[Elecraft] Re: Elecraft digest

[k4wtf@ENTERZONE.NET]

On Thu, 5 Dec 2002, Jeremiah J McCarthy wrote:

> I see something getting a little muddled in this QRO vs QRP thread...If
> one is running 10 watts with his K2, he is not QRP...QRP is 5 watts or
> less, and if one is running his K2 "flat-out" at 10 watts but claims he
> is QRP, he is only kidding himself...
> 
> Jerry, wa2dkg
> K2 # 2549

I agree with whomever it was that posted something to the effect that "QRP
is in the eye of the beholder."

IE; If you show up on 3.875 some night running 100w, that is QRP (to the
tune of -10db) compared to the rest of the normal gang on 3.875.

I honestly don't understand what the fuss is about though.  I bought my K2
because it was "overall cool" and not because it was QRP or because the
KPA100 was a planned option.

If someone wears /qrp as some badge of honor, that is their
business.  I don't know any QRO operator who will put them down for
wanting to operate /qrp.  I personally enjoy cranking the power back to
see just how low we can go and still maintain contact.  Once we find the
magic number, I make a mental note of it, roll my eyes and think "man that
was cool."  Then, I turn the power knob back up to whatever magic point we
established was required for "armchair copy."

Conversely, we have seen posts from several /qrp fanatics who appear to
have nothing but disgust for QRO operators.  What gives?  If you don't
like my running 50, 100, 1000 or even 1500w, you don't have to qso with
me.  If I'm hanging out on Kilowatt alley and I hear you in there, I will
still stop and acknowledge you.  Those of us who can hear you will talk to
you.  Our running QRO doesn't make us any less legitimate of amateur radio
operators.  Installing the KPA100 doesn't make a K2 any less
cool.  Driving an Alpha 87 with a K2/100 doesn't make the QROooo signal on
the air any less of a K2 signal.

So, I leave you with this:  A K2 is a K2 is a K2.

73 de John - K4WTF
K2/100 #2490
Elecraft WAS #8