Banner

QRP

Print
PDF

A short while back I purchased a nice Yaesu FT-817ND thinking it would be fun to have a portable operation in a pack that I can take with me whenever I decide to take a hike somewhere or just a day in the park. Well, I have learned that QRP can consume you. It is so much fun seeing who you can contact with 5 watts or less, before you know it you only operate QRP.  While I am a terrible CW op (anyone who has ever had the misfortune to meet me on CW knows) I enjoy it very much and it seems like the two just go together.  Even if you don't enjoy CW, QRP can still be loads of fun with SSB or digital modes. With a good antenna I think many would be suprised at how well you can do with low power.

There are many clubs that focus only on QRP operation and a person can gain a wealth of information from their websites and newsletters. It is also not necessary to go out and buy a low power only rig. Most HF rigs in use are capable of reducing power down to 5 watts. So why did I go off and buy a Yaesu 817? Well I wanted portable multiband operation. But if you just want to give it try why not turn down that power, you will be suprised at just what you can do with QRP. Even with our current conditions I have alot of fun working QRP and constantly find myself amazed at how well my little setup performs even when portable.  There are many QRP kits out there that can be built in a night or a weekend, depending on your experience.  I have built two Rockmites (RM20 & RM40) and they work very well.

The next addition to my portable station will be a small PC  (7 - 12 inch) for digital mode operation. I originally planned on the NUE-PSK but decided a small Ultra Portable PC would give many more options and make the extra cost of a small PC worth it in the long run. 

 I hope my short article has given you a little interst in QRP operation. Why do with more what you can do with less?

Here are a few links to some QRP sites with more information on the art of QRP operation.