Keith I run only wire antennas here with my 5w K2. Plus a 50 ft vertical on 160m. With the K2 at 5w, I have 160m QRP WAS, so you can have a lot of fun with 5w on the low bands.
You do have to be a bit creative with your antennas to wring out the last drop of performance from them, but to me, that's part of the fun of ham radio. A good radio helps, too. For contesting, I would stick with the K2 over the K1. More features to work with, and access to all bands. I work all the contests, and throw my 5w in there among the big boys. Fun is where you find it. Get out there and stir something up. 73, Bob N6WG The Little Station with Attitude -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Darwin, Keith Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2006 9:20 AM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] QRP viability during solar cycle min? K1 or K2. Hmmm, the debate continues. But wait, we're approaching a sunspot min. My antennas are pretty limited. I have a 28 foot vertical (fed with a tuner near the base) for 40 thru 15 and a dipole at 25 feet but that is about it. No towers, no high wires, no yagis. How limiting will 5 or 10 watts (even with that Elecraft Mojo) be under current conditions? Are we entering into conditions where QRP with simple antennas will become rather frustrating? Is it K2/100 time? - Keith KD1E - _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com