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when they say
Life is short for QRP
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I've mentioned this before, but I have always felt that the onus was on the QRP aficionados to send the best signal possible, using the best equipment possible.? I am humbled and appreciate the efforts of other hams to try to pull my weak signal from the ether, or perhaps pull me out of a crowd of other calls.? I recently read an article that mentioned the same, trite saying about life being too short for QRP and it just skewed my opinion of the author's discussion a bit after that.? It makes me wonder about how challenging it is to use 50w, a 100w, 1000w, etc.? If you catch a fish with every cast, how soon would the novelty of fishing wear off?? That's how I feel about QRP.? If I can't be heard with 3w, I'll try another day.? I know not every QSO attempt is going to be successful, which always makes successful QSOs a thrill.? Now, I will concede that there are events when you want to make regular contact with a net, a group of friends for morning chat, etc. I consider that a different form of ham radio, and I see nothing wrong with QRO power for those activities when necessary.? But, fishing for QSOs using hundreds of watts and giant Yagi antennas?? I'd quickly grow tired of the hobby.?
My opinion, of course.? I am curious how others feel about QRO.? I have been a ham for nearly 30 years and have never used more than 15w (and that was only recently when I upgraded the firmware on the KX3) on HF.? Using the power required to maintain a QSO, would you use a kilowatt to make a contact?? Would that satisfy you?? I MIGHT use 100w to fish a bit, but I am so used to using less, I'd more likely just try the next day.??
73
pat
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Yes, never mind that we are bound by our license to use the "least amount of power possible" for our contacts.? I am by nature a person who always loved doing more with less.? As a child I had much more time than money.? I also, at that time had many interests.? Electronics and chemistry ( well actually bomb production and rocketry in the chemistry realm) were primary.? To work in these hobbies I needed to scrimp, save and salvage all I could.? That ethic has to a great extent, never left me.? When I see people throw money or excesses at hobbies and things they do, and then wind up being not very good at them, It makes me sad to think that they may have had a greater experience if they concentrated more on the art and less on the things.? I take much satisfaction and pride in excelling with the least needed.? Merry Christmas!
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14
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When my QRP cq calls don't get any acknowledgement, I just take a look on the Reverse Beacon Network and almost always find that some of the automatic receivers connected to that have indeed heard my rather feeble outputs. When I say feeble - I am not talking about my QRP-Labs kits, but mostly about my rather poor antennas. My main QTH? in a district which is a conservation area and I have to try to operate with low level, invisible antennas, made out of thin wire - usually about 28 or 26 swg. It is surprising how well these can work. My next project will be an end fed half wave with a 49:1 transformer. I think I can throw a 30 meter end fed over the roof and operate it on 40 and 20 meters. We will see how it does next week.
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When I first tested my QDX, I set it for only about 2 watts out, fed to a dummy load. I had not upgraded to 1.02 yet, so I never got to testing transmit, but while I was trying to figure out my problem (which 1.02 fixed), I glanced at the WSJT-X screen and saw two stations decoded! I've heard of transmitting with a dummy load, but never reception.
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When I was testing mine, I disconnected the coax from the back of my main rig so I could use that antenna for the QDX. I got called away for a few minutes and when I came back, my main rig (with nothing attached to the antenna port) was show about a dozen different decodes. Pretty amazing mode.
Mike
WM4B
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On December 13, 2021 at 12:19 PM Paul AI4EE <nadie1943@...> wrote:
When I first tested my QDX, I set it for only about 2 watts out, fed to
a dummy load. I had not upgraded to 1.02 yet, so I never got to testing
transmit, but while I was trying to figure out my problem (which 1.02
fixed), I glanced at the WSJT-X screen and saw two stations decoded!
I've heard of transmitting with a dummy load, but never reception.
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Using your fishing analogy, I prefer flys vs dynamite.?
On Monday, December 13, 2021, 10:24 AM, Mike Besemer - WM4B <mwbesemer@...> wrote: When I was testing mine, I disconnected the coax from the back of my main rig so I could use that antenna for the QDX.? I got called away for a few minutes and when I came back, my main rig (with nothing attached to the antenna port) was show about a dozen different decodes.? Pretty amazing mode. Mike WM4B > On December 13, 2021 at 12:19 PM Paul? AI4EE < nadie1943@...> wrote: > > > When I first tested my QDX, I set it for only about 2 watts out, fed to > a dummy load. I had not upgraded to 1.02 yet, so I never got to testing > transmit, but while I was trying to figure out my problem (which 1.02 > fixed), I glanced at the WSJT-X screen and saw two stations decoded! > I've heard of transmitting with a dummy load, but never reception. > > > > >
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Hi Pat,
Managing power consumption is as much a part of ham radio as choosing an appropriate band and time of day, solar cycle, antenna, etc. Sometimes 1500 Watts is not enough. Other time it takes less than a Watt. I personally use 100 Watts or less - 100 Watts being labeled "Low power". Low power and "QRP" are not the same things. Read *all* of the contest rules. I very rarely crank my 100 Watt radios up to full power and stay below 50 Watts most of the time.
