Yes, there are many QRPer's who also frown on beams and other efficient
antennas, but I disagree with that philosophy. Why 'shoot yourself in
the foot' with a compromise antenna unless your physical conditions
dictate that compromise as a necessity (HOA restrictions, portable
operation, etc.)
If you operate with 5 watts and an antenna with 3 dB gain, you will have
the equivalent of a 10 watt signal, and if you can achieve an antenna
with 10 dB gain, you have the equivalent of a 50 watt signal into a
dipole. (yes, I know those are extremes).
Much of the QRP work with compromise antennas is a problem on the
receive side. If you cannot hear them, you cannot work them. So why
handicap yourself with inefficient antennas. Check QRPARCI - you will
find no credits or deductions in their contests for antenna
inefficiency. Use the best antenna that you have for the task.
QRP operation will increase your operating skills - listen, listen and
listen, figure out the other stations habits, operate split if
necessary, and call when you think your signal will be heard.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 2/5/2014 6:52 PM, Stephen Roberts wrote:
You're right of course. It takes some time to get comfortable with QRP and its
limitations, and you're right, that it can be a source of frustration for many
new hams. Your are also absolutely right that when you ad a crappy antenna to
the mix, it can be very frustrating indeed. But that's the fun of learning and
discovering all that is ham radio.
I started with an OHR 100a 40m rig and a homebrew magloop antenna set up on a
tripod in my kitchen. I was happy as a clam and simply didn't know what I was
missing and found plenty of QSO's to keep me occupied while I figured out what
it was all about. I had other ham friends telling me that I was setting myself
up for disappointment if I didn't get at least a 100W radio, but I stuck it out
and never felt that I was missing much. I still feel that way, and I'm still
having fun.
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