I thought I had things all figured out. I originally wanted to get back on HF, and found I could get some great used equipment for about $400, not including antenna. Add a 10-80 m antenna from MyAntenna for around $165. I already have coax installed. Grand total: $565
Normally, this cost would not be an issue, but like so many others I am short on funds due to CV-19, so it is a bad time for this expenditure. I find I can buy a 20-m QRP Labs CW mini with case for about $90, and build an EFHW antenna for another $20 (including the matching toroid). Grand Total: $110 Everything has its advantages though. A ham since ’78, that’s 1987, I feel that 1. this would force me to improve my almost forgotten code without the inevitable distraction of voice alternatives, 2. this would give me a chance to build a full small project and antenna. Today, though, some felt that this setup would lead to disappointment on my part. I am fully aware there will be some limitations to QRP, but the generally negative comments form our net were as follows: 1. The band is poor at this time. 2. The 4-5 Watt QRP would not get in, and even a 100 Watt unit would not suffice, but needs to be about 500 Watts. This would lead me to need back to spending at least $565, and more for an amplifier. (So we are now saying that even a typical 100 Watt radio is insufficient?) (I would also note that QRP sells a 50 W amplifier for this radio as an add on. Experience counts. So, I am looking for my fellow hams with QRP experience to share their thoughts. I thought I had this all figured out, but if I am going down a wrong road, I need to know. What has been your experience with 20-m QRP? Mark N5PRD ________________________________________________ Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club BVARC mailing list [email protected] http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
