SSB QRP during the CQ WW WPX Contest

This weekend I worked some SSB QRP on the hill at Bobcat Ridge. I don't do a lot of voice-mode QRP since it's less efficient than CW or one of the Digital modes. Still, I did make several 2,000 mile contacts while running only 5 watts from my Elecraft KX2. The antenna was a SOTABEAMS dipole. All contacts were made on the 20m band.

What you DON'T see in this video are the many, many times I answered someone's CQ only to have them not hear me at all. This is just how it is when working QRP voice-mode - especially in a contest when the station calling CQ has other stations overlapping their calling frequency. The QRM from other operators makes it harder to pick out a weak signal.

[miken]

Cliff, so glad to see you back. I really love your videos and I have learned so much from you about QRP. I hope to hear you on the air
73 - KD5ET

[TangoOscarMikeNWS]

It can be more of a challenge, but it's thrilling when you do make that contact.

[miketdyer]

Agree, most excellent seeing Cliff again on YouTube.

[murphyp]

Glad to see you back! I ran QRP for the first time in a contest, and while it was challenging at times, it was great fun. I made several contacts with the midwest and east coast from here in San Diego. I was running an FT-817 with a G5RV invert V.

[fanger]

Very neat, on a big hill, QSO-ing the big guns. Thanks, KC3BXZ

[johnc]

Really good to see you back Cliff and enjoying radio out in the sun. You really gotta work hard with 5W SSB but I've always found it very rewarding. That 20+dB advantage you get with CW makes a huge difference in QRP... Nice video Cliff. John EI5JS

[edrudolph]

You're one of my favorite channels, great to see you back!

[brianlink]

3:09 The cop was like, damn lost my spot.

[lmaoroflcopter]

November 4 Charlie?
Charlie call?
Charlie Golf?
59...
Was that 2?

59... What in the world!? How on earth is that a 59 report!?

Nice to see you on YouTube again. You have so much success with QRP :)

[JennyEverywhere]

Good to see you making new videos! Hope to work you someday! 73, Gwen NG3P

[thuff]

Thank you for the video! It’s good to see you portable.

[gabrielguzmannufo]

Thanks for the video! I always learn something new from your videos that helps me with my QRP, thank you.

[rcbrush]

So nice to see you back. I have missed your videos.

[Bobu]

Who's this guy?!!! Soooo glad to see you on a new video. I have been a subscriber since I got my license in 2014ish. Inspired me to go QRPp/P with 817 and MTR3B. Great to see you. 73 DE KE5ES

[WEWH]

Glad you are back Cliff! Keep the videos coming.

[KXUL]

I was excited this morning to see a new video from N4CCB, my favorite YouTube QRP channel. "Oh, just a radio nerd"...lol! Love watching you make those portable QRP contacts. Nice to see you back in action! 73 my friend!

[lzy_jake]

Fascinating stuff! And all on 5w, too.

[nvrumi]

It's good to have you back, Cliff. You are one of my Elmers! I'm still waiting for my license to be issued but am busying myself assembling my station here at home, learning to build wire antennas, and figuring out what my portable rig is going to look like. You've given me plenty of ideas. Thanks and my best...

[brink]

Nice job Cliff . Was in the contest too @20m with Kenwood Ts130V 10 W into a wire dipole under the attic. Funny to receive number 3000 whatever en give 008 ;-) Made some nice QSO's Europe to Canada USA East coast. 73 PA4J

[tomkeady]

Cliff, good to see you back. I've been following since I got my tech in 2016 an upgrade to general in 18. You got me interested in QRP back then an I finally pulled the trigger on a KX2/3 clone, due to arrive today. I'm phone only at this point, will see how it goes. Very encouraging to see you making contacts on that crowded weekend and looking forward to more educational vids. 73 KE0JVS