Debunked! "You Can't Make Contacts with QRP SSB"
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- Опубликовано: 31 июл 2024
- I've heard so much of this lately that I felt it was important to set the record straight and prove the truth. Watch as I attempt to show the disbelievers that you can in fact make ham radio contacts with QRP Single Sideband while operating HF Portable.
Link to the HyEndFed website page for the Field Day antenna:
www.hyendcompany.nl/antenna/p... 
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Hi Tracy,
I fully agree with you: you CAN make DX contacts with only 5W on SSB. Today, I had my first QSO on 20m to Ontario, Canada (VA3AAA). Transciever was an FT817 at 5W, connected to a 20m homemade EndFed antenna, hung up on a 12m spiderpole out in the field. It worked surprisingly well, and I got a 4-2 report. You can't win a contest with that, but the satisfaction that your own-built antenna gets you from near Cologne to the shore of Lake Superior is better than a first prize!
Stay safe!
Vy73, Arne, dj9as
Great contact, Arne! It's amazing how many people don't think communications like this are possible. 73 from VE3TWM.
Hey Tracy! I
I’m watching this one again and thought I’d share the great time I had QRP this afternoon while out in an open area near Agassiz, BC. It’s very quiet there and with my HyEndFed Field Day antenna set up I was able to make several >1500 km contacts at 5W on my 817ND. They were all on 20m about 1500, almost 2 hours before sunset. Background noise was 0. The sky was blue, the mountains had fresh snow above me, the Fraser River flowed silently by. It was perfect!
Can't beat this Bruce! Sounds great! KD9MKO
Truly inspiring, Tracy, thank you! These results are astounding. At times I've been mildly (and briefly) sucked into the "more power" vortex, but I think it's important for us all to remember that as hams, we're technically only supposed to use as much power as is necessary to successfully make the contact. And your video makes clear the fact that we can do an awful lot with relatively little, provided we consider every aspect of our station. One thing you didn't mention, unfortunately, is that the jolly pumpkin perched in just the right spot atop your rig no doubt aided propagation. :-)
Thank you for your comment! I figure the Jack O'Lantern is good for a 3dB boost in radiated signal.
Good demonstration Tracy! I am fascinated with QRP and really enjoyed this video. The antenna is everything in QRP. SO many make attempts at operating QRP with non-resonant, compromised antennas then get frustrated and then give up. As I have said many times, I get a far bigger thrill making one contact with 5 watts than 50 contacts with 100 watts. But I enjoy all the contacts that I make at whatever the power. This is a great hobby!
Thank you for sharing your experience! It IS a great hobby, isn't it?
Well done and very inspiring. I'm a new HAM licensed May 2018. Sites like your make it clear that even with modest equipment it's possible to work the world. Knowing what can be done is espeically important for situations where communicating by radio is a vital, even life saving skill. I really appreciate that you are sharing your skill, and specfically portable operations. This kind of operating is, in my opinion something we might all do well to practice.
Thank you very much for your comment! Congrats on joining the family. I hope you get to experience HF Portable before too long.
As always, great video Mr. Tracy. Thanks to you sharing your knowledge, I have a fishing pole vertical for 40m that I can take with me anywhere. Sometimes I'm in the mood to stop and drop an antenna, fire up the Xiegu G90, and give 'er a go with 20 watts. I usually have positive results. I am a firm believer in having the best possible combination of gear plus terrain for portable ops, and your camp style operating gives the added benefit of enjoying the wonders of creation. Your videos are always informative and well-made. Keep 'em coming, Sir!
73 de K5SFC
Thank you very much, your comment means a lot to me! I love your passion for the hobby. 73 from VE3TWM.
As usual I enjoyed your video. Though I'm more of a rag chewer I enjoy the challenge of QRP portable. I also like checking into Nets at 5 or 10 watts to remind folks they don't need there 400 + watt amps. An Elmer of mine used to say "anything over S9 is wasted energy". I normally run 100 watts myself at home but it's nice to remember what lower power will do with a GOOD "Antenna System". I've lived in apartments, and condos where I was forced to use compromise antennas and needed all 100 watts to be heard. One other note, I've never used an Amp in my 25 + years as an amateur. My dad told me when I was getting started, build a good Antenna System and you'll work the world.
Thank you for sharing your experience! I like your practice of checking into nets with low power. Your dad sounds like a wise man.
