[Elecraft] QRP in the novice subbands

[Bill Coleman]

On Oct 19, 2005, at 2:47 PM, Darwin, Keith wrote:

> Speaking of novice bands.  Since the power output on those subbands is
> reduced, why aren't the QRP frequencies in those bands?  It would seem
> logical to me to put the QRP crowd into the low power band segment,
> right?

I thought 7112 kHz was a common QRP frequency.

> I really feel the Novice subbands are pretty much a waste.

Well, the big problem is -- there are no more Novices! 30 years ago,  
when I was first licensed, the Novice class was common. FCC hasn't  
issued a Novice license for years now, and anyone who would meet the  
requirements would now be a General.

So, they are, indeed, a waste.

>   I'd like to
> see the subbands absorbed back into the main band plan.  Give  
> another 25
> KC to SSB, move digital stuff up a bit and give more space to CW as
> well.

Sounds like a good idea. The FCC has already received a similar  
petition from the ARRL. I think the FCC is just biding it's time  
until it can make a bunch of rules at one whack.

For a good QRP band, there's always 30m, too. No Novices, but it is  
restricted to 200 watt PEP just the same.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901