[Elecraft] SSB QRP

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Just remember that in the 1950's, as the use of SSB grew rapidly, a typical
SSB rig ran 10 or 20 watts PEP. That was equivalent in "talk power" to a 100
watt A.M. rig, and the bulk of the A.M. rigs of the day only ran 50 watts or
so output (back the power was measured as D.C. input to the final tube.
Figure perhaps 75 percent efficiency max).  

Yes, we had the "rock crushers" and "California kilowatts"(who bragged about
running a kilowatt input to the driver stage and they didn't discuss on the
air what the finals were running) but they were in the extreme minority on
the phone and CW bands. 

If you operate your 10 or 20 watt PEP SSB rig just like it was a 100 watt
rig, you'll make a lot of QSOs just like any QRO station. Over the years I
have run into some Hams who say "If you aren't running at least 100 watts,
you aren't worth a QSO" but they are so mired in their narrow beliefs that
they can't have fun anyway. And they are in the minority. 

Unless I'm looking for another QRP station to work, I avoid calling CQ/QRP.
Frankly, it says to a lot of operators that if they are not QRP, you don't
want to talk to them. 

If you are looking specifically for fellow SSB QRP operators, here are some
frequencies to check out (all in kHz):

3985
7286 
14285
18130
21285 (Europeans)
21385
24956
28300

73, Ron AC7AC


-----Original Message-----

I realize many here are in the QRO group as evident by K3 mail (smile) but
here's to hoping there are some QRP'ers in the mix.

Can you share your experiences using QRP SSB. Whether they be rag chewing,
contesting or working a net. Do you use a speech processor or specific
mikes. Things like that.

I wud like to know of any specific freqs, nets groups or websites dedicated
to this faucet of our hobby that you may also share.

(I am aware of QRP Amateur Radio Club International and their listed SSB
freqs)

Thank you for sharing,

you may also reply direct so as to keep the list uncluttered ....

72
Ron, wb1hga
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