[TenTec] QRP vs Big Daddy

[Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP]

I think Steve just hit on two of the most important points:
1). There is some kind of thrill in working DX with 5 watts and a piece of
wire (or anything similar)
2)  For reliable communications on one specified frequency, you have to have
power - especially if you are the NCS.

Back in the late 80s, I built a 20m QRP transceiver using the circuit
designed by Rick Littlefield (call sign forgotten).  I completed it, brought
it upstairs (out of my shop in the cellar) and set it on the living room
table.  There was some contest going on that day.  Using its 3w and a
foldable Magnetic Loop antenna sitting inside the living room, I worked
about 20 countries in just one hour.

Working DX with my 750w (max legal pwr here), tower and 8-element Yagi was
not as much fun as working it with everything inside my living room.  There
is no comparison in the DX capabilities of these two different setups, but
there is also no comparison in the fun factor either.  Each one wins one of
these categories.

A picture of the antenna I was using is shown at the bottom of this page: 
http://www.dj0ip.de/my-favorite-antennas/old-folks-antenna/ 

73
Rick, DJ0IP

-----Original Message-----
From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Steve Berg
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 2:49 AM
To: tentec at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TenTec] OT: Openwire/Window Line and Bad Wx

Very true.  I have mostly worked QRP over the years, and while it can be
frustrating at times, getting a new one with 5 to 10 watts is quite a
thrill.  The last sunspot peak, I was writing my doctoral dissertation, and
kept the 6 meter rig running most of the time.  I managed to work all
continents with an Argonaut II, and a 1208 transverter barefoot into a 4
element Hy-Gain beam at 50 feet.  I have been in this hobby since 1963, and
doing this was the most fun I ever had.

I admit that it is easier to check in to the Ten Tec net with the Corsair
II, but I still managed it a number of times with the Argonaut VI.

At my current QTH, I am limited to my ground mounted trap vertical. 
Once I move to my place in Wisconsin, I will have room for about any antenna
I would like to put up, and look forward to trying the Argo VI with a really
long wire antenna fed with open line.

Steve WA9JML


On 7/29/2013 6:41 PM, Stuart Rohre wrote:
> Someone needs a new copy of the FCC rules which reminds hams that the 
> minimum power necessary is to be used for transmitting.
>
> -Stuart
> K5KVH
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>
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