Howdy Jack (and any QRP-L Lurkers out there),
> One suggestion was to start with more power and get some experience
> before working with QRP. Any other comments on this?
It's a thought to consider, but by all means if you want
to try QRP from the start, GO FOR IT! :) I and many
others have been QRP since first licensed. If you can put
up a decent *resonant* antenna (see below) you *will* make
contacts. Good way to start is to look for the strongest
signals and call them, tail-end them, whatever. It works!
> An antenna is also a problem as I live on a small city lot and would
> like to keep the antenna in the back yard and would prefer not to use
> a tower. An antenna that would double for SWLing would also be useful.
Can you fit a 40m inverted-vee/dipole? Even if it's low
you'll work plenty of folks. Just make sure it's resonant.
For lower profile (and lower angle radiation) I had great
success with a raised Hamstick vertical (six radials).
Bagged 19 Foxes with it this year. It worked! Had to buy an
extra-long whip to get it to be resonant on the lower end
of 40m though - supplied whip was too short. And I could
take it down (unscrew it from the mount) when I was done,
so the neighbors never knew....
> My interest in QRP stems from not having a lot of $$$ for the hobby and
> that I enjoy making things. The idea of building my own rig really
> appeals to me.
Amen and pass the NE602! :-) Though unless you have an
experienced builder/Elmer to help you out, I'd strongly
suggest starting with a commercial rig or a pre-built
loaner from a friend. Too bad you don't live near Phoenix. :-)
Good luck and please keep us posted! Comments encouraged.
The above items are all based on first hand experience.
Anything else I just make up as I go along.... <grin>
Cheers de AB7TT,
-Joe, vole@primenet.com, AZ ScQRPions (Phoenix)
"QRP, Unix, MST3K and Babylon 5 - The Four Pillars of Nerdvana." - Me
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