This is sooooo inspiring!! I've had my General ticket since 2015 and I'm just now getting motivated to work some HF. My goal is to probably buy an FT-818 and take a motorcycle out in the boonies on occasion to see what I can do with some QRP. Still have lots to re-learn, but I have no problem getting minimum results with max effort.....LOL.....as long as it's with 5 watts!!
Nice video. Glad to see you were on the bands. Your videos finally encouraged me to participate in a CQ WW contest. I could not get Morocco! I was part-time and casual, but it was rewarding. I operated 100 watts though since my antenna was marginal and my kids wanted to participate. I do QRP all the time with SOTA activations.
Thank you for sharing your experience! Much of who you contact during the contest is up to timing (and your antenna of course). Nice that you got your kids to pitch in. We as hams don't do enough of that. Continued success with your SOTA activations.
Of course you can! I used a converted SSB CB rig (Lafayette Telsat SSB-50, 10 watts) with a Hustler center loaded mobile CB whip to talk around the world, back in the late 70's. I was a high school kid, sitting in my mom's Olds Cutlass, and I often got '59' reports in Russia (Soviet Union), South America, Japan, and even reached Australia, sitting in a New Jersey driveway! That particular sunspot cycle was phenomenal, with 10 meters often open into the wee hours of the morning!
Thank you for sharing your experience, sounds like you had a ton of fun!
Super video again Tracy. I like the way you laid out your approach. I'm finally starting to experiment with HF all be it mostly with digital modes at the moment (don't judge me !) but I feel it's really important for less experienced operators such as myself to understand the importance of a good antenna. Im starting to experiment with home brew verticals but have to factor in the physical & QRM restrictions of my QTH in to my results. Bravo for battling the rain during the night ! It was loud enough in the video, can only think what it felt like for real. Great job, thanks again 73 de 2E0IEH
Thank you, Tim! First off, absolutely no judgement from me on your use of the digital modes. I find them interesting, I'm just not into that stuff at the moment. One of the best things about ham radio is the variety of activities we can engage in, whether that be contesting, DX chasing, digital, awards, satellite, etc.
As for the rain, having a good tent makes all the difference. I would not have wanted be under a tarp that night.
73 from VE3TWM.
Thank you and great video! Im now inspired more than ever to get out doors and combine my two loves, wireless comms and camping. Great to see your set up and to have examples of working contests. I need to get out there and use my General privileges more. Cheers and 73!
Thank you very much! I hope you start planning your first outdoor activity soon. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
I just spent almost 3 hours out in the field listening to people make contacts with nobody being able to hear me running 5 watts into an admittedly subpar antenna. As frustrating as this experience was hearing what you had to say about it had convinced me to give it another go. I'll be back in the field in the next couple of weeks hopefully with a better antenna to give it another go. Thank you
I was like you once, going out with compromise antennas and getting frustrated. I started using full sized antennas and have never looked back. Good luck going forward!
Wow great results, hard to believe what 5 watts will do! Great video Tracy
Thank you, Brian!
Great video and great results. Thanks for taking us along.
Thank you, Scott!
Wow! This is such an informative video.
I host a channel that helps people to get into ham radio. I’m doing a segment today on QRP. I’d love to use this video because it really explains things so well. How to do it, when to do it… It’s well put together.
I’ll credit your channel as well as put a link to it in the description section of the video and ask people to subscribe.
When you find a video that someone took a lot of time to produce and it’s well done, it’s very rare. Thank you for putting the time in to make this. It’s really a homerun explanation about QRP. Thank you for making it.
Warm Regards,
Larry
de K7HN
Thank you very much, Larry! Let me know if you want me to join you for a show.
Really inspirational Tracy, most of my ops are portable, and i have made great contacts, from Bahrain, to Australia, Japan, USA Canada, South America, but admit, Im running 85 watts on my 991a. Really glad to see yr postings are more frequent,.. all the Best Tracy. A92GW 73s
Thank you for sharing your experience, Thomas! Those are some great contacts. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO I enjoyed it, and I would like to follow up to mention you in a future video and make QRP MYSELF to prove you are correct
Thank you, Eric!
