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A side issue first... K7FD's QRP Pages
----------------
Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2001 21:19:43 -0700
From: "N7SG K7FD" <k7fd at hotmail.com>
Subject: [Elecraft] Best of: Compilation of QRP fun...

Thanks to all who have sent me a nice note regarding the K7FD/N7SG webpages 
over the last year or so. In an attempt to 'put them all in one spot', I 
have made a 'qrp' page. Many of you are already familiar with the pages...if 
not, I've now posted:

http://www.teleport.com/~cqdx/qrp.htm

Annette and I will be adding and updating this spot in the future. Here's to 
many more qrp adventures!

73 John K7FD

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From: "Rod N0RC" <rod at n0rc.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l at Lehigh.EDU>,
        "Elecraft-list" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>,
        "cqc-l" <CQCLIST at yahoogroups.com>
Date: Sun, 2 Jun 2002 09:01:06 -0600
Subject: [Elecraft] Great QRP Operating Article on ARRL website...

... http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2002/05/14/1/

For those new to QRP, this a great one page intro to getting active
on the bands.

For the experienced OP, a great refresher, maybe even learn a new
thing or two. ( found some new, interesting propagation links)

The author is Anthony A. Luscre, K8ZT, an experienced QRPer.

Worth reading, enjoy.

73,  Rod N0RC

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Date: Wed, 13 Jun 2001 18:09:40 +0200
From: "Ingo DK3RED" <dk3red at t-online.de>
Subject: [Elecraft] Re: QRP Operation Tips?

Hello Steve,

I am not a big gun, but I want to give some tips.

> ... Call CQ? ...
In the near of the QRP frequencies, yesss. In other case if you
wanted/craved (i.e. on DX, islands, in a contest or so).

> ... Listen and answer CQ only? ...
No, see up. But if I hear a rare station outside the QRP frequencies
(sometimes any station work there HI), so I catch the station (QRO or
QRP). If I operate on the QRP frequencies, then I hear every few minutes
on the start of the band (first 25 kHz). So I can catch a rare station
who begins the call or with a small pile-up. DX station are there. I
don't know why, but they are mostly there. Probably they do not have a
VFO at their rigs (hi).

> ... "Hang out" frequencies where a QRP contact is more likely?
"Hang out" - no (nothing always). If I looking for QRP so I use an
endless CQ message with some delay between (K2 memory MSG and RPT time)
and the internal speaker. So I can work in the shack and listen of
signals. If I hear a weak signal so I jump to the transceiver and give
the ham a call.

> ... SSB tips? ...
No here CW only. ;o)

> ... CW tips? ...
A clear signal is a good basis for a QRP contact. The K2 is an excellent
rig for it. No clicks, no chirps no brumms (?). A 1:3 ratio  between
dits and dahs are neseccery for a good copy. Also the space between
words are not too short (no tapeworm/taenia of dits and dahs). I think
that slower is better than faster. You can copy the weak signals better.
If the condition are good so you can speed up (if the other ham this
also can).

> ... Pile-up busting tips? ...
Time, many time!!! You can not crack a pile-up with some watts more on
the antenna. If the DX station on split or no-split, so looking for a
quiet place on the border of the pile-up. After a round (?) from the DX
station a big caos is on the band (because all calling). Then is a delay
(because all hearing) and the next calling round begins. The delay is
the best time for a QRP call. Thats all. ;o))

I am strained on the other tips!

72 de Ingo, DK3RED

E-Mail: dk3red at qsl.net - Homepage: www.qsl.net/dk3red
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Date: Wed, 13 Jun 2001 09:10:41 -0700 (PDT)
From: Curt Milton <wb8yyy at yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] QRP Operation Tips?

Steve, just a few keys ....

5-10 watts is really not that small!  each S-unit is
approximately 6dB (a 4x change in signal power).  so
you are only 2-3 units below a 100 watt transmitter!  

next point - don't lose dB's in your antenna.  it
should be full size or close to it, good low loss
feed-line, good tuner if you need it.

on CW - no real magic in terms of operating or
frequency selection.  certainly you'll find more
QRP'ers on 7040 +/-, 14060 +/-, etc.  but don't
hestitate to operate anywhere!  call CQ or answer CQ's
either one.  until you get to QRPp levels (<< 1 watt)
its really not a big difference.

where you are limited by QRP is mainly under these
circumstances:

(1) working DX when lots of others are calling
(2) overcoming QRN (more problematic on lower
frequencies, and more problematic on phone than CW)
(3) very marginal propagation conditions - well
solution is to move to a lower band!

pile-up busting - well its practice!  most of the key
involves listening to optimally place your signal in
frequency and in timing .... build your skills and
realize when its better to "punt" and spend your time
working others - and maybe finding DX almost as rare,
but easier to work.  later in contest or dXpedition
often (but not always) works!  

