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Date: Sun, 24 Mar 2002 14:36:09 -0700
From: tailfeathers at juno.com
To: N9PUZ at arrl.net
Cc: qrp-l at Lehigh.EDU
Subject: [123088] Re: QRP Newcomer Questions

40 meters is active a lot and check out a set of the Bull Dog paddles.

Gary


On Sun, 24 Mar 2002 15:18:21 -0600 Tim - N9PUZ <N9PUZ at arrl.net> writes:
> I've been reading web sites, tuning around the bands, etc. My 
> question
> to the group is for someone just getting involved in QRP which band 
> is
> a good place to begin? I want to start with a small, single band 
> radio
> that can go camping, on trips to the in-laws, etc.
> 
> Second question is who makes small paddles that are readily
> transported in a backpack or motorcycle saddlebags?
> 
> Tim  N9PUZ

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Date: Sun, 24 Mar 2002 15:52:31 -0700
From: "Jason Nochlin" <jman0iin at attbi.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l at Lehigh.EDU>
Subject: [123093] Re: QRP Newcomer Questions

>>Second question is who makes small paddles that are readily
transported in a backpack or motorcycle saddlebags?<<
I use the Palm Radio Mini Paddles from Morse Express. They are  1x1x3 inches
and come with a small case that they slip into when not in use. You can also
get magnets for them. Only problem is the connector that connects the
paddles to the wire thta goes to the rig comes loose. Here's a link:
http://www.mtechnologies.com/palm/
73,
Jason K0IIN

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Date: Sun, 24 Mar 2002 18:30:30 -0700
From: "James R. Duffey" <jamesd1 at flash.net>
To: <N9PUZ at arrl.net>, qrp-l <qrp-l at lehigh.edu>
Subject: [123102] Re: QRP Newcomer Questions

I think that 30 M is the best QRP band.

It is less noisy than 40 M.

It has less day time absorption than 40 M.

It can support DX in the evenings and night like 20 M.

It is useful for both casual and DX operating at any point in the sunspot
cycle.

The band is often open round the clock and a CQ at 2 AM on a dead band can
often raise somebody.

Antennas are of a moderate size. A half wavelength is 44 ft. It is easier to
raise an antenna to half wave heights than on 40 M.

The maximum power limit is 250 W. Big beam antennas are not very prevalent.
QRP has a better chance of competing with the big boys.

30 M is a CW and digital mode band only. The modes keep well separated, so
unwanted QRM is at a minimum. There is not too much Spanish SSB QRM.

There is no exclusive Extra part of the band, so choice DX is available to
everybody who has access to the band. Everybody on the band has the same
privileges regardless of class. The great egalitarian WARC bonanza at its
best. If Marx and Engels were hams they would be on 30 M. Nils is.

Equipment is straight forward to build. Noise is still dominated by external
sources. Tuning range is small so VXOs can cover nearly the entire band of
interest. If VFOs are used, they can be at a relatively low frequency so
that stability is not a big problem. Layout is not as critical as at higher
bands.

There are no contests, so the band is available for casual operating
365/24/7.

We share the band with other users, mostly spys. Good excitement from time
to time.

As to small paddles for keyers, the Palm paddles are fine and available from
Morse Express. The Vibroplex Code Warrior designed by K8FF is small (but
heavy) and unbeatable for under $100. I think that the other paddles in this
price range may be worth the price, but have one fault or another that is
objectionable. At least to me.

These are all my personal opinions. Others may differ. They are wrong. :^)=

Free advice is worth what you pay for it. Mine comes with a money back
gaurantee. :^)=

Let us know what you choose. See you on 10.118 MHz?- Dr. Megacycle KK6MC/5
-- 
James R. Duffey KK6MC/5
Cedar Crest, NM   DM65

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