Re: [Elecraft] Getting Started with QRP and the Elecraft KX3
True ... probably not so much in North America, but it does happen. Aside from the fact that we hams seem to nounify and verbify International Q Signals, in hamdom, QRP seems to have two distinct meanings: If you're in a contest or event as a QRP entry, it is very specific ... 5 W or less. If you're not in a contest, the meaning is less specific and sort of seems to mean, Closer to 5 W than 100 W, or something resembling that. My K2 will make about 10 W of RF, which is 3 dB above 5 W, at least theoretically. It's also 7 dB closer to 5 W than it is to 100 W. Since I don't call CQ DE K6DGW/QRP, it doesn't really matter. And as someone noted here, being on a summit can mean many more dB that raw RF, and many more dB in rx SNR as well. Besides, it's exhilarating. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015 - www.cqp.org On 1/5/2015 10:38 PM, Rick Hewett wrote: On Mon, 5 Jan 2015, Fred Jensen wrote: One side of essentially every Q [guy on summit] is at QRP levels. For summit-to-summit Q's, both sides are at QRP levels. A significant proportion of SSB SOTA activators (at least in Europe and Australia) run at slightly higher powers using rigs like the FT-857, or small linear amps. 30 to 50 watts is not that unusual. Depending where you draw the line, even the KX3 (at maximum) might be not quite QRP... __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Getting Started with QRP and the Elecraft KX3
On Mon, 5 Jan 2015, Fred Jensen wrote: One side of essentially every Q [guy on summit] is at QRP levels. For summit-to-summit Q's, both sides are at QRP levels. A significant proportion of SSB SOTA activators (at least in Europe and Australia) run at slightly higher powers using rigs like the FT-857, or small linear amps. 30 to 50 watts is not that unusual. Depending where you draw the line, even the KX3 (at maximum) might be not quite QRP... -- 73, Rick 5Z4/M0LEP __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Getting Started with QRP and the Elecraft KX3
I would not give-up totally on SSB at QRP power levels. I received a QSL card on Saturday for a QRP contact with RI44ANT in the South Shetlands. 3 watts SSB from Pennsylvania to Antarctica for a 5X7 using my KX3 -- not bad if you ask me. I have made many QRP contacts on SSB to Europe, Australia and the US with as little as 500 milliWatts. Re: [Elecraft] Getting Started with QRP and the Elecraft KX3 Bill Frantz Sun, 04 Jan 2015 21:52:23 -0800 On 1/4/15 at 8:18 PM, dave.esq...@gmail.com (Esquer Dave) wrote: Yes, QRP is a challenge. For the first 2 years with my KX3, I ran it ONLY QRP with LiFePo external batteries or external power supply. I learned to be persistent. Thanks... -- Andy, KD3RF / VE2DXY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
Hi Mark, Happy New Year to you too!! I've been a ham for 3 yrs now and about 99% CW/QRP. Forget about watering holes and concentrate more on the most active bands at any given time. 10M has been fantastic lately and when it's open, you will find it's a great place to get QRP DX. Same with 17M. At night, it's 20m and 30m early then on to 40m and 80m. Check out some of the sprints that the QRP clubs sponsor. ARCI, NAQCC, SKCC. It's a good way to get on the air and hear a lot of other QRP'rs. Here's a great link farm for QRP http://www.amqrp.org/misc/links.html Someone else mentioned the EARCHI antenna. I had one and I liked it so much, I started making a version of that antenna that many hundreds of ops have been very happy with. You can read all about it here: http://kx3helper.com/endfed-40-6m-antenna/ Many of the do's and don'ts already mentioned are good advice. A lot of the fun is telling the op on the other end just after he gives you a 599 and tells you that he's using the Wizbang 5000 1200w amp, that you're using your KX3 at 5W. Ha! That's sum good radio fun. Have a good time and I'll look for you on the air. Best 72/73 Steve - Steve Roberts-W1SFR Sudbury, VT http://www.kx3helper.com Fists, CW OPS, QRP ARCI, SKCC, NEQRP, NAQCC, FP, ARRL, Green Mountain Wireless Society (802)779-7489 (cell) On Jan 4, 2015, at 1:34 PM, Mark Tellez wrote: Hello all and happy 2015! I am not new to amateur radio but I am new to the world of QRP. I recently received a KX3 and would like to try it out. I live in Colorado and I have access to both a Buddipole and an Alexloop antenna. I have a few questions as a QRP newbie: 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main calling frequencies (day and night)? 2) is there a book or website that will give a QRP newbie some background info on the do and don'ts of QRP? 3) I am looking for an antenna that can be left attached to the KX3 that will provide decent HF reception so that I can monitor frequencies during the times when my other antennas are put away. Any suggestions? 4) I am considering buying a PAR end fed antenna. Any comments on the PAR vs my other options (Alexloop, Buddipole)? Thanks, Mark __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to steve...@shoreham.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
