgot to mention that I built 2 of Phil's (AD5X) portable vertical antennas. They work dynamite on 40 meters & up with QRP.
Posted by
WA1GJF on 2003-12-06
I operate Q R P BELOW 1 WATT ON my KX1 regularly.
Kit building and QRP go well together and have renewed e my interest in CW.
Posted by
K9YEQ on 2003-12-06
SSB Only
My FT-817 is about the most fun rig I've had. It's amazing what 5-watts can do. Primaily do 40, 20 and 75-meters, in that order and all SSB.
joel / N5LXI
Posted by
N5LXI on 2003-12-05
More fun per watt
I've got cards for my Worked All States using 100w and now I've got a chance to do it all again with 5w. I'm about half way there already! I've got an FT-817, built a Pixie II (40m), just finished a RockMite (20m), and am seriously looking into a K2. (I sold my K1 to a ham who really wanted one but didn't have the eyes to build one anymore. I'm starting to know what he meant... my eyes are starting to get old, too!)
Tim (KT8K) wrote:
"Can you imagine seeing a 4 watt night light from 4000 miles away?" That's it exactly. This stuff is AMAZING!
Also, congratulations to K8AG! 2200 miles per watt is very impressive. Quality Replaces Power, even with the conditions as tough as they've been lately, is still fun. Like many who have posted before me, I urge everybody to at least try it.
72! :-)
-- Scott (NE1RD)
Posted by
NE1RD on 2003-12-05
is 10 watts QRP om 2 meters ?
I kinda get a kick out of working SSB on 2 meters, 10 watts. Out to a 1000 miles or so, if I'm lucky, and yes, the key to sucess is lots of metal in the air, ya just cant beat long beams at any frequency.
Posted by
N5WVC on 2003-12-04
Two words: Elecraft K2
No, I may not be able to punch thru the pileup like some of the Kalifornia Kilowatts but otherwise there is something very satisfying about the resulting surprise when I report I'm running 10 watts (or usually less).
Posted by
K5PU on 2003-12-04
QRP is fun, and weak signals happen anyway
I have heard very weak signals that came from killer-watt stations, so copying weak signals is something we all do. I don't think that makes it less fun, in fact, I enjoy recounting the time I worked a KL7 when his CW signal was so weak on 40M I thought I was copying by ESP. He was IN the noise level.
I often don't admit what power level I'm running (never >5 watts) because atmospherics are what really make signals weak or strong, and no amount of power can compensate when Mother Nature is against you.
The challenge of QRP is what it's all about. I ask people "can you imagine seeing a 4 watt night light from 4000 miles away?"
72 es best rx de KT8K - Tim
Posted by
KT8K on 2003-12-04
No...but...
I am looking at one of the Oak Hills Reasearch 100 series rigs as a winter project...so that could change!!
Posted by
KE4MOB on 2003-12-03
yes!
I have been operating qrp since Heathkit came out with the hw9 which was my only station for several years. I now use a k1 with great success and it is so much fun!
5 watts cw!
Posted by
K6XR on 2003-12-03
Tried it once
I answered "no" because it has been ten years since I used QRP with a borrowed HW-8. Yes, I worked some good DX with QRP, but realized most of the stations I was working were the big contest stations and that my QSO's were more reflective of the other operator's efforts at station-building and operating prowess than my own! Those who use low power need to maintain some perspective concerning their accomplishments.
Posted by
NI0C on 2003-12-03
Hmmm...
Yes Phil AD5X, thought the same myself.
Posted by
M0BAU on 2003-12-03
Why is it that the ORP awards go to the guy sending with 5 watts or less rather than the guy who has to dig that signal out of the QRM and QRN? Seems to me that QRP ought to go to the people with the skills to fight the interfrence and complete the QSO.
Posted by
N0RKX on 2003-12-03
The Real Deal ......
Well it seems that looking at the results so far it's yes and no for QRP operation. Speaking as an avid "QRPer" making the contact is what counts! It dosen't matter if you get an award or not, it dosen't matter if the operator at the end of the QSO gets an award or not. It seems to me that ham operators are missing the point .... again I say: MAKING THE CONTACT!
I run 1-5watts at home and out in field with great success. About 80% of my contacts are SSB and the rest is digital. The key to great and fun QRP is THE ANTENNA...... not running over 100watts, not running over 500watts and certainly not running a 1k or more which is ridiculous. I hear more operators running in excess of 200watts just to make a contact and be heard. Well gentleman what ever happened to running the least amount of power needed.