Good video Tracey. I only use QRP for all of my operating, whethe at home or while camping. I also try to use my Bioenno battery in the shack also. The most power that I have ever used during my ham career was 100 watts, but I sold my old TenTec 540 and exclusively use my Elecraft KX3. QRP offers a greater thrill and feeling of accomplishment and stations that I work are very often amazed at how strong my signal is. Thanks for posting. 73 de Bill WB9NYI
Thank you for sharing your experience, Bill! 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
True. From one QRP OP to another QRP OP. I've been doing QRP for 33 years and many times I've been told that I need 100 watts output but my log book shows more contacts using 3 watts and lower than contacts using 5 watts. That is solo operation. I contest with a team and run 95 - 100 watts. Not only having a good antenna for contacts at 5 watts or less but perseverance and changing cadence of your are helpful. Great video. 72 KB8AMZ
I always enjoy reading your comments, Terry. I end up learning something from each one! Thank you for sharing your experience. 72 from VE3TWM.
Great job Tracy, I went to the park for a few hours too and was on 15 and 40 meters with my x5105. Made contacts on both band. Keep showing everyone how its done. 73s from Dan n9xck...
Awesome, Dan! Really nice to hear from you. Keep going, my friend. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Tracy, I want the challenge that is why I like operating with the Yaesu FT-817ND or my uBitx. That is the fun part of the hobby, trying with minimal equipment. That is one reason I like the POTA stuff, it is like having Field Day all year long!! LOL I just followed up on your email you sent me, sorry it was so late getting back to you. This was a great video, and boy I understand what you say about the antenna when operating QRP. Happy New Year. Juddie - WD8WV
Thank you for your comment, Juddie! You are bang on in regard to POTA, I think it is re-energizing our hobby.
Thanks for the excellent video. Sold my FT 817 and now I'm having seller's remorse. I have an FT857D and a FT991A, but sure miss the FT817. Guess I need to do some shopping.
I recently picked up an FT817ND because I really like small radios and am fine with QRP ops. I'll never sell the radio. I hear what you're saying!
Thank you for sharing your experience! Like you, I had an earlier 817 before acquiring the 817ND I have now. I'm keeping this one :)
Well done, Tracy! Good to have you back.
Thank you very much (on both counts)!
Great video! People like to blame QRP or the bands being dead when they don't make contacts. The real problem is that no one is out there to answer, except during contests. If more people were regularly active, it wouldn't be an issue.
You're so right.
Thank you for this video. I've made QRP contacts from my.home in Atlanta, Georgia to places as far as Hawaii, Slovenia, France, England, Italy, Brazil, Venezuela, the Carribean, Victoria in Canada, Belgium,and Mexico. Most of these contacts were on 20 meters and the Hawaii contact was on 15, then 10 meter's but I actually made a contact with Peru on 40 meters with an MFJ EFHW antenna that was only about 25 feet high. My Elad FDM Duo SDR is really bringing great results for me. I'm looking to UPGUN my my antenna and I'm looking at either the antenna you're using or a Myantennas 80/10 EFHW. Thanks again for this video
Thank you for sharing your experience, Walter. You've done very well with your QRP station. That FDM Duo sounds like a nice rig.
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir I'm new and this is my first radio and I'm still learning it but it's doing things that some people told me that I wouldn't be able to do with a QRP radio. I'm stubborn and I like challenges. Once I get a better antenna and tweak the positioning better, I believe. that I'll be more successful. Thank You for your reply and I look forward to watching more of your well made and presented videos. Cheers
So impressive ! I love watching mobile operation, your video is absolutely fantastic - thanks for uploading.
Thank you very much for your comment, I really appreciate it.
I've been hesitant to get a QRP rig, but this looks fun. By the way, I call BS on the other stations giving you a "five nine" report if they have to keep asking for your callsign!
😆never trust a contest signal report.
I’m impressed, nice job. Still debating which HyEndFed I should purchase for my first wire antenna from this company
Thank you for your comment! Reach out to the guys at HyEndFed to help you decide, they are very helpful.
Very good video, thank you. Did your antenna use a 9:1 UnUn? If not, do you know what type of antenna match equipment is on the end of your antenna?
Hi Mark, thank you for your comment and question. While I do not know for certain the type of Unun used in the sealed matching unit, I believe it's either a 49:1 or 54:1. You could direct questions of this nature to the guys at HyEndCompany. They are very helpful.
GREAT Video. My Ft-818ND works great with an EFHW wire set up as an inverted L portable for POTA/ BYOTA [Back Yard On The Air]. Patience and picking you potential contacts is paramount. Another consideration would be to operate from a desirable location so stations will be looking for you. Nothing like being a sought after contact. Just publish ahead of time where you will be and possible bands and modes. They will be looking for you. Good DX and 73 de w8nsi
Good points. What you suggest sounds a lot like POTA 😀 Thank you for your comment! 73 from VE3TWM.
