[Elecraft] # 5607 first contact QRP!

[Don Wilhelm]

Yes, there are many QRPer's who also frown on beams and other efficient 
antennas, but I disagree with that philosophy.  Why 'shoot yourself in 
the foot' with a compromise antenna unless your physical conditions 
dictate that compromise as a necessity (HOA restrictions, portable 
operation, etc.)

If you operate with 5 watts and an antenna with 3 dB gain, you will have 
the equivalent of a 10 watt signal, and if you can achieve an antenna 
with 10 dB gain, you have the equivalent of a 50 watt signal into a 
dipole. (yes, I know those are extremes).

Much of the QRP work with compromise antennas is a problem on the 
receive side.  If you cannot hear them, you cannot work them.  So why 
handicap yourself with inefficient antennas.  Check QRPARCI - you will 
find no credits or deductions in their contests for antenna 
inefficiency.  Use the best antenna that you have for the task.

QRP operation will increase your operating skills - listen, listen and 
listen, figure out the other stations habits, operate split if 
necessary, and call when you think your signal will be heard.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/5/2014 6:52 PM, Stephen Roberts wrote:
> You're right of course. It takes some time to get comfortable with QRP and its limitations, and you're right, that it can be a source of frustration for many new hams.  Your are also absolutely right that when you ad a crappy antenna to the mix, it can be very frustrating indeed. But that's the fun of learning and discovering all that is ham radio.
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> I started with an OHR 100a 40m rig and a homebrew magloop antenna set up on a tripod in my kitchen. I was happy as a clam and simply didn't know what I was missing and found plenty of QSO's to keep me occupied while I figured out what it was all about. I had other ham friends telling me that I was setting myself up for disappointment if I didn't get at least a 100W radio, but I stuck it out and never felt that I was missing much. I still feel that way, and I'm still having fun.
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