If I operate in an on-air event in the event's "QRP Class" I pay attention to be sure I play by the rules of the event. If the transmitter I use is capable of more than five Watts I dial it down to 3 Watts or less just to be sure. Or..I use one of my rigs that will only make five Watts or (usually) a little less. I have dialed my transmitter down low enough that established ARQ connections did not drop even though no meters were moving!
I am at odds with you about effective antennas. Put up as much antenna as you can. That is the real key to success whether we make 100 milliWatts or 1500 Watts. Wet noodles just don't cut the mustard. Maybe those can snag a QSO sometimes but life is too short for wet noodles.
73,
Bill? KU8H
bark less - wag more
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On 12/13/21 11:20 AM, Pat wrote: I've mentioned this before, but I have always felt that the onus was on the QRP aficionados to send the best signal possible, using the best equipment possible.? I am humbled and appreciate the efforts of other hams to try to pull my weak signal from the ether, or perhaps pull me out of a crowd of other calls.? I recently read an article that mentioned the same, trite saying about life being too short for QRP and it just skewed my opinion of the author's discussion a bit after that.? It makes me wonder about how challenging it is to use 50w, a 100w, 1000w, etc.? If you catch a fish with every cast, how soon would the novelty of fishing wear off?? That's how I feel about QRP.? If I can't be heard with 3w, I'll try another day.? I know not every QSO attempt is going to be successful, which always makes successful QSOs a thrill.? Now, I will concede that there are events when you want to make regular contact with a net, a group of friends for morning chat, etc. I consider that a different form of ham radio, and I see nothing wrong with QRO power for those activities when necessary.? But, fishing for QSOs using hundreds of watts and giant Yagi antennas?? I'd quickly grow tired of the hobby.
My opinion, of course.? I am curious how others feel about QRO.? I have been a ham for nearly 30 years and have never used more than 15w (and that was only recently when I upgraded the firmware on the KX3) on HF.? Using the power required to maintain a QSO, would you use a kilowatt to make a contact?? Would that satisfy you?? I MIGHT use 100w to fish a bit, but I am so used to using less, I'd more likely just try the next day.
73
pat
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I've been in this hobby for about 15 years.? I started as "therapy" to distract me from my day job and to tickle my geek side.? I had seen some articles on QRP radios for backpacking, and thought I should learn Morse, and then take a radio on the trail.? Building stuff, esp. kits, is one of the great joys of this hobby.? So, QRP Labs and these goals go well together.? Great advances in computers and SDR in the last 15 years and lithium batteries have made really practical QRP on the trail possible.
In the meantime, I was also doing a lot of tube stuff.? I have a Collins 30L-1, and have tried QRO.? When the 30L-1 needed a rebuilt PS board, I ordered one.? And, two years later, it is still in the box....
I agree with the above:? QRO power is necessary for contesting.? If you really need to have a SSB voice contact from the east coast of the USA to Asiatic Russia, you may need one.? What else?
QRP is always a thrill.? New digital modes are magic.? Old digital modes are magic.? None of them require, and often don't allow, high power.? I feel like I have actually done something when I have a CW contact with, say, France or Spain on 5 watts.? (Big 80m doublet helps).?
And, I can take everything I need for SOTA or POTA in a backpack.? My QTH is near the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, so we have lots of trails and mountain tops.? I can take enough to radio gear to play on a normal backpacking trip.? All of that is impossible with QRO as the basis of one's radio philosophy.
The one change I would make to the QRP-QRO paradigm would be to add a new level at 20-25w.? One really needs this much power to push a SSB signal any distance and it makes CW and digital go a very long way.? The power requirements for 20 watts is manageable with solar and lithium batteries.? I think many people would choose to participate in contests and Field Days with this category as an option.? One year, my friends and I tried 5w QRP for Field Day from a 3500 ft mountain meadow.? It worked, but it was lots of work for each joyful. 20w would be much different.
My applause to Hans and others in this group for making QRP Labs a great resource for us low-power types.