I too use that strategy, working on contest, to push the number of worked countries to a higher level. A lot of stations with very good operators are on the air during a contest and when there are no more pile-ups, they have enough time to listen to qrp stations. So I worked during contests stations at the eastcoast of USA, Canada, reached Brasil, New Sealand, Aruba and many more countries from my place in Germany with 10W from an IC-703.
I only call cq when I'm on a SOTA summit. But then I announce my activity on the SOTA site and mostly find a lot chaser waiting for my call.
Thanks for your interesting videos, which I found a few days ago. So I have a lot to watch in the next time ;-)
Thank you very much for sharing your experience!
Satis longa vita for qrp Live is long enough for qrp! Thnaks for the video. I can count the times I ran a radio with more than 10 watts on both hands for the last 40 years! FT-817ND, SG-2020 and my KX2 is all I need :-) 72 Stephan, DF6PA
Thank you for sharing your experience, Stephan! You have some nice gear there. 72 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Hello. Great video ... you certainly made this important point about portable ops! I’m a newbie and have camped out mostly on FT8, avoiding until now developing phone - on - HF chops. Question: what is the “5204” (hope I remembered the number ) repeated often in your final QSO transmission?
Hi Brian, thank you for leaving a comment and a question. First things first, welcome to Ham Radio! We're glad to have you join our ranks.
59-04 is the exchange...59 means receiving you well...the 04 refers to the CQ Zone. The contest is the CQ WorldWide SSDB DX Contest (CQ is a ham radio magazine), so CQ Zones are used to identify which part of the globe you are operating from. CQ has published a map of the world showing the various zones, look it up when you get a chance.
I love your green utc clock. What brand model is it?
I bought it at IKEA a number of years ago. Sadly, I don't think they sell them anymore.
Real Inspiration!
Thank you for letting me know!
It seems like ham radio people like to brag about who it got the most powerful system this video proofs the opposite for beginners this is the way to go great video and thank you for taking the time 👍👍
Thank you for your comment, I appreciate it.
I have a lot of fun working my FT-897D at 10-25W. My vertical antenna is a bit too compromised to get a lot of results with 5W but I do fairly well at just a little higher level of power. This afternoon I’m going to set up in the backyard and try some more with a portable antenna and see what goes on. Thanks for the encouragement, Tracy! VA7SGY
Thank you for sharing your experience, Bruce! 73 from VE3TWM.
Very good vid. I am a great fan of QRP and I love your results.
Thank you, Tom! Let's get together. Sent you a couple of emails.
Bravo ! A very well done video ! Sort of makes me want to dig up my HW-8 and get back on the air.
73 AB8B
Well, it is just sitting there with those sad eyes...
Good job Tracy. I agree with you, no challenge, no fun.
Thank you!
Such fun thanks for showing it
Thank you!
Great results Tracy and really liked the heavy rain on the Tent being a great lover of Camping. I was wondering how you managed to keep warm this time of the year its 5C at the moment in Liverpool UK
Hi Steve, thank you for your comment! Mercifully it was a bit warmer here, maybe 10C. Nevertheless I dressed as I would for the winter, base layer + midlayers + winter jacket with hood and winter (lined) pants.
Tracy, I sent you an email with some photos of my first POTA activation this year using my 817ND. Just wanted to give you a heads up. Great channel! Juddie WD8WV
Thank you, Juddie! I have not yet had a chance to look at your email but will do so and get back to you on it. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Thanks for another inspirational video Tracy. Hope to have a QSO with you sometime from the UK. 73 Mark M0PVM
Thank you, Mark! I'm looking forward to that QSO. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Excellent channel Tracy. I do similar things to you running QRP and operating outdoors. Keep up the good work and hope to work you on the bands one day. 73 Chris M0RSF
Thank you, Chris! I'm looking forward to that contact. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Good video! I fully agree with you! Greetings from Slovakia! 73, Paul
Thank you, Paul! Greetings to you from Canada...73 from Tracy
Good looking clock that you are using. Can you tell us the make/model? I'm always looking for nice basic clocks. Thanks, and great video!
I wish I could...I purchased the clock from IKEA of all places a number of years ago. There is no name or model number on the back. I don't know if they are still selling them. The outer shell is rubber, making it very durable.
