[Elecraft] getting started with QRP

[Fred Jensen]

On 1/4/2015 10:34 AM, Mark Tellez wrote:

> I am not new to amateur radio but I am new to the world of QRP.
> I recently received a KX3 and would like to try it out.  I live in Colorado
> and I have access to both a Buddipole and an Alexloop antenna.

I sold my Buddipole and got an AlexLoop, and I'm not sorry at all.  The 
loop sets up in 5 min, less if I concentrate on it.  I have mine on a 
light irrigation sprinkler tripod, I can sit under it and reach up to 
tune it.  One warning:  The Alex is a resonant transformer, and *must* 
be tuned to resonance.  If you get it "close" and let the ATU match it, 
you'll discover you have a somewhat pricey dummy load.
>
> I have a few questions as a QRP newbie:
>
> 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main
> calling frequencies (day and night)?

14050 and vicinity is popular.  You can find a whole lot of folks around 
the SOTA watering holes between 14060 - 14065.  Same for 15, 21060 - 
21065.  10115 is also popular.  You can see spots for summit activations 
at sotawatch.org
>
> 2) is there a book or website that will give a QRP newbie some background
> info on the do and don'ts of QRP?

Probably, but I don't know of any.  *Don't* call CQ DE W1XXX/QRP. :-) 
It seems to be a hot button for some folks.

> 4) I am considering buying a PAR end fed antenna.   Any comments on the PAR
> vs my other options (Alexloop, Buddipole)?

EFHW's are popular with the Summits On The Air crowd.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org