[SOC] Second Class Signal . . .

[John Raynsford via SOC]

 Sometimes I get a wild hair and go Qrp for awhile.The binge can last for months before it wears off.
Often I stalk "big gun" stations and work them justfor the fun of it. The other day, the aurora was goingfull tilt overhead. Hf was a mess here in Alaska thatevening, WWV & WWVH was down in the noise level.Miserable propagation conditions. Outta the clear blue a station in Japan was comingthru on 15 mtrs calling CQ. I couldnt resist just seeing for myself how good of station he was using.After about 10 minutes of listening to him call cq withno takers on a dead band ... maybe he'll respond.Set my power output to 500 milliwatts to a 9 ft whip andlet 'er rip. Bam ... worked him outrite.
 Today, whole different experience, yes that homebrewcw transmitter sounds funky. Chirps, drifts on its ownif the qso lasts for any length. Attracts the attention ofofficial observers when I intentionally use a wall wartto power it. 
 Today, was on a regulated power supply. Called a dudedown on the west coast, got an instant reply." your too weak and that transmitter belongs in a dumpster " 
I'd say thats a RST of at least 579 !
I like my funky sounding qrp signals . . .
73 de AL7JK, JohnEagle River, Alaska
Flying PIg # 222