Sending /QRP does not seem to be a problem for casual operation. But DO NOT use /QRP in contests or DX pileups. From long experience in contests trying to copy weak stations from a big multi, sending /QRP in contests or DX pileups can be THE reason why you do NOT make a contact. When a station is struggling to get your call out of the noise (quite common given your power level), ANY characters other than the bare call sign are a confusion. I long ago lost count of the number of times that trying to work a station sending /QRP, all I copied for sure was the /QRP. With QSB on signals and maybe only a second or two of peak signal on the up part of QSB barely clearing the noise, the /QRP wastes the possible peak signal time for half the call sign. Remember that when you are QRP in a contest, you are depending on the OTHER station to complete the contact. The completed QSO is hardly credit to you at all, it's a credit to his receiving skills and RX setup. He already knows you are weak, so you don't have to tell him you are weak with /QRP. He doesn't care WHY you are weak, he just wants to work you. Do everything you can to assist him. In the later stages of a contest, when you are more likely to have clear shots at running stations, high scoring stations have already worked all the low hanging fruit, the loud and medium stations, and will gladly work any QRP entrant, it's a contest after all. If he can manage to get your call out of the noise and the competition cannot, that improves his chances of beating his competition. However if he continues to try and copy you without results for any extended period, then your sending period will sound like a vacant frequency to others and the station trying to get your call risks losing his run frequency. DO NOT use /QRP in contests or DX pileups. I am not against QRP. I enjoy my battery K2/10, and have done 160 contests QRP, LP and QRO. In QRP, crisp, sharp operating is magnified in a contest, to everyone's benefit. 73, Guy K2AV On Sun, Jan 4, 2015 at 7:02 PM, Rick Dettinger k7m...@gmail.com wrote: No need to do so, but I have used /QRP to try to snag another QRP operator around on of the the QRP watering holes. Two way QRP QSO's have been some of my nicest ham radio experiences. We generally spend quite a bit of time discussing our equipment, that we probably built, and in some cases, designed. 73, Rick Dettinger K7MW On Jan 4, 2015, at 12:47 PM, Jim Allen wrote: I've never seen the need to sign /QRP or give it away in any fashion. If the other guy hears you adequately, he will respond; otherwise, what difference does it make? It is the flip side of the Old Timer's oft repeated advice: When you hear 'em, call 'em! 73 de W6OGC Jim Allen __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to k2av@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
SOTA summit activations can be pretty amazing. A combination of a typically super quiet RF environment, unobstructed take-off angles, and motivated chasers means you are bound to be impressed by what QRP can do. Try it, you'll like it. http://www.sota.org.uk/ Chip AE5KA SOTA Association Manager for W5O (Oklahoma) On Mon, Jan 5, 2015 at 12:26 PM, David Cutter d.cut...@ntlworld.com wrote: A friend just did the following with 2W and an end fed half wave from SOTA peak G/NP-031 Birks Fell, UK, 2013 feet, 610m asl. SOTA brings QRPers together from all over the world. David G3UNA in less than 15 minutes... EA5HJY Manolo in Alicante, Spain DL1DVE Thomas in Grossroehrdorf, Germany EA5NR Isidro in Alicante, Spain CU3EJ Leonel in IOTA EU-175 Terceira Island, Azores EA2LU Jorge in Pamplona, Spain OM9XX Special Event station in Slovakia OH6JYH Harri in Laukaa, Finland HB9CEX Peter in Endingen, Switzerland DF5WA Berthold in Mainz, Germany LA8BCA Terje in Kvam, Norway CU3AA Joao in IOTA EU-175 Terceira Island, Azores DK7ZH Manfred in Dietzhoelztal, Germany EA2LMI Luis in Navarra, Spain DJ5AV Michael in Heilingenberg, Germany DL3JPN Steffen in Oberlungwitz, Germany HB9MKV Rudi in Buesserach, Switzerland EA1DFP Quique in Coruna, Spain IK2ILH Mau in Milan, Italy OK2PDT Jan in Brno, Czech Republic OK1KT Vratislav in Hradec Kralove, Czech republic OK1SDE Borek in Liberec, Czech Republic OM1AX Vlado in Zohor, Czech Republic DL8UVG Volkhard in Spremberg, Germany LA1ENA/P Aage on the SOTA summit LA/TM-227 Seterkollane in Norway (summit to summit contact) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to lightdazz...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Getting Started with QRP and the Elecraft KX3