A case in point - I was trying to check into a 80meter RACES Net and couldn't.....why - because there were (4) operators running EACH over 500watts and were just rag chewing. Not only could I check in but others couldn't either. The operators in question were in the US, but why so much power for simple rag-chewing?
When there are contests I will play also and I go against the bigboys with there high-powered toys and I do win! Maybe QRP isn't for everyone but that's the nice thing about ham radio - there are different things one could do. The next time you have a contact with a QRPer ask what he/she is running, ask what kind of antenna they are using. If they have a great signal ----- IT'S THE ANTENNA!!! not how much power he/she is using.
Have fun, 73
Jim - K1RMS/QRP
Posted by
K1RMS on 2003-12-03
The Real Deal ......
Well it seems that looking at the results so far it's yes and no for QRP operation. Speaking as an avid "QRPer" making the contact is what counts! It dosen't matter if you get an award or not, it dosen't matter if the operator at the end of the QSO gets an award or not. It seems to me that ham operators are missing the point .... again I say: MAKING THE CONTACT!
I run 1-5watts at home and out in field with great success. About 80% of my contacts are SSB and the rest is digital. The key to great and fun QRP is THE ANTENNA...... not running over 100watts, not running over 500watts and certainly not running a 1k or more which is ridiculous. I hear more operators running in excess of 200watts just to make a contact and be heard. Well gentleman what ever happened to running the least amount of power needed.
A case in point - I was trying to check into a 80meter RACES Net and couldn't.....why - because there were (4) operators running EACH over 500watts and were just rag chewing. Not only could I check in but others couldn't either. The operators in question were in the US, but why so much power for simple rag-chewing?
When there are contests I will play also and I go against the bigboys with there high-powered toys and I do win! Maybe QRP isn't for everyone but that's the nice thing about ham radio - there are different things one could do. The next time you have a contact with a QRPer ask what he/she is running, ask what kind of antenna they are using. If they have a great signal ----- IT'S THE ANTENNA!!! not how much power he/she is using.
Have fun, 73
Jim - K1RMS/QRP
Posted by
K1RMS on 2003-12-03
Fun only for the guy transmitting
I agree with N0RKX.
I sometimes work QRP or QRPp and it can indeed be lots of fun to make contacts with almost no power. But it's usually not a lot of fun for the other station, who has to listen to my weak signal.
It's also not much fun having to listen to other peoples' weak signals when I'm running higher power and they're calling me on top of each other...with nobody strong enough for solid copy.
Operating a minimal station surely builds operating skills for all concerned, but I don't see any reason to use low power on a noisy band with marginal propagation.
Posted by
WB2WIK on 2003-12-03
2200 miles per watt
Just finished my Pixie II last week and had a QSO with a friend nearly 300 miles away. My P2 puts out around 115 mW. Wow! Everybody should try this.
73
Posted by
K8AG on 2003-12-03
QRP
I am an exlusive QRP operator. My HT only puts out 5 watts and sometime I even use less.
Posted by
TECH2003 on 2003-12-03
QRP'ing
For me, the fun in qrp is not just that you built the rig yourself, but when you get that qso under almost impossible working conditions using a ground wire.... wow...
73s Reb G0CJM/G6XCJ
Posted by
G0CJM on 2003-12-03
QRP
I have enjoyed building two QRP rigs and making contacts with them, both from home and during camping trips. With the rise of QRP popularity, it is often possible to work other QRP stations. However, I must admit that I feel guilty if the receiving QRO station has to struggle to receive me while I have comfortable armchair copy.
Posted by
AE7I on 2003-12-03
Takes Receiving skills !
My main interest in radio for many years has been receiving skills. I have enjoyed experimenting with many filters, techniques, receiving antennas, and tricks. I get great satisfaction in working a couple hundred QRP stations in a weekend during QRP tests.
Bill K8NQC/W8BD
Posted by
K8NQC on 2003-12-03
Do you operate QRP
I operate QRP "sometimes" at "less than 5 watts" and "only on cw". I wonder how to answer...
Phil - AD5X
Posted by
AD5X on 2003-12-02
Life...
Sometimes life is too short for QRP. But all the awards are out of the way, could have some fun.
Busy now trying DXCC mobile.
Best, 73
Posted by
KB0ETC on 2003-12-02