[Elecraft] QRP viability during solar cycle min?

[Larry Makoski W2LJ]

Darwin, Keith wrote:

>K1 or K2.  Hmmm, the debate continues.  But wait, we're approaching a
>sunspot min.  My antennas are pretty limited.  I have a 28 foot vertical
>(fed with a tuner near the base) for 40 thru 15 and a dipole at 25 feet
>but that is about it.  No towers, no high wires, no yagis.
> 
>How limiting will 5 or 10 watts (even with that Elecraft Mojo) be under
>current conditions?  Are we entering into conditions where QRP with
>simple antennas will become rather frustrating?  Is it K2/100 time?
> 
>- Keith KD1E -
>_______________________________________________
>  
>
Keith,

Fear not fellow Elecrafter!  We QRPers laugh at the sunspot minimum!  
Sunspots ...... who needs 'em?

I know, actually we all do. But to be serious ....  as bad as band 
conditions were in 2005, I managed to make at least one QRP CW QSO 
everyday in 2005.  If you want to check out some of who I worked (and 
there was a goodly bit of DX mixed in) then please check out: 
http://www.qsl.net/w2lj/index%20page%209.html

My antennas are not much more substantial (if any) than yours.  I have a 
G5RV at 25 feet and a Butternut HF9V vertical which is ground mounted in 
the backyard.  To me it seems that if you don't spend too much time 
concentrating on what you think are deficiencies; but go out with the 
aim to just have fun, then you will be amazed at what you can accomplish!

73 de Larry W2LJ
K1# 1647, K2# 4090