Bevin
K4ALE
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Like Steve's "Glory to God in the highest" mythology, some see QRP as a religion and are hell-bent (pun intended) on inflicting it on others. For many, any deviation from it is seen as heresy. This is a turn-off to me and I am quick to dismiss them as worthy of my time. QRP has its place; so does QRO. I use both on an as-needed basis.
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John AE5X
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Hi John!?? You are certainly correct about the power levels.? At times 100 watts IS the minimum.? My only point was, I enjoy doing more with less.? Merry Christmas!
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14
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On Dec 13, 2021, at 1:00 PM, John AE5X <ae5x@...> wrote:
?Like Steve's "Glory to God in the highest" mythology, some see QRP as a religion and are hell-bent (pun intended) on inflicting it on others. For many, any deviation from it is seen as heresy. This is a turn-off to me and I am quick to dismiss them as worthy of my time. QRP has its place; so does QRO. I use both on an as-needed basis.
--
John AE5X
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Hi Pat.? I agree with your thinking on QRO vs QRP with the exception that there is a time and a place for everything.? For example, emergency communications that ham radio is famous for almost demands QRO and the best antenna possible.? I for one have been a ham since 1959 and never transmitted more than 100 watts and have done everything I wanted to do.? I love QRP and the " hunt" for contacts.? Portable QRP is even better.? But, if the chips are down 100 watts is a minimum.? Ask the hams in Mayfield, Kentucky about now.? So QRP is still my preference when I'm just out to have fun.? (I want my QRP Labs cup Hans) 73 Phil WA8YAN
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
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-------- Original message -------- From: Pat <pat.ring1@...> Date: 12/13/21 11:20 AM (GMT-05:00) Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] Going QRO won't make your life longer ?
I've mentioned this before, but I have always felt that the onus was on the QRP aficionados to send the best signal possible, using the best equipment possible.? I am humbled and appreciate the efforts of other hams to try to pull my weak signal from the ether, or perhaps pull me out of a crowd of other calls.? I recently read an article that mentioned the same, trite saying about life being too short for QRP and it just skewed my opinion of the author's discussion a bit after that.? It makes me wonder about how challenging it is to use 50w, a 100w, 1000w, etc.? If you catch a fish with every cast, how soon would the novelty of fishing wear off?? That's how I feel about QRP.? If I can't be heard with 3w, I'll try another day.? I know not every QSO attempt is going to be successful, which always makes successful QSOs a thrill.? Now, I will concede that there are events when you want to make regular contact with a net, a group of friends for morning chat, etc. I consider that a different form of ham radio, and I see nothing wrong with QRO power for those activities when necessary.? But, fishing for QSOs using hundreds of watts and giant Yagi antennas?? I'd quickly grow tired of the hobby.? My opinion, of course.? I am curious how others feel about QRO.? I have been a ham for nearly 30 years and have never used more than 15w (and that was only recently when I upgraded the firmware on the KX3) on HF.? Using the power required to maintain a QSO, would you use a kilowatt to make a contact?? Would that satisfy you?? I MIGHT use 100w to fish a bit, but I am so used to using less, I'd more likely just try the next day.?? 73 pat
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Right on, Phil.? I mention nets and regular comms as being a different sort of ham radio in my post.? Agree with you 100%.? Also, you have been a ham longer than I have been alive.? haha
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I did that sort of Alchemy -? ?Chemistry? too a long time back ... one day at about 1 5 yrs? after previously getting away with the same thing,? ?a? small tin of? Sodium chlorate ,? sugar and some fine? charcoal went afire when it was simply being mixed together with an iron rod and slight crushing.? I decided? to give up before I lost? both eyes.??
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TEF?
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I think I need to adjust my mindset a bit. I feel guilty if I turn my power up above five watts, so I generally just stick to QRP.
I made a contact with Santa Claus yesterday (yes! In Finland). Itold my radio club about it, one notably grumpy chap said "it's not exactly DX is it, it's local, you could almost shout that distance."
So for him, having a QSO with Santa 1400 miles away isn't a thrill. For me, with 5 watts with an indoor antenna, it is.
Who is having the most fun?
Trystan G0KAY
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My general response to "Life's too short for QRP" is "I'm sorry to hear you're so I'll. I hope you get better soon"....
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This is a hobby. ?In model airplanes I can fly electric, gas, alcohol, even diesel. ?It’s my choice. Whatever brings a smile to my face and heart. ?I have never used over 100 watts in my life and the 5 to 10 watts I use mostly fulfilled the inner need for me just fine. Different strokes…….
