QRP Operation - A Skill Set Worth Learning?

My first hf rig was a 5-10w max unit (6100). Looking back now, it actually helped me learn all about how to maximize my signal via the most effective antenna setup and get the best possible range with the lower power. I’d almost recommend everyone run qrp when getting started. Now running a 705, daily in the jeep mobile. I still enjoy and very often run at minimal amounts of power. Last weekend I made two contacts portable at 5w to japan, 6300mi away. Its also fun to run at milliwatts to see how far you can make contacts. Highly satisfying yes.

Very well said...😅 I still use my trusty FT 817 original...

Agreed. Always fancied CW and I’m in the process of re learning and getting up to 12 words a minute… any CW operator worth his salt will reply to a slower operator so give it a go I reckon. So thank you Peter 💎
Best wishes to everyone 💙

I have always subscribed to the notion of” doing more with less” and set out in this game to chase QRP from the onset with my trusty KX3 from some obscure location.. Something within me has always swam against the tide and those blow torch VK stations blasting out lol 😂. I do however have to admit I reach for the green button sometimes of my matching KXPA100 when I get too frustrated 😅 as we are a long way down at the arse end of the South Pacific Ocean on a little Island. Regards and 73s from one of those elusive ZL callsigns 😊 Kris ZL1KJT

I always add QRP after my CW, for the very reason Peter set out in the video, CQ CQ CQ de G0TUE G0TUE G0TUE/QRP, or I send a CQ followed by QRP STN calling CQ, if remember rightly I had a QRP QSO with Peter on 40mtrs not that long ago, Xiegu X6100 running about 4watts on internal battery de Ray G0TUE

As a QRPer myself, I feel compelled to add a few comments. Sticking /qrp to your call can work with you and against you.With you because it can make you stand out and get picked out of a massive pile up. Against you because it can confuse the inexperienced operator on the other side. Especially when there is a language barrier. I would say, once you're acknowledged as a /qrp caller, stop adding qrp to your call to complete the qso. Just use your call without additions. Personally I do not use /qrp

Antennas; get the best,biggest and most efficient you can deploy on your real estate. The QRPer is already handicapped with reduced power. Do not auto restrict yourself when it comes to putting up an antenna. Think power efficiency.

Have the option to go QRO (400 Watt plus) to defend yourself. Yes, that's difficult when you're in the field. I do not do outdoor radio. So often I hear a QRP station get swept away by someone with a bigger stick. Especially on SSB, and even more so when there is a contest going on. The QRP calling frequencies simply get wiped out. Contesters don't care about your little signal unless you have a point to give away. Which brings me to the 30 and 60 meter band. If your licence allows it, get on there. Or at least make it an option. 17 and 12 meter are also fantastic bands with no contesters in sight. You might think I am not a contester. You would be right.

Transceiver; try to find one that goes below 1 Watt. Milliwatting is the gold standard of QRP addiction.

Become very comfortable with CW. 16-18 wpm is already top notch. Try a bit of rag chew when you feel confident enough.

What is even better than CW for low power users? FT8. Less fatigue, and the computer does all the hard work with still the fun of making long distance low power contacts. I'd say FT8 and other digital modes is the dog's bollocks for QRP dxing. What do you like better; shouting in the microphone red faced, or grinning ear to ear as you bag another DXCC on digital modes?

Hi Peter I think voice is 7285Mhz Calling CQ 40minutes past hour.
and 14.285Mhz with Calling 20minutes past hour. George

It matters very little what level of power you run when band condx are good enough and you have a directional antenna

Hi Peter, I found that if you had a foundation license, there was no reason to add qrp to your call sign. Because everyone understands foundation licensees are running 10 watts or less. Now everyone can run more power I think there will less people calling qrp.
Best wishes David M0DUU

Good video, thanks Peter 👍.

Life's too short for QRP.... But only because there's not enough time to fit in the hours and hours of fun that I have working shed loads of DX with 5 W or less of CW. Absolutely love it, and really appreciate everyone who I work.
73 M3KXZ

This deserves more views!

Running 1500 watts is like fishing with dynamite.

CW is incredibly rewarding, and it's so easy to learn so long as the learner gets away from the idea of it being a chore, and instead sees it as a fun challenge! There are so many hear resources now, and many many helpful and kind CW ops out there. 73 M3KXZ

Hello!
I am a POTA activator and only run QRP - 8 watts with my X6100 (only 8 and don't hot so mutch)
QRP is truly a state of mind and outstanding 😉👌
Allways learning with you
Many thanks for sharing / 73 CS7BDO

Wonderful video Peter
, and a subject close to my heart.. lots say,, life's too short for qrp, mainly those who have never used it , and many who can't even work outside they own country with 100w
. I've used qrp for 38yrs, and always add qrp after my call .
I worked 5w cw with the qcx mini into the uk, and 10w ssb into the Falklands from zl, I often work qrp stns around the world, it's a great achievement and a thrill, which is not the same as, simply switching a big amp on to get dx, mind you, in my mind working dx is over 10k miles,
Not getting into the US from the uk with 1kw hi
Qrp cw is the best for the best hi..
Controversial maybe, but it has to be said hi
73 zl3xdj/qrp























..

