What is QRP

To the scoffers it simply means QSO's rarely possible, or quiet radio power, to mention just two acronym interpretations from the QRO (high power) only guys. At the end of the day it's what ever floats your boat! qrp photo

But on a more serious note, it is reduced power communication. The maximum recognised power level for QRP communication is 5 Watts RF out. There is also VLP (very low power) with a maximum of 1 Watt RF out.

Although CW is the most dominant mode for QRP, SSB and Data still have a significant part to play. Many QRP operators design and construct their own equipment, but this is not obligatory. There are some very good kits on the market aimed at various levels competency. Two manufacturers that come to mind are Walford and Kanga, great kits with good instructions that work first time at sensible prices.

If these few paragraphs have wetted your appetite for QRP fun then I suggest you click on the GQRP link. The GQRP is a superb club with the sole object of promoting low power operation. For just £6 per annum you get a quarterly magazine packed with circuits, ideas, and chat. Plus you have free use of their QSL bureau, no envelopes needed, and technical advisors.

QRP and the Grey Line

Kevin G4CMZ

Quote: “The grey line is a band around the Earth that separates the daylight from darkness. Radio propagation along the grey line is very efficient. One major reason for this is that the D layer, which absorbs HF signals, disappears rapidly on the sunset side of the grey line, and it has not yet built upon the sunrise side. Ham radio operators and shortwave listeners can optimize long distance communications to various areas of the world by monitoring this area as it moves around the globe."

My goal was to prove that DX can be worked with a modest station and antenna system. Obviously with this style of attack, the time (UTC) dictates where you can work to a considerable degree. The results below were achieved with either station +/- 30mins of the grey line.

Date	UTC	QRG	Call	RST out	RST in	Pwr	QTH	Details	QRB(mi)
26/09/12	22.56	14019	KS0X	599	569	5W0	Iowa	90W 4EL	3992
26/09/12	23.46	14020	N4DSP	579	549	5W0	N.Carolina	5W Triband	3817
27/09/12	23.26	14034	NE8J	599	449	2W5	Florida	100W Quad	3712
27/09/12	23.59	14004	8P6DR	599	599	5W0	Babados	100W 5RV	4187
28/09/12	23.21	14022	VE3USP	599	559	5W0	Ontario	100W	3508
03/10/12	18.47	18073	VO1HP	599	559	2W5	St. Johns	Frank	2240
12/10/12	20.56	14033	W0AIH/KV4	599	559	5W0	US Virgin Is	Paul	4133
01/09/12	19.38	10124	ZL3XDJ	339	559	2W5	South Island	Brian	11825

During the winter months I will be experimenting with vertical polarisation rather than horizontal. The grey line map is accessed through http://dx.qsl.net/propagation/greyline.html and the SFI information is taken from www.dxsummit.

I've managed to work 87 DXCC entities this year with 5W or less to various dipoles just 2 metres above ground level! So it can be done, give it a try this winter you may be amazed.
Happy DX chasing and 73/72

73 Kev G4CMZ

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QRP Frequencies

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What is QRP

QRP and the Grey Line

Kevin G4CMZ

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QRP Contests Supported 2012

Grey Line Propagation

G2DJ, G3ERD, Derby and District Amateur Radio Society, United Reformed Church, Carlton Road, Derby, England, DE23 6HE