[Elecraft] Speech Processors for K2 Heil Microphone -- Is 10W SSB considered QRP?

[Steve Muncy]

I'm not much of a SSB operator -- I've always been a CW guy. However, 
recently I began to explore SSB and try out a few 80 m traffic nets. 
I'm using a TenTec desk micrpohone (electret) that seems to work fine. 
I've also got the Elecraft microphone, but I prefer a desk mic.

I've been a QRP person for quite awhile, so I was wondering how well I 
would be copied on the sometimes noisy 80 m SSB traffic nets. I checked 
in for a solid week and noted that no one EVER said that my signal was 
in the mud, and no net control ever asked or a relay. After a full week 
of operation I discovered  that my power level was set to 900 mW - my 
normal QRPp operating level. SSB on 900 mW!!! I would not have 
intentionally tried it -- but that taught me a lesson. I'm operating 10 
w SSB in the nets now, and I'm still copied just fine.  I'll probably 
add the 100 w option next Fall (too hot to build kits in the summer), 
but I'm doing just fine on 10 w SSB right now.

QRP is whatever you think it is -- some people actually consider 100 w 
QRP -- but I believe the QRP-ARCI definition is 5 watts or less, and 
they don't make a distinction between CW and SSB. Others however have 
long considered 10 w SSB to be QRP. The definition of QRP can vary 
according to organization and contest.

If I were you, I'd build the KPA-100 kit and use the extra power when 
you actually need it. Or if you prefer, you can sell it to me for 
half-price, and enjoy 10 w SSB.  ;-)



On Sunday, May 11, 2003, at 00:15 US/Central, GARY FREEMAN wrote:

> Dear OM's and YL's: It's been a while since speech processors were 
> discussed in reference to the K2.  My concern is that in QRP mode 
> there won't be enough "talk power" to run SSB on 10W effectively.  In 
> other words, has anyone out there using that power level, found that 
> any mike pre-amps have helped out (aside from the K2 circuitry 
> itself)?    The second question is to put to rest my doubts about the 
> SSB QRP max watts once and for all!  IS IT FIVE OR TEN WATTS SSB?  
> And, regardless of the max watts, is there or has there been any 
> controversy over the limit? I seem to be moving toward QRP with each 
> passing day, even though Ihave the KPA-100 kit ready to assemble.  I 
> am so indecisive. 73's,Gary FreemanWB6HEG  
> (LyamF@sbcglobal.net)K2(100?) #3275
>
____________________________________________________
Steve Muncy, NI5V    < mailto:ni5v@arrl.net >
Dallas, TX USA         < http://homepage.mac.com/smuncy/hamradio/ >
QRP-ARCI #10330  FISTS #7412  QCWA #30705  AMSAT #33939
ARRL Life Member