[Elecraft] EQP: QRP/LP categories? NO.

[Bob Wolbert, K6XX]

Regarding the suggestion to add a Low Power and a QRP category... I
disagree.

A VERY nice thing about EQP was the flexibility to increase power to
complete a marginal QSO WITHOUT  re-categorizing your entry. In most
contests, the rules state that "_ALL_ QSOs are made at XX Watts or less",
otherwise you move up to a higher power category.

The fact that in EQP you are merely penalized a point or two if you need
more power is a great idea. You now may use your best judgement as to what
power level to employ on a dynamic basis. Use 5W as a default, but have the
flexibility to QRO to complete a difficult QSO.

In EQP, where the activity isn't very high, you need to milk each available
QSOs for all the points you can get. Three points per is your goal, but if
it is a choice between three and ZERO, it is in both station's interest to
QRO. The fact that the operator isn't re-categorized for one or two
higher-power QSOs in EQP is a stroke of genius, IMHO.

In EQP, I made one 80W QSO after the other station just couldn't copy my 5W.

73 de Bob, K6XX
k6xx@arrl.net
www.k6xx.com