A light radio and QRP for SOTA is quite rewarding. It's often difficult though to work the world from the Southwestern USA.

Some people prefer to spend a ton of money so they can shoot fish in a barrel. :-) 73 Richard VK2SKY

Ummmm uh uh uh uh ha ha ah He said "RODS OUT" "Have their RODS out" EHhhh yea yea yea that was cool.

In the words and form of Mr B and Mr BH

Very well put Peter. I use my truSDX on my overseas visits and making contacts in on 5Watt is really satisfying. Also the 5 Watt go-box is perfectly suited for travelling.

The concensus within the G-QRP club that /QRP is not the done thing. CQ CQ QRP de is the more accepted method. I recently worked a LZ station that added /QRP, I entered /QRP in my log against his call as he at repeated used it. But he did not include it in his own log so QRZ, LoTW etc do not confirm the contact. I have had to Email for confirmation to count the QSO as a 2 way QRP contact.

Operating QRP is a bit like piloting a glider. If you really want to improve your flying skills, do it without an engine.

As Chairman of the G-QRP Club, I can only endorse your comments and advice Pete. The Club welcomes new members and can help newcomers learn that skill set. We have lots of activity periods, and operating awards. Maybe see you at our Convention 31/08 to 01/09 near Telford? Thanks for flying the QRP flag!

what if you are running 5w into a multi stacked beam. Nice Robin singing in background.

I only operate QRP with my Icom IC-705 with a SOTA Beams wire antenna mated to a wonderwand widebander AMU. I can make QSOs all over the world on no more than 10W by calling other stations. Love working QRP and Portable.
73 de 2E0IXV.

First class advice Peter once again

You are the expert for everyone. Experienced and new operators alike.

Last Summer I operated QRP for Field Day (US) and got 200 contacts with a few hours of operation. Most contacts were CW but there was some phone and FT8. I also operated the BARTG RTTY contest for a few hours with good success. Many years ago I worked JA from northern Michigan on 2.5 Watts SSB. With a decent antenna al is possible. 73

I wonder if you have covered building coaxial traps? G5TM has created several multiband antennas for /p, but has brought his traps rather than built them. Had a go, but not sure its been hugely successful.

I would like to get a xiegu 6100
Can you help

Great video! Since 2001 I only run QRP for DX'ing and contesting. Also "Restarted" my DXCC, it is so satisfying breaking a pile-up with only 5W! Hope to work you QRP to QRP sometime!
73, Rudi de ZS6DX/ZS2M/ZS1BT/V51VE

I’m not a CW operator but I enjoy QRP SSB.. It works great and is very relaxing. Thanks for sharing.

Interesting video peter, I have an IC705 and am an M7, so have been limited to 10w max, I believe our output has increased now, but I actually enjoy the challenge.
I also have an Alex loop and managed to hit Australia the other day on FT8, I just need to reach there on a phone QSO now

I've in the past snubbed qrp untill i acsidently worked the far side of Siberia on 1watt now its all I do and love the high I get from making a contact

Fantastic!

Thanks for another enjoyable video Peter. Once I got into CW greatly enhanced number and variety of contacts, which has generated a lot of enthusiasm.(cycle 25 a good time to get started with this) 73 de N4KGY

Isn’t 7.030 cw only? You mentioned it was a known QRP cq frequency.

”A lot of G3s are running QRP”? Does the UK issue callsigns in a particular order, and G3s are older ones? I used to be KD6PDZ but now I have AF6AS after I upgraded to Extra. My latest rig is a 5w (tr)USDX, by the way.

73 de AF6AS in “DM13” land

Clark Thomas Rodriguez Jose Wilson Matthew

All great points .. thx for sharing.

Thanks for doing this, this answered a few of my questions.
I mostly interested in digital operations in the field. I'm trying to put together a portable shack those modular enough to be anything I wanted to be. I know that's a tall order but I found that just about anything is possible.
Do the x6100 and the x6200 have built-in antenna tuners? I've been looking at the g90 and I'm probably going to get one, but I really like the x series because of its portability. I was hoping, at some point in the future, that I could have something like a x series or an IC705 and be able to pair it with an amplifier to boost its range for when I'm at home and then operate QRP in the field, or if I really need more power in the field I could take the amp with me. Which one would lend itself better to that, the x series or the IC705?
Again I appreciate you sharing all this with us newer ham radio operators 😎

I enjoy running qrp activating parks. It’s quite rewarding. Thanks for the video.