QRP Operation - A Skill Set Worth Learning?

QRP operation has been an aspect of ham radio that is as old as the Hobby itself. It's the skill of communicating with low power and often using very simple equipment. There are dedicated channels for QRP, but operators re free to operate anywhere within the ham radio bands. There is a skill attached to this kinf of operation, and Peter G3OJV discusses this aea of the Hobby.

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[petemillis]

CW is incredibly rewarding, and it's so easy to learn so long as the learner gets away from the idea of it being a chore, and instead sees it as a fun challenge! There are so many great resources now, and many many helpful and kind CW ops out there. 73 M3KXZ

[hamradioqrp-kklb]

I’m not a CW operator but I enjoy QRP SSB.. It works great and is very relaxing. Thanks for sharing.

[GFUW]

As Chairman of the G-QRP Club, I can only endorse your comments and advice Pete. The Club welcomes new members and can help newcomers learn that skill set. We have lots of activity periods, and operating awards. Maybe see you at our Convention 31/08 to 01/09 near Telford? Thanks for flying the QRP flag!

[joseneves]

Hello!
I am a POTA activator and only run QRP - 8 watts with my X6100 (only 8 and don't hot so mutch)
QRP is truly a state of mind and outstanding 😉👌
Allways learning with you
Many thanks for sharing / 73 CS7BDO

[kristhompson]

I have always subscribed to the notion of” doing more with less” and set out in this game to chase QRP from the onset with my trusty KX3 from some obscure location.. Something within me has always swam against the tide and those blow torch VK stations blasting out lol 😂. I do however have to admit I reach for the green button sometimes of my matching KXPA100 when I get too frustrated 😅 as we are a long way down at the arse end of the South Pacific Ocean on a little Island. Regards and 73s from one of those elusive ZL callsigns 😊 Kris ZL1KJT

[madmoe]

I enjoy running qrp activating parks. It’s quite rewarding. Thanks for the video.

[mikewalsh]

You are the expert for everyone. Experienced and new operators alike.

[UABFWSS]

My first hf rig was a 5-10w max unit (6100). Looking back now, it actually helped me learn all about how to maximize my signal via the most effective antenna setup and get the best possible range with the lower power. I’d almost recommend everyone run qrp when getting started. Now running a 705, daily in the jeep mobile. I still enjoy and very often run at minimal amounts of power. Last weekend I made two contacts portable at 5w to japan, 6300mi away. Its also fun to run at milliwatts to see how far you can make contacts. Highly satisfying yes.

[chrisb]

I only operate QRP with my Icom IC-705 with a SOTA Beams wire antenna mated to a wonderwand widebander AMU. I can make QSOs all over the world on no more than 10W by calling other stations. Love working QRP and Portable.
73 de 2E0IXV.

[nrrful]

Very well said...😅 I still use my trusty FT 817 original...

[petemillis]

Life's too short for QRP.... But only because there's not enough time to fit in the hours and hours of fun that I have working shed loads of DX with 5 W or less of CW. Absolutely love it, and really appreciate everyone who I work.
73 M3KXZ

[decibelgeorge]

Very well put Peter. I use my truSDX on my overseas visits and making contacts in on 5Watt is really satisfying. Also the 5 Watt go-box is perfectly suited for travelling.

[Rubedo]

Agreed. Always fancied CW and I’m in the process of re learning and getting up to 12 words a minute… any CW operator worth his salt will reply to a slower operator so give it a go I reckon. So thank you Peter 💎
Best wishes to everyone 💙

[vladtepes]

Last Summer I operated QRP for Field Day (US) and got 200 contacts with a few hours of operation. Most contacts were CW but there was some phone and FT8. I also operated the BARTG RTTY contest for a few hours with good success. Many years ago I worked JA from northern Michigan on 2.5 Watts SSB. With a decent antenna al is possible. 73

[sptvids]

Interesting video peter, I have an IC705 and am an M7, so have been limited to 10w max, I believe our output has increased now, but I actually enjoy the challenge.
I also have an Alex loop and managed to hit Australia the other day on FT8, I just need to reach there on a phone QSO now

[RayGilchrist]

I always add QRP after my CW, for the very reason Peter set out in the video, CQ CQ CQ de G0TUE G0TUE G0TUE/QRP, or I send a CQ followed by QRP STN calling CQ, if remember rightly I had a QRP QSO with Peter on 40mtrs not that long ago, Xiegu X6100 running about 4watts on internal battery de Ray G0TUE

[jmount]

A light radio and QRP for SOTA is quite rewarding. It's often difficult though to work the world from the Southwestern USA.

[andysteptsov]

It matters very little what level of power you run when band condx are good enough and you have a directional antenna

[kuyakano]

As a QRPer myself, I feel compelled to add a few comments. Sticking /qrp to your call can work with you and against you.With you because it can make you stand out and get picked out of a massive pile up. Against you because it can confuse the inexperienced operator on the other side. Especially when there is a language barrier. I would say, once you're acknowledged as a /qrp caller, stop adding qrp to your call to complete the qso. Just use your call without additions. Personally I do not use /qrp

Antennas; get the best, biggest and most efficient you can deploy on your real estate. The QRPer is already handicapped with reduced power. Do not auto restrict yourself when it comes to putting up an antenna. Think power efficiency.

Have the option to go QRO (400 Watt plus) to defend yourself. Yes, that's difficult when you're in the field. I do not do outdoor radio. So often I hear a QRP station get swept away by someone with a bigger stick. Especially on SSB, and even more so when there is a contest going on. The QRP calling frequencies simply get wiped out. Contesters don't care about your little signal unless you have a point to give away. Which brings me to the 30 and 60 meter band. If your licence allows it, get on there. Or at least make it an option. 17 and 12 meter are also fantastic bands with no contesters in sight. You might think I am not a contester. You would be right.

Transceiver; try to find one that goes below 1 Watt. Milliwatting is the gold standard of QRP addiction.

Become very comfortable with CW. 16-18 wpm is already top notch. Try a bit of rag chew when you feel confident enough.

What is even better than CW for low power users? FT8. Less fatigue, and the computer does all the hard work with still the fun of making long distance low power contacts. I'd say FT8 and other digital modes is the dog's bollocks for QRP dxing. What do you like better; shouting in the microphone red faced, or grinning ear to ear as you bag another DXCC on digital modes?

[miketaylor]

I wonder if you have covered building coaxial traps? G5TM has created several multiband antennas for /p, but has brought his traps rather than built them. Had a go, but not sure its been hugely successful.