Just had to put in my 2 cents worth on this one...
Yes, I'm one of those folks who operates a "big" rig at the QRP level. I
use an IC-775DSP cranked way down. Used it QRP in the past ARRL
Sweepstakes
contest. Never ONCE went above 5w with it, even though it is easily
capable of 210+ watts output. Even worse, I've got an SB-220 KW amp
sitting next to it that hasn't been turned on in many months. I'm sure
there are some (from the dark side?) who claim QRP in contests but run
at much higher power levels. Who are they cheating? - themselves, if you
ask me. But, I can't control their actions. I can only go by the "rules"
and know that what I succeeded in doing I did fairly. 'Nuff said...
As for the QRP/QRO thing - Yes, QRP is fun. I recall the first time I
worked a guy from WA state who was running 5w and I was cranked up to
100w on a TS-850S. I turned down the power and had a real nice contact
2xQRP. Then came the article on the QRP rigs in QST a while back - I was
hooked! Been QRP ever since. Built one of the early 38 Specials and
now use it on 30 meters instead of the '775. But, am I totally against
higher power? Not at all - if the instance warrants it. Last night on
80 meters was a perfect example. I was using the '775 at the 5w level
and having an enjoyable QSO with a YL in Southern California. She was
using a TS-850S at 100w. The QSO proceeded fine for about 30 minutes
when the band started getting crummy. Her sig dropped down fairly low,
but I was still able to copy. She was having real problems copying me.
So - was I about to let the QSO end before we were done talking about
everything we had on our minds, just so I could stay QRP? Not a chance.
I did the unimaginable. (You might not want your kids to read the
following....) I turned up the power to 100w. :-( Yes, Father, forgive
me for I have sinned... But I was able to complete the QSO, which by
the way turned out to be one of the most enjoyable I've had in a long
time. Will I keep the power level at 100w? Not a chance! It'll be
back to 5w or less next time the rig goes on the air. Do I feel
guilty about my "indiscretion"? Nope. I think the previous
scenario pretty much fits the description of QRP'ing - using lower
power to make contacts where higher power is not necessary. Not:
"using lower power even if it means not being able to communicate!"
Jeeze, what got me going like that? Back to work Jim....
--------------------------------------------
Jim Bennett / W6JHB (jbennett@ebmud.com)
Supervising Systems Programmer
East Bay Municipal Utility District
Oakland, CA 94607
voice: 510.287.0224 / fax: 510.287.0373
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