Thank you Sir!
You're welcome!
I want to know more about that antenna. I don't think I could get a 100ft + antenna up here -- no trees in the desert. I'd have to do masts. I typically run a Wolf River Coils vertical and it's resonant on 14MHz and up without the coil. I'm looking at picking up a mast so I can put up an inverted V wire antenna and have horizontal polarization.
My ops are almost all portable. I have S9 noise here at the house. I can do some FT8, but I'd much rather do phone ops. So, portable for now will have to be the order of the day.
Thanks for the video!
Thank you for sharing your experience, David! If you have more questions about the antenna, check out my video entitled HyEndFed Field Day Antenna...or send a request to the guys at HyEndCompany. They are very helpful. Note that in this video, the high end of the antenna was affixed not to a tree, but my DX-Wire 15 meter mast.
As far as noise at the QTH, there are some things you can try. Start (if possible) by getting the feedpoint away from the house (as the house is loaded with RF generating devices).
You have an excellent strategy. Now I have to try the higher frequency bands myself. 73.
Let me know how it goes for you!
Tracy, what brand of clock are you using?
I purchased it at IKEA a number of years ago. I don't think they sell them any more. It's got a rubber shell, perfect for outdoor use.
Could you give us the details on the antenna you used? Thank you.
He gives that at the beginning.
Certainly. Check out my HyEndFed Field Day Antenna video, and then the link in the description of this video.
You inspire me
Hi Tracy nice connections with QRP with wire antenna from Holland. I also connect ef8r with the Xiegu x5105 walkie talkie on 10 meter ssb 3201 km same weekend. Thanks to the station with a large antenna ef8r. To see yoe tube pd0jw.
QRP gives more satisfaction
Thank you for sharing your experience, Jan! I loved your video. Never seen the X5105 used as a walkie talkie before. I hope others reading this comment check out the video.
73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Great channel, great operator, great voice, nice callsign and very interesting content. Every time I watch your videos I get very much pleasure!!!!! Thanks for your labours!
Thank you very much!
Like your site! I have been a qrper since 1978 not a purist will run 100 watts but enjoy the adventures of low power. I have worked both portable and fixed and had alot of success. people who make comments like you have to be a masikist to run qrp are actually lazy. Keep up the good work.73 ki0ad
.
Thank you for your comment! 73 from VE3TWM.
QRP is lots of fun. My buddy and I worked QRP field day and for the last two years took first place in the Atlantic division in out category. One of the QSO parties we worked 600 Q's in a 24 hour period. We've noticed that not one person ever had to struggle to copy our call sign if we were not trying to break a pileup.
The other person does all of the work? No Way. They either hear us or don't hear us.
Barry, KU3X/QRP
Well put, Barry! Impressive results. What did you use for antennas?
With the PTT on, your voltage drops to 11.1 volts. A fully charged battery is 13.5 volts. I found (even on digital modes) I get much more contacts when the battery is full. I guess 2 volts make a difference.
Good luck & 73! YO5PUV
It's an interesting point you make, and generally speaking, you're not wrong. The FT-817 can actually be run on supplies down to around 10 volts without any adverse effects. The bigger issue for me is not to drain the SLA battery down to below 11 volts, which could damage the battery. Thank you for your comment and 73 from Tracy VE3TWM!
Great video ! ! !
I'm in the planning & equipment acquisition stage of working portable - SOTA/POTA.
This video is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished and your strategy for success.
I have noted your call and will share my experience with you direct - any further insights welcomed direct.
Thank you for sharing.
73,
K9BBQ
Thank you! 73 from VE3TWM.
Great video. Thanks for sharing de K7JRP
Thank you, Jay!
Can 2 QRP rigs hear each other? If the power goes out in a region that is a very important question.
Absolutely yes. Mode, band, antenna and propagation are important factors to consider.
I’ll be in the USVI in a couple months trying my hand at POTA, it would be nice to get you in the logbook while I’m there!
I'll try to keep an eye out for your activation!
Love your vids. Where'd you get that clock?
Thank you! IKEA, years ago.
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir thanks!
Where did you get that awesome 24hr clock?
IKEA.
I have a FT-818 and have made TONS of contacts during Field Day and the November Sweepstakes events. Use a good antenna, and you'll be amazed at what you can do with 5 watts of power.
Thank you for sharing your experience!
TnX 😊
Thank you!
