What does QRP Mean?
- QRP is transmitting on the
Amateur Radio Bands using low power
- Usually QRP power is 5 watts
or less when using CW or other digital modes, while 10 watts or less is generally
considered QRP when operating on SSB
- There is a great sense of
accomplishment when you make contacts, sometimes using very simple transmitters
or transceivers, at QRP power levels
- QRP can be used with virtually
any mode. The new digital modes implemented through use of computer sound
cards work very well using QRP power levels
- QRPp usually refers to low
power operation when the power of the transmitter is below 1 watt.
Here's an example of a QRPp transceiver.
Actually smaller than a pack of cigarettes. The transceiver is named the
"Rock Mite" and is a design by Small Wonder Labs. The kit (less case, jacks
and controls) is about $27 and can be ordered for 20 meters or 40 meters.
The standard power output is 500 milliwatts, however by swapping a few components
(final, resistor and choke) you can raise the power output from between 1/2
to 1 watt.
This Rock Mite has
been modified with a different final than the stock 2N2222A and will output
about 750 milliwatts. I have worked over 10 states with this transceiver
using nothing more than this, a 12 volt battery and a Butternut vertical antenna.
The farthest state being Arizona (from Ohio). It only operates on two frequencies
just around the standard QRP calling frequecy of 14.060. My next project
is the 40 meter version.
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