Re CW vs SSB-- I report the North American News for the WW SOTA Newsletter on the reflector at www.sotawatch.org and get each month's statistics for it. For Dec 2014 activity: CW: 1670 (59%) [3043] SSB: 1036 (36%) [1869] FM: 110 (3%) [145] First # is the number of summit-to-chaser or summit-to-summit Q's for the month, number in [] is last month's total. One side of essentially every Q [guy on summit] is at QRP levels. For summit-to-summit Q's, both sides are at QRP levels. The roughly 60/40% ratio of CW/SSB QSO's has been holding pretty steady. Moral is, while CW will likely net you more QSO's than SSB, and a number of SOTA fanatics who began SSB-only are learning and moving to CW, there are still many contacts to be made on phone. Re /QRP: /QRP as an indicator is compliant with 47CFR97 for US hams since there are no ITU prefixes in the block QAA-QZZ. It may not be compliant in other countries. However, --It adds 4 characters to your call sign, 3 of which are long characters in Morse; --It conveys essentially no real info, if you're weak for your QSO partner, you're weak. He really doesn't care why. You could sign WB0XXX/BADANT [not compliant in the US, all the B's belong to China] to explain why you're weak, but again, he doesn't care. --A number of folks are easily annoyed by lots of things, /QRP is usually one of them Re QRP Achievement: If you manage a QSO with a station [such as distant DX], you're achievement is persistence ... that QSO was undoubtedly preceded by an almost uncountable number of calls which failed. The distant station, not you, gets the receiving achievement. That said, it is surprising just how strong a 3-5 W station with an EFHW on a summit can really be. Listen in the 14060-14065 range and you'll be surprised. The SOTA 20m SSB watering hole tends to be 14340-14345. Someone asked about depleting a LiFePO4 too far ... my K2 quits at about 10.0 - 10.3 volts which is just about the knee of the discharge curve and right about where you want to stop the discharge. This is true of most QRP radios running on a nominal 12 V battery. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015 - www.cqp.org On 1/4/2015 9:51 PM, Bill Frantz wrote: I second the thought that you will have more success with narrow band modes like CW and PSK31 than you will with modes like SSB and RTTY. Regardless of mode, running QRP and getting a response on your first call can make your entire day. It more than makes up for those other days when you don't seem to be able to contact anyone. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
A friend just did the following with 2W and an end fed half wave from SOTA peak G/NP-031 Birks Fell, UK, 2013 feet, 610m asl. SOTA brings QRPers together from all over the world. David G3UNA in less than 15 minutes... EA5HJY Manolo in Alicante, Spain DL1DVE Thomas in Grossroehrdorf, Germany EA5NR Isidro in Alicante, Spain CU3EJ Leonel in IOTA EU-175 Terceira Island, Azores EA2LU Jorge in Pamplona, Spain OM9XX Special Event station in Slovakia OH6JYH Harri in Laukaa, Finland HB9CEX Peter in Endingen, Switzerland DF5WA Berthold in Mainz, Germany LA8BCA Terje in Kvam, Norway CU3AA Joao in IOTA EU-175 Terceira Island, Azores DK7ZH Manfred in Dietzhoelztal, Germany EA2LMI Luis in Navarra, Spain DJ5AV Michael in Heilingenberg, Germany DL3JPN Steffen in Oberlungwitz, Germany HB9MKV Rudi in Buesserach, Switzerland EA1DFP Quique in Coruna, Spain IK2ILH Mau in Milan, Italy OK2PDT Jan in Brno, Czech Republic OK1KT Vratislav in Hradec Kralove, Czech republic OK1SDE Borek in Liberec, Czech Republic OM1AX Vlado in Zohor, Czech Republic DL8UVG Volkhard in Spremberg, Germany LA1ENA/P Aage on the SOTA summit LA/TM-227 Seterkollane in Norway (summit to summit contact) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] getting started with QRP
Hello all and happy 2015! I am not new to amateur radio but I am new to the world of QRP. I recently received a KX3 and would like to try it out. I live in Colorado and I have access to both a Buddipole and an Alexloop antenna. I have a few questions as a QRP newbie: 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main calling frequencies (day and night)? 2) is there a book or website that will give a QRP newbie some background info on the do and don'ts of QRP? 3) I am looking for an antenna that can be left attached to the KX3 that will provide decent HF reception so that I can monitor frequencies during the times when my other antennas are put away. Any suggestions? 4) I am considering buying a PAR end fed antenna. Any comments on the PAR vs my other options (Alexloop, Buddipole)? Thanks, Mark __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
