[Elecraft] QRP

[Jerry W. O'Dell]

As someone who just finished a K1, I think I can speak to the
qrp issue. Especially as someone who has worked it off and on
for 50 years (at first, cause I had to).

I've built about 15 qrp rigs in recent years, and when the band is
good, they're fine. But, confound it, when the band is pretty crumby,
I really wish people would use more power, especially when
they're using an FT1000D turned down. I can't hear them, and, frankly,
after about 3000 qrp contacts here, there is no great thrill in getting
through. Only courtesy I would think. I think there is some truth to the
idea that courtesy suggests that one make oneself hearable if
possible.

I think the people who are really going what is called qrp is the guys
with microwatts. Now that's hard. No kits, that I know of. Talked to one
guy with 100 microwatts, and lost him at 50.

Just my two cents. There really is little db difference between 5 watts
and, say 30.

73 jerry w8gnd