>it is whatever the rules say it is (which may differ from one contest / >award to another.)
Yeah, it's generally around 5 Watts for CW and some allow it to go up to 10 Watts for SSB, but some stay at 5 Watts even for SSB. ------------------ The 'normal' (if anything is normal about Ham radio) QRP power level has been defined over the past half century by the QRP Amateur Radio Club International or "QRP ARCI". Their bylaws, Article 1, section B states: "QRP operation for QRP-ARCI purposes is defined as operation with a transmitter power output of 5 watts or less for CW (Continuous Wave - A1) and 10 watts PEP or less for SSB (Single Side Band - A3J). QRP-ARCI awards are based on these output levels." Many contests and other organizations have followed these guidelines. Bear in mind that what's considered QRP has changed over time. Back in the 1950's QRP was defined as 50 watts input to the final amplifier. That normally resulted in between 30 and 40 watts RF output for a "legal" QRP transmitter. Times change, Hi! The organized QRP movement began in the 50's as a rebuttal to the idea that several hundred watts, perhaps even a kilowatt, was needed to really enjoy Ham radio. A great many Hams ran 50 watts or less, and the organization recognized their ability and the fact that they didn't need more power to be very successful communicators. In more recent years, my personal interest in QRP has not been in the low power itself, but because that's where the bulk of today's homebrewers, technicians and tinkerers hang out. Ron AC7AC _______________________________________________ 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