On 1/4/2015 10:34 AM, Mark Tellez wrote: I am not new to amateur radio but I am new to the world of QRP. I recently received a KX3 and would like to try it out. I live in Colorado and I have access to both a Buddipole and an Alexloop antenna. I sold my Buddipole and got an AlexLoop, and I'm not sorry at all. The loop sets up in 5 min, less if I concentrate on it. I have mine on a light irrigation sprinkler tripod, I can sit under it and reach up to tune it. One warning: The Alex is a resonant transformer, and *must* be tuned to resonance. If you get it close and let the ATU match it, you'll discover you have a somewhat pricey dummy load. I have a few questions as a QRP newbie: 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main calling frequencies (day and night)? 14050 and vicinity is popular. You can find a whole lot of folks around the SOTA watering holes between 14060 - 14065. Same for 15, 21060 - 21065. 10115 is also popular. You can see spots for summit activations at sotawatch.org 2) is there a book or website that will give a QRP newbie some background info on the do and don'ts of QRP? Probably, but I don't know of any. *Don't* call CQ DE W1XXX/QRP. :-) It seems to be a hot button for some folks. 4) I am considering buying a PAR end fed antenna. Any comments on the PAR vs my other options (Alexloop, Buddipole)? EFHW's are popular with the Summits On The Air crowd. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015 - www.cqp.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
Hi Mark, I am a casual QRP-er (and casual HAM in general) so maybe my opinionated answers will with help the coming wash of advice. You want to start here - so read in between and below: Jack - KD4IZ Sent from my iPad On Jan 4, 2015, at 13:34, Mark Tellez aar...@gmail.com wrote: Hello all and happy 2015! have access to both a Buddipole and an Alexloop antenna. Two good choices for portable field ops, but not for ideal at home unless you are in a condo/apartment/restriction/no space situation. I love the AlexLoop BTW! BUT: Put up a real antenna if you are able. More below: I have a few questions as a QRP newbie: 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main calling frequencies (day and night)? What Mode? CW, Voice, Digital? 2) is there a book or website that will give a QRP newbie some background info on the do and don'ts of QRP? I will let someone else this. 3) I am looking for an antenna that can be left attached to the KX3 that will provide decent HF reception so that I can monitor frequencies during the times when my other antennas are put away. Any suggestions? You want lack of directionality if you are trying to see if the bands is open - they are not gain antennas but they don't bias what you hear... If you have the space for a ground or roof mounted vertical, I have had a number over the the years. Trapless are better than trapped. I have had my best results with the GAP Titan. Next, the Butternut HFV which required radials. If you have supports and space - try a simple inverted vee dipole... it is a cheaper alternative by far. 4) I am considering buying a PAR end fed antenna. Any comments on the PAR vs my other options (Alexloop, Buddipole)? Left for others to answer. Never tried it. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
Hi Mark, One resource you might like is this QRP website: www.4sqrp.com It is a QRP club that has many activities and a yearly convention. Also includes a monthly newsletter and various kits (which support the annual event). Super bunch of hams. 72, Phil Anderson, W0XI Mark Tellez mailto:aar...@gmail.com Sunday, January 04, 2015 12:34 PM Hello all and happy 2015! I am not new to amateur radio but I am new to the world of QRP. I recently received a KX3 and would like to try it out. I live in Colorado and I have access to both a Buddipole and an Alexloop antenna. I have a few questions as a QRP newbie: 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main calling frequencies (day and night)? 2) is there a book or website that will give a QRP newbie some background info on the do and don'ts of QRP? 3) I am looking for an antenna that can be left attached to the KX3 that will provide decent HF reception so that I can monitor frequencies during the times when my other antennas are put away. Any suggestions? 4) I am considering buying a PAR end fed antenna. Any comments on the PAR vs my other options (Alexloop, Buddipole)? Thanks, Mark __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to aldenmcduf...@sunflower.com --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. http://www.avast.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
On Sun, 4 Jan 2015 11:34:41 -0700, you wrote: Hello all and happy 2015! I am not new to amateur radio but I am new to the world of QRP. I recently received a KX3 and would like to try it out. I live in Colorado and I have access to both a Buddipole and an Alexloop antenna. I'd recommend a wire antenna. See below. I have a few questions as a QRP newbie: 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main calling frequencies (day and night)? 30m and 20m seem to be fairly active. I operate CW when QRP, and 14060 / 10106 are good watering holes freqs. I use a wire antenna when portable, and it always works well. The antenna has a 23 foot radiating element and a 16 foot counterpoise, so it's off-center fed. I've used it on 40, 30, 20 and 17m with pretty good success (it can be a little hard to tune on 40m). Using a convenient rock attached to the radiator end, just throw it over a tree with some amount of rope leader then pull the counterpoise out and tie it to whatever's available - usually a tree limb or ground object. This antenna is fed with ladder line and terminates into a BL2 balun set to 1:1. 73, matt W6NIA Matt Zilmer, W6NIA -- Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. -A. Lincoln __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
