[UK-CONTEST] QRP Practice during the contest ?

[Bernie McIntosh (GM4WZG)]

I don't think there are any circumstances where signing /QRP helps. I've run
a few moderately serious pile-ups and from that perspective it just
complicates life and makes it less likely that the QRP station will get a
response. Not from vindictiveness ! - its just that the station isn't
helping its own chances of having its full callsign heard. When operating in
a pile up you want to copy the first full call possible - you never want to
go back to people with "agn the VK" or "agn /QRP?" it's a real timewaster
for many reasons (another topic designed to get everyone ranting!)

I enjoy QRP working and when calling someone I just act like I'm the big
signal that I am (wistful thinking..), and I call. Either they hear me or
they don't.  When calling CQ I sometimes mention that I'm QRP as there may
be other QRPs out there want a QRP-QRP QSO, or maybe someone will feel
generouus and sorry for me with my little signal. But that's when I'm
calling CQ - and I don't think its appropriate to sign /QRP.  I prefer "CQ
de GM4WZG QRP STN GM4WZG K " or "cq qrp de GM4WZG" depending on
circumstances.

Working a contest can be a  really great way of doing qrp Art - you're right
on that. A lot of my best QRP DX has been in big DX contests where sometimes
it might take a few calls to get through but there's stations out there that
want to work you and often with very good ears. Its fun to turn it right
down (apologies to the big guys but do you want the point or not ?!) and see
that you can get amazing results in the right contest with only 1W or less.
I've done this occasionally, not to be a nuisance, but to make the battery
last. 

73 and keep up the good QRP work Art.


Bernie
GM4WZG