The virtues of QRP

As you know only too well, I love QRP.  No TVI, no noisy fans, low electricity bills, etc.. Yes there are times when more power helps - this I do understand. However, most contacts at QRP levels are fun, and this is something that I enjoy.

Our hobby is such that it can be enjoyed in many different ways: if you chose to run 1kW and a beam and rag-chew, that is fine by me. If you like satellites that is fine too. All I am saying is QRP is fun. Two-way QRP is even more rewarding, especially if some of the gear is home made. I like 472kHz as my transverter was designed and built by me. Details are on my website at www.g3xbm.co.uk .

Over the years I have managed well over 100 DXCC countries with QRP SSB. Others have worked far more countries than me. I hope this does not sound boastful: it is intended to encourage others.  Even in the worst years of solar cycles N--S paths are sometimes workable with QRP SSB on 10m.

If you think high power is necessary, may I invite you to turn the power down to 5W?  You may be surprised by what you can still work, even with SSB.