[Elecraft] Getting Started with QRP and the Elecraft KX3

[Esquer Dave]

Hi Mark,
Yes, QRP is a challenge. For the first 2 years with my KX3, I ran it ONLY QRP with LiFePo external batteries or external power supply. I learned to be persistent.

From my QTH east of Los Angeles in the San Bernardino mountains on New Year’s Eve 2013, I reached the Amundsen-Scott station at the South Pole, KC4AAA. They gave me a great signal report, just about when I was going to give up. This has been one of my highlights.

I also reached K9W, the Wake Island expedition in November of 2013 running QRP, another highlight for me.

Persistence … and just act like a big dog!

I do have the Elecraft KXPA100 amplifier and it too goes portable with me. For those more challenging pile-ups, it doesn’t break through immediately, but with persistence, I can make the contact. 

See below for my comments.

> 
> From: Mark Tellez <aar6ea at gmail.com>
> 
> Subject: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
> 
> 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main
> calling frequencies (day and night)?

As a QRP guy myself with a KX3, see http://qrprespect.jimdo.com/
Honestly, in my 3 years as a new ham, I don’t think many folks follow these conventions.

> 
> 2) is there a book or website that will give a QRP newbie some background
> info on the do and don’ts of QRP?

Not that I know of.

> 
> 3) I am looking for an antenna that can be left attached to the KX3 that
> will provide decent HF reception so that I can monitor frequencies during
> the times when my other antennas are put away.  Any suggestions?

A simple OCF 40-6m 66’ inverted V window dipole is my baseline fixed station antenna. It is hung in the trees, about 30’ above the ground, but I am also at 6,200’ elevation, pretty much at the crest looking down into the Los Angeles basin.

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

I have a version of the SuperAntenna SP-1 buddipole stick (http://newsuperantenna.com/), an Alexloop and a PAR end fed 10/20/40. All 3 work BUT the best for me is the EARCHI end fed 6-40m, (http://www.earchi.org/proj_homebrew.html) for $52 pre-built. The FREE plans are on their website if you want to build your own. You can have the length be whatever you heart desires.

I used the PAR end fed for about 6 months, it works well and is quiet.

The EARCHI in a vertical or slanted or inverted V is much better and ALL BAND capable IMHO. It is just 30’ in length but it is totally usable with every band utilizing the onboard KX3 ATU. Quick and easy to setup.

When I run portable from Hawaii or California, the order of preference when portable QRP or low power:

1. EARCHI end fed
2. Alexloop
3. PAR end fed 10/20/40 (inverted L)
4. SuperAntenna SP-1

I too, never sign with /QRP. Remember, persistence is the key!
Good luck Mark,

Dave, K6WDE