one more thought - propagation/timing "miracles" do
happen.  this past year i tried 10m mobile, ~ 25 watts
into a 34 inch whip (lossy antenna puts me close to 5
watts equivalent output).  heard P29CC call very short
CQ as i was tuning radio in moderate traffic (e.g.
safe to do ...) with controls on the mic - he came
right back to me .... 99 times out of 100 someone else
with a bigger signal calls, then posts him to the
cluster - but not this time!  again "you gotta know
when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em" (apologies to
Kenny Rogers & readers in advance).

have fun!  there are no secrets - just experience it. 


curt wb8yyy k2 #2117 in progress

- --- Steve Lawrence <Steve.Lawrence at ITWFEG.COM> wrote:
> Fellow Elecrafters...
> 
> My K2 has brought me into the world of low power
> operation.  This move was 
> calculated and deliberate:  I wanted a portable rig
> to accompany me into 
> the field while enjoying another pastime -- Boy
> Scouts.
> 
> To help "ramp up" I'm looking for portable QRP
> operation tips from the 
> seasoned Elecraft community.  To help you get
> started on comments, here 
> are a few of the questions rolling through the mind:
>  Call CQ?  Listen and 
> answer CQ only?  "Hang out" frequencies where a QRP
> contact is more 
> likely?  SSB tips?  CW tips?  Pile-up busting tips? 
> you get the picture.
> 
> I would appreciate any/all comments.
> 
> 73
> Steve
> aa8af
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Date: Wed, 13 Jun 2001 11:35:42 -0700
From: "Bob Tellefsen" <n6wg at earthlink.net>
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] QRP Operation Tips?

Hi Steve
Here are several ideas that you might adapt.
1.  Decide what band or bands you are most likely to use, and whether
daytime or night time.  Conditions can be drastically different between day
and night.

2.  Don't limit your thinking to other QRP stations.  If you work 40m,
besides 7040, check your part of the country for freqs that seem to be
consistent meeting places for other stations.  Here on the west coast I use
7033, as it seems to be a good place to wet my hook.

3.  Use the best antenna you can cobble together for use in the field.  A
dipole is simple and easy to hang, whether with end supports or as an
inverted vee.  If you don't have the KAT2 tuner option, you will need either
an antenna that is already tuned and matched, or you will have to take a
small tuner along.  For single band work, a pretuned antenna is easier.

4.  If tuning around doesn't show any good signals for you to call, don't be
afraid to call CQ.
The keyer in the K2 has the repeat function, allowing you to record a CQ
message with a programmed pause before repeating.  This is a great tool.
You can set it going and check during the pause for any replies.  If none
are heard the CQ resumes automatically.  Use a wide filter setting during
the CQ so you don't miss replies.  You can narrow the filter setting after
you make a contact.  In my K2, serial number 12, I have the RIT engaged
during the CQ.  During the pause, I can tune around with the RIT without
stopping the CQ cycle.  I stop tuning when the cycle resumes.

Hope you get some other good ideas, Steve.  I know there are a ton of them
out there.
Good luck and 73,
Bob N6WG
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Date: Wed, 13 Jun 2001 19:06:09 +0200
From: "Dieter Klaschka" <Dieter.DL2BQD at addcom.de>
Subject: [Elecraft] QRP operation

Hi, Curt,
             qrp is simply fun! I enjoy  operating my K1 since it has a much wider frequency
range than my SST has.
 You can chase so many stations. I mostly listen for callers or their tail endings scanning the
band up & dwn.
The AllAsian ctest this weekend will offer you a lot of  new calls-have a try. Keen and good
operators are listening for qrp calls.
It's a challenge for them , too.
Possibly you won't get an honest rst, anyway you looged the big gun!
To blow my trumpet - sri - I used the  recent WPX to encrease my score; and littleK1 did a
pretty good job.
I compared  my FD4 with a delta loop on 14Mc  and this weekend I will test a triple Leg for the
long distance way into Asia.
So qrp offers so many activities and experiments.
Do you know the book Low Power Communication-The Art and Science of QRP by Richard A., K7SZ ?
It offers a bunch of ideas for your further qrp activities.
Let us know how your AllAsian weekend was.
72! Dieter.dl2bqd
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Date: Wed, 13 Jun 2001 16:02:55 -0500
From: "Randy Rathbun" <randy at middlewest.com>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] QRP Operation Tips?

These are my personal experiences. YMMV, but they are things I have found
to be true and have read in books. 

Work contests, such as the IARU HF test in July. The contest ops are
superior operators and they actually listen for weak stuff in trying to get
multipliers. Also work the QRP contests - they are a lot of fun! I worked
25 or so countries a few weeks ago in the CQWW WPX CW test - never went
above 5 watts out. It was the first time I had worked a non US station -
even Canada. Besides, it is a great way to get your CW speed up. 

Only call CQ when you are hearing other QRP stuff and only call on or near
the QRP calling frequencies. If, after you call CQ for 5-10 minutes without
a reply, move on and find someone calling CQ. 