That’s cool as heck. I’m a new ham. I Don’t have a radio yet and that was great.
Thank you!
Nicely done. :) I did a quick look in the www.hyendcompany.nl site and couldn't find a reference to a field day antenna. Is it currently in production?
Yes it is...I've added the link HyEndCompany's Field Day Antenna page to the video description for you.
Best video I've seen in a very long time. 73 Paul M0BSW
Thank you, Paul! 73 from VE3TWM.
Mine was mfj1899t telescopic antenna, mfj 9201 pocket tuner and ft-817nd. Got to work JA and BY stations on 10m during CQWW DXC 2019 on Day 1. Very inspired! Too bad i dont have videos. I submitted my log to cqww as this is my first contest running qrp. -DX9M -SO 10M QRP CLASSIC. Home call 4F9AM
Congratulations on your successful QRP operation! Take some photos next time :)
Never been disappointed with my SSB contacts and 6 watts and a wire with my 818. Contesting with an 817./818 teaches you patience and it can be done.
I like your attitude!
I'll be getting my Technician license on the 20th of next month (August/2020). Even though I don't have a HAM radio I'm still excited to get my HAM license.
Good luck on the exam! Let me know how it goes.
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir Thanks. It got postponed until Sept. 21st because of the COVID-19 thing.
All about the antenna!
Yes sir!
On the FT817 (not ND) that i had years ago… the stock mic does not match the rig... i tried a old peiker tm110tk.. and wow what a differance..
Thank you for the tip!
Was listening to ECARS on 7.255 and the net op had a fit that someone checked in QRP. He chewed him a new one saying that net operators don't like qrp'ers when their radio can QRO. So when he asked for further check ins I came in 5 watts QRP. Ha, he got bent and shut down the net. After he stormed off 3 stations commented on my good QRP signal. I can run a kilowatt, but choose not to when conditions allow.
That's really disappointing to hear. I often listen to ECARS on those days I work from home and have generally been impressed with the net controllers, specifically Jeff from NJ. I hope it wasn't him.
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir Read his QRZ page bio section and you will have your answer.
I operated QRP Mobile, mostly 20m, for several years. Crappy mag-mount antenna but, with LOTS of patience, worked several states, 5 or 6 Europeans/East Europeans (Slovenia, twice; 4300 miles & 4400 miles, one of them was at 2.5w), plus the northern tip of South America.
It's do-able, just not pretty. At the time, I was driving stick shift so CW wasn't practical. (I do know of a guy who drives a stick Wrangler and does CW.) Must learn to copy CW in my head now that I'm stuck with an automatic. Can do 20wpm on paper.
You can actually bust a pileup on 20m when you add "QRP Mobile" to your callsign - did that with a special event station (World Cup Soccer) in Germany. The battery in my '817ND died 5 minutes after the QSO.
"Hunt & pounce" is a sound strategy. Hoping to get a better mobile antenna mounted, in the spring if not sooner.
Thank you for sharing your experience!
The more I get to know my 817, the more I love it. But I know when and where to try SSB on the thing. Yes QRP demands the BEST of antennae and feedlines. Too many are totally dependent on manufactured/compromise antennae. 73
Good points, Wade!
Disagrree. It needs a fairly resonant antenna and a tuner. Have made quite a few multi-thousand mile contacts on 6 watts and a wire and cheap coax.
QRP 😘 exactly what I want to work with when I own my license. Hopefully this summer.
What is your battery
12 amp hour SLA.
I have worked loads of stations with 10w allways use tuned anttenas dont waste power with a atu yes its work with qrp but anyone can sit with power my last dx usa with 10w on 80m and it's fun as well nice video chris G0WFH
Great video, great statement. QRP rulez :-D 73 from the qrp operator dg0jao
Thank you, Udo! 73 from VE3TWM.
👍👏👏👏👏👏👏
Nice job Tracy
Thank you!
Interesting video. KK7T.
Thank you!
Yup I just had a 5 watt cw and SSB qso with Hawaii last week on HFPack frequency. I operate all QRP here but 98% is cw comms....Fred
Great contact, Fred! I've never worked HI.
Outdoors On The Air thanks, it was a great prop day that day
Not just your antenna being effective, but the receive station may also be doing much of the work if these guys are big gun contestors. ...Fred
True...to a point. You still have to get your signal up to a strong enough level that you are able to compete against the QRM and other, more powerful stations.
