Please Stop Shouting QRP QRP!

Comments · 269

• SA

  @SatansPooper · 2 years ago

  POTA/QRP = Hard Mode and Im here for it.  The challenge in operating POTA with only 5w (on 10m) is immense and therefore so are the rewards.   I wont stop using QRP when calling an activator as a Hunter but I rarely use it as an activator for similar reasons to those you stated, I love hearing the Hunter's amazement when I tell them the power I am running in the park.  Thanks for having a discussion about standard use of suffixes like this.  This was enlightening for me and I hope it is for others as well.     POTA ON!

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• FA

  @fairwayfinder18 · 2 years ago

  Totally agree Cal. A good operator running a pile up could always ask."Any foundation licence holders or QRP stations like to call?"

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• JO

  @johnnorth9355 · 2 years ago

  Speaking personally as an M7 who is sometimes accused of using more than licensed power (not true I patiently wait for and hunt favorable conditions and have refined my  antenna tuning and audio for efficiency) I sometimes use QRP to emphasize that I am running 10 or less watts. Far more "annoying" for me are the stations that automatically run 100 or 400 watts even when conditions are favorable,  thus swamping everyone else. Just sayin  ;-) .

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• TA

  @TangoOscarMikeN3WS · 2 years ago

  I concur.  I love low power, but I don't feel the need to say "QRP" when calling.  I used to tell them how much power I'm using after giving my report, but I don't even do that any  more.  It is irrelevant.

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• LA

  @laszlokovacs8827 · 2 years ago

  Agreed.  Thanks for bring this up.  Well said Callum.

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• ST

  @Steve-GM0HUU · 2 years ago

  I go with GQRP rule that CW QRP is 5W or less. I frequently operate QRP. Although I never add /QRP to my call sign, I do sometimes add <space>QRP at the end of a CQ so that other stations know I am QRP. This lets fellow QRP ops know I am QRP. Also, it lets other (e.g. QRO) stations know I am QRP and that my signals may be more prone to fading. It may even allow QRO stations revulsed or simply bemused at the concept of QRP from being "hoodwinked" into having a QSO with a QRP station 😂.

  2

• AE

  @aerostahr · 2 years ago

  I’m a bit on the fence with this one. As someone who operates with a 10W max radio and a speaker-wire antenna I, more often than not, find it a daunting challenge to overcome what seems like broadcast-class stations with monster Hex Beam antennas who cause the neighborhood’s lights to dim when they key up the mic. On the other hand, more modest stations have to compete with those very same stations as well, waiting in line like the rest of us. Maybe we can learn a lesson here from the world of sports or boxing where distinctions are made by male/female and weight classes. Like someone mentioned in another comment, set aside some time as the CQ station to give everyone out there what YOU think might be a fair chance at achieving QSO.

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• LE

  @lexheath8276 · 2 years ago

  I worked All States on 4.5w. 30m cw.

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• K6

  @K6ARK · 2 years ago (edited)

  I'm primarily a QRP op and I couldn't agree more with you, Cal.  Well-said.  In my opinion, the way VK3YE, Peter, operates in his videos is a prime example of what QRP ops should do, and it's just as you describe.  Use your skill and optimized station to make the contact with low power, and after that, if you want to describe your station and/or power, go for it.  QRP ops should never expect special treatment or priority simply for being QRP.  Respect and prioritization in the pileup is by through skilled operating , patience and respect for other operators, and effective communication.

  2

• DA

  @daijoactual · 2 years ago

  Use /P when portable. Usually QRP :) /P at legal limit that would be impressive! When it comes to SSB I think 10W goes as QRP. Data or CW it's 5W definitely. Have no problem activating parks on FT8 with 2W.

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• AN

  @andybonneau9209 · 2 years ago

  I find that there is a better way of getting through a contest pileup.  I say my call sign then yell CRIPPLE!  Works every time.  😊

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• GR

  @greene_hu · 2 years ago

  According to many, including the RSGB, QRP is up to 5W on CW and up to 10W on SSB. Btw, I rarely hear any SES or contest station ask for QRP stations. I think there are much worse practices than adding QRP to Your callsign for the initial call. What about those who only shout their suffix in a pileup, or those, who tune on a pileup?

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