QRP SSB is really pretty worthless. Yes, it works, but CW is much easier to
do and maintain a contact. I read someplace that it only requires a CW
signal to be 3db above the noise to be copyable, where it is something like
10db for voice. I can believe it. That is not to say that voice does not
have it's place - it is just a lot harder to do, especially when the bands
go all wacky like they have been doing. 

The most important rule though is: ALWAYS TRY! Don't think for a second
that just because you are running flea power that you can't work em. Also
remember that if you manage to get into a pile up that there are lots and
lots of people trying to work the DX. That does not mean that you can't
ever be heard by the DX station. It does not matter if you are running 5
watts or 500 - keep calling and trying to work them. Ya never know what is
going to happen.

I just finished reading Ade Weiss' "Joy of QRP" book. You might want to
find a copy. QRPARCI has some info on getting it at
http://www.qrparci.org/arcijoy.html. It is well worth the read. Also check
out the ARRL book "Low Power Communications". Both are excellent reads and
both offer some great QRP operating tips.
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Date: Wed, 13 Jun 2001 16:54:18 -0500
From: "Stuart Rohre" <rohre at arlut.utexas.edu>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] QRP Operation Tips?

The QRP operating technique at a given time depends on Antenna, band
Conditions and knowing the capability of the rig into this type of
condition/antenna at a given time.

I prefer to hunt and pounce all across a band on the strongest signals.
After working out that "layer", I peel the onion as it were to lower signal
level layers, until I can no longer work the stations I call.  A lot depends
on the antenna and state of the band at a given time.  If conditions are
clearly excellent and ALL signals a huge, I can figure to try calling a CQ,
holding a frequency and running a list of stations.  That I often do at
Field Day when using large horizontal wire Vee Beams, or Double Extended
Zepps.  It is not so easy with common dipole, verticals, or other less
optimum antennas, such as the "random wire".

Remember those single wires and the horizontal vee beams have a pronounced
off the end preferential beam, if long enough.  You will hear stations off
the sides that are typically hearing you too weak to work, unless they are
in one of your lobes of more signal.

I find tuning the whole band the thing to do for Field Day SSB, and have no
problem working QRO stations even with QRO QRM, when I am using gain
antennas.
To bust a pile up takes timing, and strategy.  Where is the other station
listening? Follow his QSOs for a minute (in a contest) and see where he is
listening, and where he moves after each QSO.  Drop your call in right after
the other station signs.  Make sure to get his rhythm and drop your call in
after he says QRZ?.
Don't say or type or key his call too many times, in fact, if you are on the
freq. where he was last listening, simply call him once, and sign your call
a couple of times.

If you get on and operate contests like Sweepstakes, FD, and DX tests, you
will soon learn the timing.  It takes an almost musical sense of rhythm to
blend into the calling patterns, and when you get the right one, you can
break the pile up.  The other way is to call off frequency of zero beat of
the main pack.  That way, your call stands out.  Keen observation of
successful QSOs will teach you the nuances of the techniques.
Keep trying, have fun, and don't get frustrated or tired.  If you feel that
coming on, jump up go for a refreshment, or walk around outside awhile.
GL and Good DX,
Stuart K5KVH
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Date: Wed, 13 Jun 2001 17:35:36 -0500
From: "Stuart Rohre" <rohre at arlut.utexas.edu>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] QRP Operation Tips?

Randy,
With all due respect, you are not correct about SSB QRP being hard, if you
have an efficient or a gain antenna!   Austin Amateur Radio Club has run QRP
Field Days for 5 years plus, and the SSB station in 2A has beat out the CW
station consistently using gain antennas.  Our club score was as high as 8th
place using 9 dB gain antennas on 10m, and at least 3dB on 40m.  And I have
worked many a test with SSB stations that were NOT 10 dB above the noise!
You just have to learn to listen well, and have good phones and ears.
Really, I see a lot of folks who do not know how to listen to shortwave and
mentally filter out noise.  The best signal processor is between the human
ears.

The top station in FD last year in their class and maybe among all classes,
was Co QRP Club, running more than CW mode!

You are correct, ALWAYS TRY!  And by try I find tuning the whole band with
hunt and pounce is better usually on Field Day than sitting and calling CQ.
There are lots of folks straining their voices doing that, and all I have to
do is tune down the band and call them all in turn.
72,
Stuart K5KVH
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To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Date: Mon, 9 Sep 2002 16:29:30 +0000
From: k6iii at juno.com
Subject: [Elecraft] QRP Contesting tips

This came across my PC the other day. Pretty good reading on  QRP
Contesting Tips so I am forwarding to the QRP list readers for their
enjoyment. Takes about 15 minutes to read.

 http://www.qsl.net/k3wwp/contest_ss_tips.html

72 de Jerry/k6iii
San Jose, CA
K2 #500

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