Mark, There are two ways to look at QRP, portable/SOTA operation and fixed/base station operation. The one thing they both have in common is that they need to radiate a signal to talk to others. This may seem obvious, but there is a conflict between the two. The portable guys need to face a practical issue of weight and ease of installation. The fixed guys have few restrictions on a practical level. Let's face it the Alex Loop may be a fine antenna, but it well never compete with a full sized antenna installed to maximize its performance. To show this, a friend of mine, NA1DX owns a KX3 that he operates QRP from his base. His antenna farm is not modest. He works all over at 5 Watts. Most of the time he just responds to CQs with out employing any other procedure than what is normally used in good operating practice. The QRPer who plans to operate out of a tent should put a lot of thought into his antenna. It is here that he can make the most difference. Additionally, using CW or PSK31 makes those 5 Watts most effective. Lastly, it really pays to listen and not chase stations that are just above the noise that may be running 100 Watts or more; go for the stronger signals. 73, Barry K3NDM - Original Message - From: Mark Tellez aar...@gmail.com To: elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, January 4, 2015 1:34:41 PM Subject: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP Hello all and happy 2015! I am not new to amateur radio but I am new to the world of QRP. I recently received a KX3 and would like to try it out. I live in Colorado and I have access to both a Buddipole and an Alexloop antenna. I have a few questions as a QRP newbie: 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main calling frequencies (day and night)? 2) is there a book or website that will give a QRP newbie some background info on the do and don'ts of QRP? 3) I am looking for an antenna that can be left attached to the KX3 that will provide decent HF reception so that I can monitor frequencies during the times when my other antennas are put away. Any suggestions? 4) I am considering buying a PAR end fed antenna. Any comments on the PAR vs my other options (Alexloop, Buddipole)? Thanks, Mark __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to k3...@comcast.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
Fred's certainly correct with his advice about not signing /QRP. Many see it as some form of I'm special, take pitty on me or whining. 73 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
Signing /qrp is not a great idea. Just make your call and see where it takes you. There are plenty of receivers in the Reverse Beacon Net that will cluster spot for you when you simply call CQ (in nearly any digital mode, including CW). Having said that, some DX clusters mismanage the /qrp if your CQ gets beacon posted. That can raise the frustration level of folks watching the cluster because it may give a false country allocation. Um, some folks handle that frustration better than others... ;) Only a few DX stations actively working contacts will take the time for QRP. Life is too short for QRP. ;o) but opinions may vary. Rick, WA6NHC iPad = small keypad = typos = sorry ;-) On Jan 4, 2015, at 11:51 AM, Ken G Kopp kengk...@gmail.com wrote: Fred's certainly correct with his advice about not signing /QRP. Many see it as some form of I'm special, take pitty on me or whining. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
I've never seen the need to sign /QRP or give it away in any fashion. If the other guy hears you adequately, he will respond; otherwise, what difference does it make? It is the flip side of the Old Timer's oft repeated advice: When you hear 'em, call 'em! 73 de W6OGC Jim Allen On Sun, Jan 4, 2015 at 2:35 PM, Rick Bates, WA6NHC happymooseph...@gmail.com wrote: Signing /qrp is not a great idea. Just make your call and see where it takes you. There are plenty of receivers in the Reverse Beacon Net that will cluster spot for you when you simply call CQ (in nearly any digital mode, including CW). Having said that, some DX clusters mismanage the /qrp if your CQ gets beacon posted. That can raise the frustration level of folks watching the cluster because it may give a false country allocation. Um, some folks handle that frustration better than others... ;) Only a few DX stations actively working contacts will take the time for QRP. Life is too short for QRP. ;o) but opinions may vary. Rick, WA6NHC iPad = small keypad = typos = sorry ;-) On Jan 4, 2015, at 11:51 AM, Ken G Kopp kengk...@gmail.com wrote: Fred's certainly correct with his advice about not signing /QRP. Many see it as some form of I'm special, take pitty on me or whining. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to jalleninv...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Getting started in QRP.
