I'm not sure I can support the contention that today's QRPer
"qualifications" now extend to necessarily having equipment that is the
lightest, smallest, most portable (in addition to being "low power
operation and good operating skills in using it".)
I had the great experience yesterday of operating W1AW with 5 watts
output ... using some ICOM 781 super duper hooter with processing galore
(not really sure what multi-$K rig it was, but it was certainly out of
my class), an antenna like I've never had and enough bells & whistles to
pull out the faintest of signal.
I *still* call that QRP work and had to use the same basic skills I use
at home with ... well, with my station equipment. The skills, the
approach, the philosophy and the mentality all stay the same, but
sometimes the "tools available" vary. My circa 1960's tube rig
(operated without the finals), my small 38 Special, and my long wire
snaking out amongst the trees just happen to be my normal tools.
--George N2APB
PS: Thanks to NE-QRP for hosting their club meeting yesterday at ARRL
HQ, and to ARRL Staff for taking their Sunday to open the doors, turn on
the rigs and help us fix our "tools" in their labs. Great time and a
most memorable event!
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