I read the March QST Correspondence about why QRP and felt it needed a
reply. Here is a copy of my letter to the League, I encourage others to
reply. BTW, according to QRZ.COM, KD6POC is newly upgraded to extra
(Sept'96) and is 17 years old. I sent him a copy of this letter. He is
probably uninformed about QRP, so let's not flame him beyond recognition!
72,
Ken W4DU
W4DU@bellsouth.net
>>Date: Wed, 19 Feb 1997 10:27:03 -0400
>>To: qst@arrl.org
>>From: Ken Evans <evans.ken@bwi.bls.com>
>>Subject: Correspondence - Why QRP
>>Cc:
>>
>>WHY QRP? A RESPONSE
>>
>>In the Correspondence section of the March '97 issue of QST, Adam
Mclaughlin, KD6POC, poses the question of why QRP. I'll attempt a response.
>>
>>In Mr. Mclaughlin's example, the QRP operator has to depend upon the skill
and equipment of the poor ham at the receiving end of the QSO to dig a weak
signal out of the mud. He gives all credit, as he should in this example,
to the ham who stuck with it and copied this weak and noisy signal. This
scenario happens daily in amateur radio and it doesn't necessarily involve
QRP stations. It is also the exception to the QRP QSO, not the norm!
>>
>>In most all of my QSOs, the operator at the other end is surprised when I
tell him I'm QRP. The usual response is, " You're kidding, you're too
strong to be QRP". In a few cases, the other operator simply doesn't
believe me. Here is an example. Let's assume I'm in QSO with Mr.
Mclaughlin. He is running 400 watts output and that yields an S-9 on my
calibrated S Meter. If he turned his power down to 1.5 watts output, he
would then be an S-5 at my end! S-5 is hardly a weak signal lodged in the
noise. It is usually Q-5 and what many call arm chair copy.
>>
>>So, why QRP? First, it helps maintain the spirit of the FCC requirement
that we only use the minimum power necessary to maintain contact (Although
five watts can be more than necessary!). It also helps to reduce the level
of interference on the bands. But beyond these reasons, is what QRP has
evolved to in recent years. Most QRP operators I know are involved because
they enjoy building and operating small, portable amateur equipment. An
examination of the QRP journals and home pages will reveal numerous
home-brew articles and kits ( Yes, there are still kits available). There
are numerous clubs around the world that have "kitted" transceivers, tuners,
and antennas that fill this bill. Awards and operating events for various
QRP modes are also sponsored. Simply stated, "It's fun!". . For those with
Internet access, check the QRP ARCI's homepage at,
>>
>>http://RTPnet.org:80~qrp/
>>
>>It will give additional data and provide links to other QRP resources.
>>
>>Finally, I think QRP operators are accomplishing something special. They
are putting out a clean respectable signal that under most conditions is
easily copyable and minimizes unintentional interference to others. In many
cases, this signal is emanating from equipment that was built or
designed/modified by the operator. This is what makes many hams special,
and it certainly applies to the QRP operator.
>>
>>If Mr. Mclaughlin ( or anyone else) would like try a QSO with a QRP
station, I am available for a schedule on any band from 160 through 10
meters, sideband or CW. Or simply turn the power down on your rig and see
just what the results can be.
>>
>>Ken Evans
>>W4DU - Atlanta, Georgia
>>W4DU@bellsouth.net
>>
>>
>>
>
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