[Elecraft] Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 49, Issue 50

[Tim]

Hi Jeremy,

I almost hesitate to answer your post since I'm a newbie and I don't know nuthin' about nuthin'.  Also, I don't have any experience with the K1, other than having had a few QSOs with K1 operators.  I've been on the air less than a year, all CW, and all QRP.  Having said all that, here's my $0.02.

You can have a lot of fun as a CW QRP operator.  If you think CW is neat, and don't care whether you talk around the world or across the county, you'll enjoy it.  As has been mentioned, there are several CW clubs out there - many are free - and there are a ton of knowledgeable and helpful hams out there to provide assistance and encouragement.

My first rig was a Yaesu FT-817 that puts out 5 watts.  Rig No. 2 is an ATS-3b, designed by KD1JV.  It's another QRP rig - one that fits in an Altoids tin.  I use it almost exclusively now.  It set me back all of $190.  Drawback: not always available, and uses surface mount components.  Rig No. 3, in progress, is a K2.  I can't tell you about its performance yet, but I'm having fun with the build.

Some will say that QRP is not a good way to start, but my experience has been that it's a lot of fun.  Even with today's generally poor propagation (so I hear, but I don't know any better), I frequently find contacts out there.  I come up empty now and then, but so be it.  Even when I can't find a contact, I can frequently ferret out a QSO going on and listen in to help improve my CW copy ablility.

Congrats on the new license, welcome to HF, and have fun!

73,

Tim KX3H
Pennsylvania