I'd recommend ARCI.ORG. Been a member for many years. This group sponsors many contests and some have hefty bonuses for homebrew or kit assembled radios. I use my K-1 to operate in these contests to collect the bonuses. They put out a quarterly magazine with activity reports and construction articles. Suggested operating frequencies are listed on the website. I don't operate HF phone but the CW suggested frequencies are: 1.810, 3.560, 7.030, 7.040, 10.106, 14.060, 18.096, 21.060, 24.906, 28.060. Many other contests have a QRP entry section which may be of interest. Several operating certificates have QRP endorsements. If you can, use an antenna more efficient than a Buddipole. 72 (the QRP version of 73HI!) Tim K3HX Celebrating 50 years in amateur radio. The #1 Worst Carb Ever? Click to Learn #1 Carb that Kills Your Blood Sugar #40;Don#39;t Eat This!#41; http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3131/54a9c14d1c642414d4469st01duc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
If you're interested in CW operation, check out the North American QRP CW Club at http://naqcc.info. Membership is free and they have monthly sprints and challenges. The sprints aren't lightning fast because you can double your score if you use a straight key, so it's a fun way to get on the air and make contacts with other QRPers. Also check out John Shannon's website at http://k3wwp.com. John has a wealth of information about antennas, operating techniques, frequencies, propagation, etc. I'm just reading a copy of this book that someone loaned me: http://www.arrl.org/shop/ARRL-s-Low-Power-Communication-4th-Edition/ If you prefer a book, It's a good read with lots of information. 72, Jock, N1JI On Sun, Jan 4, 2015 at 1:34 PM, Mark Tellez aar...@gmail.com wrote: Hello all and happy 2015! I am not new to amateur radio but I am new to the world of QRP. I recently received a KX3 and would like to try it out. I live in Colorado and I have access to both a Buddipole and an Alexloop antenna. I have a few questions as a QRP newbie: 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main calling frequencies (day and night)? 2) is there a book or website that will give a QRP newbie some background info on the do and don'ts of QRP? 3) I am looking for an antenna that can be left attached to the KX3 that will provide decent HF reception so that I can monitor frequencies during the times when my other antennas are put away. Any suggestions? 4) I am considering buying a PAR end fed antenna. Any comments on the PAR vs my other options (Alexloop, Buddipole)? Thanks, Mark __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to jock.irv...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
No need to do so, but I have used /QRP to try to snag another QRP operator around on of the the QRP watering holes. Two way QRP QSO's have been some of my nicest ham radio experiences. We generally spend quite a bit of time discussing our equipment, that we probably built, and in some cases, designed. 73, Rick Dettinger K7MW On Jan 4, 2015, at 12:47 PM, Jim Allen wrote: I've never seen the need to sign /QRP or give it away in any fashion. If the other guy hears you adequately, he will respond; otherwise, what difference does it make? It is the flip side of the Old Timer's oft repeated advice: When you hear 'em, call 'em! 73 de W6OGC Jim Allen __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Getting Started with QRP and the Elecraft KX3
Hi Mark, Yes, QRP is a challenge. For the first 2 years with my KX3, I ran it ONLY QRP with LiFePo external batteries or external power supply. I learned to be persistent. From my QTH east of Los Angeles in the San Bernardino mountains on New Year’s Eve 2013, I reached the Amundsen-Scott station at the South Pole, KC4AAA. They gave me a great signal report, just about when I was going to give up. This has been one of my highlights. I also reached K9W, the Wake Island expedition in November of 2013 running QRP, another highlight for me. Persistence … and just act like a big dog! I do have the Elecraft KXPA100 amplifier and it too goes portable with me. For those more challenging pile-ups, it doesn’t break through immediately, but with persistence, I can make the contact. See below for my comments. From: Mark Tellez aar...