Claudio,
While I can see how some of Tom's statements may ruffle some feathers, I
can't help but agree with the three main points of his argument:
1. Use skill to overcome QRP. That's the whole point of QRP.
2. Don't think that using QRP entitles anyone to behave more poorly than
anyone else.
3. Follow internationally accepted rules and regulations regarding amateur
radio, in particular the use of illegal designators after the callsign. If
it's not legal, don't use it.
I have a very small station, small enough that while I don't run QRP, often
you would think I do. I don't believe that entitles me to bad operating
procedures. Neither should QRPers.
That's not to say all QRPers are lids. Many are very good operators who know
how to operate legally. But I have heard stations signing /QRP and calling
incessently in pileups. I won't put /QRP in my log and if you make me
struggle to copy an entirely useless to me /QRP (when I hear /, I assume
it's a legal indication of portable or mobile operations, and if it's /OA or
/5H3 it's worth getting right), I may just dump the Q from my log in
frustration and move on.
Bottom line: don't send / unless you're putting something meaningful and
legal behind it!
73, kelly
ve4xt
----- Original Message -----
From: "IK2DZN - Claudio Astorri" <ik2dzn@astorri.it>
To: <cq-contest@contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2006 1:37 AM
Subject: [CQ-Contest] R: QRP - Get Over It
Hi Tom,
I am a keen LOW POWER (not QRP) guy but, as you expected, I think that your
way of treating the "QRP Thing" is more than unacceptable.
If we'd follow your very bad example we could very easily state:
1) QRO stations are not happy enough with strong signals; they put on the
air the widest signals. It seems either they want to save on linear
amplifiers (again, no money for a good one?...) or they confuse the
processor gain with the power gain of their transceivers...
More power should mean more responsibility on the width, shouldn't it?!?
2) QRO stations are the ones giving their callsigns faster and faster. What
does it mean if you have a strong signal? Does it mean that other hams'
brain should run faster just for yourself?!?
Clearness and courtesy have nothing to do with a strong signal, come on...
3) QRO stations are normally lazy. They occupy their frequency for hours and
don't scan the bands; are they king of the frequencies they occupy?
QRO doesn't mean you are a good operator and that you take the best score
for your time on the air.
So, Tom, you see... Does this bring to somewhere?!?
One thing I also do not agree with you is the QSL thing.
The QSL reply is a COURTESY matter; if they do not send the stamp reply via
bureau but REPLY!
The next time I work you in a contest I'll repeat and spell my
callsign/LOWPOWER 10 times occupying your frequency... ;-)
Thanks.
Claudio Astorri, IK2DZN
-----Messaggio originale-----
Da: cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com] Per conto di TOMK5RC@aol.com
Inviato: martedì 3 gennaio 2006 22.21
A: cq-contest@contesting.com
Oggetto: [CQ-Contest] QRP - Get Over It
Let's start the year out with some real controversy, stimulated by the
thread that is just now dying down about QRP. Let me start out with a
disclaimer.
I know some really fine ops who engage in QRP and I know some fine ops who
engage in QROOOO. To each his own, I am not trying to offend anyone (but
I'm
sure I will).
In reading some of the posts about QRP lately and in responding to the
deluge of QSL cards after the first half of the Contest Season, I've had a
epiphany about the "QRP Thing." There are a significant number of QRPers who
remind
me of the behavior of some handicapped people I have encountered. Because
of
their affliction, they demand special treatment. To wit:
1. The majority of QSL cards I receive from stateside stations WITHOUT
SASE's are from QRP'ers. Does operating QRP mean you are poor and can't
afford a
return stamp?
2. In plileups, QRPers are often those calling out of turn and nonstop. I
thought the thrill of QRP was using operating skill to overcome signal
strength.
Why do you demand special treatment because you are running low power?
3. Signing /QRP is not legal! It is not an approved portable designator. I
will not put /QRP in my log or on a QSL card.
I've spent years doing mobile and weak-signal VHF work. It is a hoot when
you can get through with meager power and/or inadequate antennas. I never
expect
(or demand) special treatment in those circumstances, I just revel in it
when it happens.
QRP'ers, behave! If you are not having fun, go QRO or get over it. As with
the QROOO group, what's the point of winning when you are not following the
intent of the rules?
Tom Taormina, K5RC
Contesting from the Comstock
W7RN - K7RC
_www.consultpr.com_ (http://www.consultpr.com/)
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