[Elecraft] # 5607 first contact QRP!

[Bill Frantz]

I actually came to enjoy non-line-of-sight ham radio through QRP 
operations. I had an Icom 706 MKIIg with dipoles for 40M and 
80M, but made very few QSOs. I then went to the West Valley 
Amateur Radio Association's field day operation on Mora hill, 
which was QRP/battery. I was introduced to digital operation, 
specifically PSK31 and a whole new world opened up to me. I had 
fun actually operating the radio for the first time!

So I went back home, got a SignaLink USB, downloaded cocoaModem 
and started running PSK on the Icom. For the first time I was 
communicating with people who weren't already my friends using 
modes other than repeaters and simplex in the wilderness. And I 
could make QSOs at the lowest power the Icom offered.

I would like to find ways to attract the many hams whose 
operation is limited to line-of-sight to some of the other 
options ham radio offers. I have one idea, but it's for a 
following email.

Cheers - Bill, AE6JV

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Bill Frantz        | Truth and love must prevail  | Periwinkle
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