[Elecraft] K2 QRO or Not?

[john petters G3YPZ]

QRP does work if you have a good antenna and a lot of patience. The K2 into
a DJ4VM quad loop worked well, but with the reflectors added its a different
ball game. I can crash most of the DX pileups barefoot. Recently had several
QSOs with 3B9C.
Last night worked (all ssb) VE3OWV, 58/9, CP6HE, 59, KZ1DT, 59 KC2R, 55. On
20M I crashed W2ONV's pileup, then worked WZ1Y at 59 on 10 watts, 55 on 1
watt. Finished by working C6APL.
Biggest drawback to SSB is the inabilty of many folk to get the right type
of audio and enough of it. I threw away the Heil microphone, which sounds
very nice for local chatting but useless for DX. I'm now using an adhoc mic
off of an old VHF rig, but into my Datong RF compressor. This restricts the
bottom end and boosts the top. Reports equal the IC706Mk2 which has always
had good audio.
So to conclude - spend time on the antenna ( my quad is only at 10M above
the ground) get your audio punchy and compressed (I use the wide filter
option) and you should get good results with the QRP. Going QRO will make it
easier - but its great fun to hear the guys running kilowatts saying how
amazed they are that you have a big signal with home made gear and QRP.
73
John Petters
Amateur Radio Station G3YPZ
www.traditional-jazz.com