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir and that is why I always try and use a resonant antenna, be it a dipole or vertical. At QRP levels every mw counts for sure.
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir I know in moon-bounce that has been the case. I worked Russia one morning off the full moon on 2 meters. I was using 3 elements and he heard me and I worked him, boot when I looked at his QRZ page he had stacked arrays on a trolley driven by a old vehicle.
I can work coast to coast on satellites with 5 watts. CAS-4A and B hear so well and are very strong. You can even work with an FT-817 or a pair of these and a cross yagi arrow antenna, or with a full duplex dual band HT or 2 Chinese radios.
Thank you for sharing your experience!
I ran 20 watts on field day and made 30+ contacts with my xeigu x108g. This was while fighting with 1500 watt stations. I was using a buddipole/nvis 40/80 antenna 15 feet up. Not bad.
Great job!
Awesome! I'm QRP Mobile but haven't had any luck with 20m on Field Day. Even the very loud stations wouldn't pick up on me. Oh well...wasn't competing anyway.
@@joekrepps what kind of antenna? What band? Many mobile antennas are compromised and at QRP it will be difficult to get through! Always remember any antenna less than a half wave in length is compromised. ( 1/4 wave vertical plus 1/4 wave radials ) So normally its easier to get on the higher bands and be successful. But that is relevant to how much work you spend on and installing your antenna.
I prefer 40 and 80M as they seem more consistent. Its a lot of wire to string up but its worth it!
73
WW5RM
WW5RM As I said, I’m 20m Mobile. The “antenna” is a Diamond, I forget the model number off hand but it doesn’t appear anywhere online, including Diamond’s website. It’s mag-mount which I know too well “has its limitations” but after several years, you learn your limitations. When I hear a SSB signal that’s a healthy 5-9+, 90% of the time it’s a solid contact. On Sunday morning of FD, when the band is quiet, when I hear such strong signals, to me, the only reason why they’re not responding to my call is my signal isn’t making their rig jump off the table. Maybe it’s a home-based station running way too much power, pushing his signal beyond what he’s willing to hear (getting an extra “skip” that a lesser station can’t match).
VERY _rarely_ do I operate stationary-long story.
I _have_ worked several states and 6 or 7 DX with my mobile setup, including 2 Slovenians at 4,300+ miles. I’m patient but persistent...just have my limits on 20m SSB QRP Mobile, on FD.
73, WB3CFN
@@joekrepps get you one of those 45watt Chinese amps. No reason a mobile can't compete! =]
you should try the TM-110 Peiker mic on the FT817,, that give a better punch in signal.. stock mic is not up to the job use os ssb qrp... I hade to reduse mic gain to around 35 with the peiker.
Thank you for the tip!
😊👍
Very good info !! Dont just listen... Get on the air !!! ;) 73 Mike VE3MKX
Thank you for the comment, Mike! And you are absolutely correct, more people need to press the PTT button more often. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Nice video..... yup you can do it with 5w, been there done that....
Thank you for sharing your experience!
Love QRP? Check out VK3YE's channel: ruclips.net/user/vk3ye
I recently made a contact to 9N1CA Nepal sitting in Chennai India with 4 watts SSB. 1675 Kms QSO with 4 watts.
Great contact!
Ha ha
I hear you. My pixie2 does well on a 9 volt battery. For cw. My Tentec scout does verry good on 4 watt. Output. (Can't help it) my house power unit only recommends 5 watts to spare. (Solar) . After all on 6 meter my prc 25 got me a call from plumbrook NASA station to fort hood texas.(circa 1973) It's all in the placement of antenna. And operator skill. Retired Sgt williams. Combat engneer
Thank you for sharing your experience, Sgt. Williams!
Super excellent video 73 VA2SOB
Merci beaucoup, Claude! 73 from VE3TWM.
Yep you sure can make contacts with QRP, done it several times using my 817ND doing a POTA activation, and also with my uBitx which runs about 10 watts. Of course I have also done it with my QRP Labs QCX40 cw rig. But that isn’t as fun as SSB QRP! Juddie WD8WV
Thank you for sharing your experience, Juddie!
i've had regular QSOs with just 800mW OF SSB on 80 from an hbrew rig - and with just a long wire - dont know abt DX though.
Very impressive! Last year I worked all over North America on 2.5 watts SSB from a backcountry portable station. Full story on my Backpacking Trek video.
im trying a random wire in my apt