Some really interesting perspectives here.?
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I grew up in ham radio during high school and mandatory code--I consider myself lucky. 80 percent of my qso's are cw. licensed since 82...none of that matters, but it brings perspective.?
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The 'problem' with qrp is that many carry over the minimalist approach to every aspect of the hobby--especially antennas. Yes, there was a guy who once worked a ZS6 station using no more than1 watt and? a G5RV positioned 5 feet off the ground, but it only happened once. Propagation is the greatest determinant to our success, and often it works against us and our schedules.? 4 or 5 watts cw is actually a lot of power when properly transferred to antenna...but you need a decent antenna. If you want to work anything worthwhile on QRP, you need a good antenna. Its worth repeating.? Period.? All of this talk now about cramming an antenna tuner into a qrp rig makes me cringe...it does nothing for you but protect your radio unless you step out of the box and begin to understand how running non-resonant antennas--be they loops or, ideal for QRP, balanced line? fed doublets. I fear we have started to raise a generation of end fed antenna users, but I will save that for another diatribe.
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As for the power discussion, which seems timely given my recent dealings with the 50 w Amp, it makes a big difference...frankly, 25 watts CW with a good antenna is optimum. Again, only if you are able to transfer the power out. The QMX is a brilliant little radio, as is the QCX...I have them all and I can tell you that I get as much or more enjoyment from making a contact on those as I do running the Orion 2 or the Elecraft...likely more, to be honest.
But that is comparing Apples and rocks...I don't play with the amazing QRP Labs gear because its the best/easiest? way to make an actual contact, I do it because I learn a lot from the experience. I learn a lot from this group and the help I get on the mistakes I make, and seeing how others overcome theirs. That is the essence of Amateur radio. Without that, we are little more than appliance operators.?
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I often try to explain to people that QRP is very much like fishing--fly fishing. You know, how gentlemen angle for fish. We could use a net or, worse, a hook and a worm, but for those of us who appreciate the art, we tie our own fly's, we plan and stalk our prey,? and do so in the least disruptive manner.?
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So to bring this back to where it began--somewhat--I do just fine with 2.5 watts and a yagi at 72 feet...but if I am out on the trail with just my doublet and some 450 ohm ladder line, I want to get every damn watt I can out of that rig. Nothing worse than being half an S unit under the station you want to work.
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Now back to this pesky 50w amp that sonly giving me 10 watts out @13v with 4w input :)?
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73
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Scott
