[CQ-Contest] QRPeeeing

[K3BU@aol.com]

Let me shed some light on LP and QRP. 

First, I have tried (or been forced by circumstances) to operate LP (N2EE 10 
and 40m from Cape Hatteras, NC) and some QRP (160m) in the contests, mainly to 
test the locations by the sea (Team Vertical inspiration). What a better way 
to find out how things "play", especially for someone who in the past had 
awesome artillery (Razor quagis) and full power and made it into the record tables.

After experiencing the "joys" of operating flea powers in the contest alleys, 
I take my hat off to those who suffer in the flea power categories in the 
contests. It is exciting to get through to some rare one or one with good ears, 
or tell who is real alligator. It takes some skills, like finding the fresh 
meat or dropping own callsign at the right time. K5RC points are well taken and 
there are some types who think that they deserve clear channels and special 
treatment, just because they sign /QRP. Good operator doesn't do that, realizing 
it is a competition and you ought to operate according to rules and courtesy.
QRPeeeing gives one chance to observe the bands and operating (lotsa RX time) 
mainly because calling CQ and hoping for runs is wishful dreaming, you get 
stomped on very quickly unless you are fresh meat and a rare one too (and been 
spotted).
The most frustrating time is, when you find new one just appearing on the 
band, sometimes you get on the first call (no callers yet), but most of the times 
you don't make it, then some champ with direct spotted web connection works 
the station, then you get bedlam, never ending pileup. So you mark it and hope 
to come back when there is "nobody home" and frequency gets clearer (second 
day). It is tough, educational, you get to hate spotting and learn that life is 
too short for QRP.
In the contest situations LP/QRP is an excellent way to test the location and 
antennas. There you KNOW what works and what doesn't. When ZS6EZ tells you 
that you are only NA that is coming through (LP, 4sq on the beach) you know that 
this is major. So I verified that Team Vertical opened our eyes as where to 
setup the station and that it is worth good 10 -15 dB extra gain on receive and 
transmit. Now put up some real antennas and power at the beach and we are 
talking real killer setup (aka D4B).
So I have appreciation for the little pistols, but craving to be back with 
big boys and just might be able to do it soon from the 175 acre rhombic farm 
over the salt water marshes from new N2EE site. (www.TeslaRadio.org) 

Happy New Year to all

73 Yuri, K3BU.us