And that's an important point, Don. A poor antenna hooked to a 5 watt
rig is no different than a poor antenna hooked to a 100 watt rig...in
receive. Power sometimes gives you an advantage on transmit under
marginal conditions, but it does nothing on receive as you mention. Then
you run into the classic "can't work 'em if you can't hear them" barrier
no matter how much power you run.
I have three boatanchors (2NT, DX40 and Ranger) and they run around
50-65 watts INPUT. That's what 90% of hams ran in the 50s and 60s and
that's only an S unit or so better than my K1 or K2/10.
Anyway, I said what I wanted to say which is most of the argument
applies to any power level, not just QRP. Part 97 says run no more power
than necessary. QRP meets that criteria for the majority of operating.
Eric
KE6US
On 2/5/2014 4:23 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
Yes, there are many QRPer's who also frown on beams and other
efficient antennas, but I disagree with that philosophy. Why 'shoot
yourself in the foot' with a compromise antenna unless your physical
conditions dictate that compromise as a necessity (HOA restrictions,
portable operation, etc.)
If you operate with 5 watts and an antenna with 3 dB gain, you will
have the equivalent of a 10 watt signal, and if you can achieve an
antenna with 10 dB gain, you have the equivalent of a 50 watt signal
into a dipole. (yes, I know those are extremes).
Much of the QRP work with compromise antennas is a problem on the
receive side. If you cannot hear them, you cannot work them. So why
handicap yourself with inefficient antennas. Check QRPARCI - you will
find no credits or deductions in their contests for antenna
inefficiency. Use the best antenna that you have for the task.
QRP operation will increase your operating skills - listen, listen and
listen, figure out the other stations habits, operate split if
necessary, and call when you think your signal will be heard.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 2/5/2014 6:52 PM, Stephen Roberts wrote:
You're right of course. It takes some time to get comfortable with
QRP and its limitations, and you're right, that it can be a source of
frustration for many new hams. Your are also absolutely right that
when you ad a crappy antenna to the mix, it can be very frustrating
indeed. But that's the fun of learning and discovering all that is
ham radio.
I started with an OHR 100a 40m rig and a homebrew magloop antenna set
up on a tripod in my kitchen. I was happy as a clam and simply didn't
know what I was missing and found plenty of QSO's to keep me occupied
while I figured out what it was all about. I had other ham friends
telling me that I was setting myself up for disappointment if I
didn't get at least a 100W radio, but I stuck it out and never felt
that I was missing much. I still feel that way, and I'm still having
fun.
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