[CQ-Contest] QRP Contesting - WAE Fun!!!

[Bill Tippett]

         I agree with much of W0UO's comments below.  QRP
can be a lot of fun while giving out a few points to the deserving
(and capable) in contests.  This weekend I was at our mountain
cabin with my XYL.  Sunday I decided to see if anyone in WAE
could hear my 5 watts (Elecraft K2) to a vertical half-wave wire
(no radials) in the trees while sitting on our deck bare-footed on
a beautiful Sunday afternoon (23 deg C, sunny and clear).

         I was amazed how many guys could copy me and
some even had the nerve to ask for QTCs!  From about 2130-
2230 I worked 36 stations on 20 and then took an hour break
for dinner.  Then I worked a few more on 20, went to 40 since
our sunset was approaching and I worked about 12 more
including 10 QTCs to S58A!  On 40 the antenna is about 60%
of full size (23m total) due to a loading coil for that band.

         51 QSOs, 49 QTCs, and a LOT of fun.  Special kudos
to QTC recipients IO3P, RW1AC, HG6N and RK2FWA on 20
and of course S58A on 40.  Amazing!

                                 73,  Bill  W4ZV

W0UO:
I have been quite interested in the interchanges regarding "QRPers".

I did some QRP contesting some years ago from Colorado, with only a TH6 at 70
ft and a 2 el 40 at 80 ft, and have the following observations:

1.  Weak signals are not necessarily QRP stations.

     I was quite surprised to crunch pileups (on occasion) on both 80 
and 160. I
had written off European QSOs on 80 for the first couple of years, 
then, during
one CQWW I got to 80 a little early and it was open a little late.  In five
minutes time I had three double multipliers, all on the first call.  At the
same time, I should mention that I regularly work a prominent high power east
coast dxer early in 160 meter contests, and he is WEAK at that time 
of day, but
much louder later. When propagation favors the QSO, even QRP stations can be
LOUD.

2.  Proper placement of the signal in the receiving station's passband makes a
big difference in the perceived strength of the signal.

     One of the first lessons I learned was the a QSY of + or - 100 Hz could
often make the QSO happen.  I have also observed that in the last few years
many CW operators cannot place their signal properly.  I routinely see errors
of as much as 400 Hz.  This not only makes a signal sound weaker 
(because it is
well down the slope of the receiver passband) but adds confusion as to who
worked who.  It would be intersting to hear from contest sponsors about the
relative accuracy of logs over the past decade or so.

3.  A high degree of operator skill goes quite a way toward overcoming a 13 to
26 db deficit with respect to other contest stations. Of course this assumes
the QRP station is not using a crooked stick and rat's nest for an antenna.

4.  You can properly gauge your skill as an operator by the stations you are
able to work.  When, for instance, in an ARRL DX Test, you find yourself
working a large number of 5, 10, or 40 watt stations, you're doing a great job
(and maybe, so are they).

5.  If you want to improve your skills, operate a few contests QRP.  It will
force you to rethink your assumptions.

73 de Jim
W0UO