[Elecraft] QRP FD (was Re: SSB QRP)

[Jessie Oberreuter]

      We used to run FD at 100w.  Half a dozen years back, I talked the 
group into trying a QRP FD, and we had mixed results.  We switched back 
and forth a few times, and ultimately found that our scores didn't change, 
but, in general, we enjoyed the QRP FDs more -- especially once we added 
PSK31.  IMHO, operating FD QRP is actually a lot more fun b/c it's easier 
to set up and tear down, easier to avoid QRMing your own operators, and, 
if you traditionally use generators, it's also much quieter.  Your 
contacts are worth more, and we get a kick out of operating simple radios.
      If you're considering a QRP FD, here are some further points and 
suggestions for your club's consideration:

      * Running QRP is a great way to reduce the QRM from your own 
operators :).

      * The solar contacts are great bonuses, and those of us with low 
power radios often find ourselves running solar for most of the day.  We 
have a separate set of power plugs for solar, so anyone who wants to run 
it can, and we try to each make at least five rather than just making five 
as a group.

      * We try to collectively earn a WAS.  Not only does this create a 
group goal (rather than competing for most contacts), it also gives folks 
an incentive to move on from hard to make contacts and seek out other 
contact opportunities.

      * Bring outboard filters if you have 'em -- they can really make a 
difference.  Try different antenna directions and orientations -- it can 
make a huge difference in background noise.  Use of separate tx and rx 
antennas can also offer a huge improvement in noise reduction, and adding 
support for split tx/rx to your field radios can be a great club project! 
Folks often think that a clear, but relatively quiet station won't hear a 
QRP signal.  Don't be so sure!  It's S/N, not power, that makes the 
difference :).  The more stations you can hear, the more stations you can 
potentially work!

      * Don't forget the digital modes!  PSK31 has been serving us well. 
Don't forget VHF!  A 6m opening can be a life changing experience!  Don't 
forget local contacts on 80m.  You don't need to have a huge antenna and 
you don't need to fight the QRN -- just make occasional passes to collect 
locals.  Also remember that VHF isn't just 2m FM and a mag-mount.  If you 
have a 6m or 2m SSB radio to spare, bring it, and scare up a beam or make 
a simple quad -- your tech who would otherwise be trying to scrape up a 
dozen 2m FM contacts with an HT will love you!  Remember: horizontal 
polarization!

      * Be willing to work different bands.  Some folks have pet bands that 
they just won't leave even when they're not having much success.  We've 
also had folks actively avoid 20m SSB because it just seems like too much 
of a bedlam.  Again, good filters, directional antennas, and the RF Gain 
knob can make a huge difference!

      * Mentor less experienced ops -- a few simple practices can go a LONG 
way towards making contacts more successful. Sometimes it's knowing how to 
exchange numbers in other ways than just repeating 3A 3A (eg "one, two, 
three alpha"), how to use attenuation, how to note when a station is clear 
but too busy to hear you, move on, and try again later.  These are great 
points of education for members who may have never developed such skills 
because they've never needed to.

      * Leave the big shack radios in the shack :).  One of the things that 
can make FD stressful is having to tear down the home station, pack it 
into a "hostile" environment, pack it back, and then rebuild the shack. 
Many of us have our shack radios and also have several "field" radios that 
we might not otherwise consider for FD because they are lower power rigs. 
If you're operating a QRP field day, you can leave the home shack intact, 
and just bring your field radios which are also more accustomed to being 
abused.  Our FDs used to be something of a show of force, where folks 
would seemingly bring every piece of radio equipment they owned.  Now, we 
try to do the opposite and typically pack complete stations in laptop and 
camera bags.  Having extra field rigs in your ranks can also be great for 
newer members who a) may be more afraid to bring their nice base rigs into 
the field, and b) often really appreciate the opportunity to operate other 
kinds of radios.

      * With smaller, low power field radios, it's much easier to pack for 
camping as well as operating.  Small radios, batteries, solar chargers, 
and headphones all around makes for a nice break from the loud, sprawling 
technological complexities we usually live with at home, and just getting 
out of town can be a real treat.

      * A QRP FD is a great opportunity to make contacts with hand-made 
radios.  Building a qrp kit radio and making five solar contacts with it 
makes a fabulous sub-activity.

      Remember, FD doesn't need to be exclusively about the number of 
contacts.  When we tell our war stories afterwards, it's the more 
challenging or interesting contacts that we brag about!