@gmail.com Subject: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main calling frequencies (day and night)? As a QRP guy myself with a KX3, see http://qrprespect.jimdo.com/ Honestly, in my 3 years as a new ham, I don’t think many folks follow these conventions. 2) is there a book or website that will give a QRP newbie some background info on the do and don’ts of QRP? Not that I know of. 3) I am looking for an antenna that can be left attached to the KX3 that will provide decent HF reception so that I can monitor frequencies during the times when my other antennas are put away. Any suggestions? A simple OCF 40-6m 66’ inverted V window dipole is my baseline fixed station antenna. It is hung in the trees, about 30’ above the ground, but I am also at 6,200’ elevation, pretty much at the crest looking down into the Los Angeles basin. 4) I am considering buying a PAR end fed antenna. Any comments on the PAR vs my other options (Alexloop, Buddipole)? I have a version of the SuperAntenna SP-1 buddipole stick (http://newsuperantenna.com/), an Alexloop and a PAR end fed 10/20/40. All 3 work BUT the best for me is the EARCHI end fed 6-40m, (http://www.earchi.org/proj_homebrew.html) for $52 pre-built. The FREE plans are on their website if you want to build your own. You can have the length be whatever you heart desires. I used the PAR end fed for about 6 months, it works well and is quiet. The EARCHI in a vertical or slanted or inverted V is much better and ALL BAND capable IMHO. It is just 30’ in length but it is totally usable with every band utilizing the onboard KX3 ATU. Quick and easy to setup. When I run portable from Hawaii or California, the order of preference when portable QRP or low power: 1. EARCHI end fed 2. Alexloop 3. PAR end fed 10/20/40 (inverted L) 4. SuperAntenna SP-1 I too, never sign with /QRP. Remember, persistence is the key! Good luck Mark, Dave, K6WDE __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Getting Started with QRP and the Elecraft KX3
On 1/4/15 at 8:18 PM, dave.esq...@gmail.com (Esquer Dave) wrote: Yes, QRP is a challenge. For the first 2 years with my KX3, I ran it ONLY QRP with LiFePo external batteries or external power supply. I learned to be persistent. I started having fun with my radio when I started using PSK31 QRP. I started with an ICOM 705M2G and graduated to a PSK20 single band rig. Things got really fun when I got a K3. Most recently I operated QRP in the ARRL 10M contest using a simple home brew vertical antenna on my roof. I was quite surprised to discover that the geographic entity most common in my log was Japan followed by Texas and Minnesota. I second the thought that you will have more success with narrow band modes like CW and PSK31 than you will with modes like SSB and RTTY. Regardless of mode, running QRP and getting a response on your first call can make your entire day. It more than makes up for those other days when you don't seem to be able to contact anyone. 73 Bill AE6JV --- Bill Frantz| QRP: So you can talk about | Periwinkle (408)356-8506 | the ones that got away. | 16345 Englewood Ave www.pwpconsult.com | | Los Gatos, CA 95032 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
On Sun, 4 Jan 2015, Ken G Kopp wrote: Fred's certainly correct with his advice about not signing /QRP. Many see it as some form of I'm special, take pitty on me or whining. The best reason for not using /QRP even if it is legal (and it cetrainly isn't legal everywhere) is that it makes your call four characters shorter! The longer your call, the more trouble it is to get across, especially when your signal's on the low side. I took my KX3 away from base over Xmas, and was required (by licence conditions) to operate as 5Z4/M0LEP/P then. Save / for adding essential information. If you feel you *must* mention that you're QRP, do so without encumbering your callsign; it makes accurate logging much easier for your contacts. 73, Rick 5Z4/M0LEP (for a few more days) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
