Folks,
I have been operatingn QRP for several years.
It's frustrating, demanding but fun too.
I do sometimes sign /QRP but most of the time I don't.
The main reason I do is for QSLing purposes.
If I work someone and don't mention that I am QRP, then when
that someone gets my QSL then he is apt to forget to
put my call on the QSL as /QRP.
Sometimes those that do sign /!QRP do get an edge in a pileup
and sometimes without signing it you break the pileup
anyway. It's amazing what you can do.
Quite a few years ago when I lived in West Texas, a buddy of
mine had an Argonaut 509 with the extras sans amp. I kept telling him
that the rig was only half of a radio. One day he talked me into borrowing
it and using it in a contest. I did and believe me, I was astounded.
It was amazing!
Life may be too short for QRP for some people, but, I'm just
not in that big of a hurry nor am I big bully that has to be the very first
in line.
I've run Amps before, even had WF5E's BIG BERTHA 4-1000 for quite
a while, so i know the feeling in busting the pileups! I've been DXing for
40 + years
and am still 2 away from the HR. I'll get there someday. It ook me 30 + years
to get USACA-ALL COUNTIES but I got it. Oh yeah, I'm working the counties
again...this time QRP, of course...30 or so to go.
Another thing to consider is taht if you live in an area That is prone to
receiving
interference, you can run QRP all weekend and not have to answer the door
or phone.
73, Tom K5IID/QRP sometimes...
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