Dave K8WPE since 1960 David J. Wilcox’s iPad
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On Dec 13, 2021, at 11:20 AM, Pat <pat.ring1@...> wrote:
?I've mentioned this before, but I have always felt that the onus was on the QRP aficionados to send the best signal possible, using the best equipment possible.? I am humbled and appreciate the efforts of other hams to try to pull my weak signal from the ether, or perhaps pull me out of a crowd of other calls.? I recently read an article that mentioned the same, trite saying about life being too short for QRP and it just skewed my opinion of the author's discussion a bit after that.? It makes me wonder about how challenging it is to use 50w, a 100w, 1000w, etc.? If you catch a fish with every cast, how soon would the novelty of fishing wear off?? That's how I feel about QRP.? If I can't be heard with 3w, I'll try another day.? I know not every QSO attempt is going to be successful, which always makes successful QSOs a thrill.? Now, I will concede that there are events when you want to make regular contact with a net, a group of friends for morning chat, etc. I consider that a different form of ham radio, and I see nothing wrong with QRO power for those activities when necessary.? But, fishing for QSOs using hundreds of watts and giant Yagi antennas?? I'd quickly grow tired of the hobby.?
My opinion, of course.? I am curious how others feel about QRO.? I have been a ham for nearly 30 years and have never used more than 15w (and that was only recently when I upgraded the firmware on the KX3) on HF.? Using the power required to maintain a QSO, would you use a kilowatt to make a contact?? Would that satisfy you?? I MIGHT use 100w to fish a bit, but I am so used to using less, I'd more likely just try the next day.??
73
pat
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Trystan,
It sounds like your grumpy club member needs a different hobby. ?He would have been upset if you had used 1500 watts and would have found fault with that somehow. ?The Grump misses the whole concept of a hobby: To make one’s heart smile as much as one’s face. ?Some folks have never had their heart smile (or their face for that matter). And I also follow John Wesley. ?His faith made his heart smile. ?That too is my option. The mortician won’t have to charge extra when this old body makes its last QSO.
Dave K8WPE?
PS If your heart is smiling the whole world will see and know. ?Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you all. David J. Wilcox’s iPad
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On Dec 14, 2021, at 3:20 AM, Trystan G0KAY <trystandavies+nodirect@...> wrote:
?I think I need to adjust my mindset a bit. I feel guilty if I turn my power up above five watts, so I generally just stick to QRP.
I made a contact with Santa Claus yesterday (yes! In Finland). Itold my radio club about it, one notably grumpy chap said "it's not exactly DX is it, it's local, you could almost shout that distance."
So for him, having a QSO with Santa 1400 miles away isn't a thrill. For me, with 5 watts with an indoor antenna, it is.
Who is having the most fun?
Trystan G0KAY
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Back in my adolescent days I was flattered to be invited to join
a contest group for their national field day.
In reality they probably wanted some ops who could be expendable
(only kidding...)
I spent quite a few hours in a wet tent with an elegant prime
mover and an ugly 4CX250B RF amp with 2kV on the anode. This beast
was built into a reinforced biscuit tin. The air filter gauze was
missing and every so often midges would fly in and finish up on
the anode. This caused a valve in the power supply to glow purple.
Quite stimulating in the middle of the night.
But, hey, we were young and therefore immortal.
Jim?? G4EQX
On 14/12/2021 10:27, David Wilcox K8WPE
via groups.io wrote:
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Trystan,
It sounds like your grumpy club member needs a different
hobby. ?He would have been upset if you had used 1500 watts and
would have found fault with that somehow. ?The Grump misses the
whole concept of a hobby: To make one’s heart smile as much as
one’s face. ?Some folks have never had their heart smile (or
their face for that matter). And I also follow John Wesley. ?His
faith made his heart smile. ?That too is my option. The
mortician won’t have to charge extra when this old body makes
its last QSO.
Dave K8WPE?
PS If your heart is smiling the whole world will see and
know. ?Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you all.
David J. Wilcox’s iPad
?I think I need to adjust my mindset a bit. I
feel guilty if I turn my power up above five watts, so I
generally just stick to QRP.
I made a contact with Santa Claus yesterday (yes! In
Finland). Itold my radio club about it, one notably grumpy
chap said "it's not exactly DX is it, it's local, you could
almost shout that distance."
So for him, having a QSO with Santa 1400 miles away isn't a
thrill. For me, with 5 watts with an indoor antenna, it is.
Who is having the most fun?
Trystan G0KAY
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Mike Besemer - WM4B
K4ALE
wa8yan.radio
Timothy Fidler
Trystan G0KAY
David Wilcox K8WPE