What exactly is QRP?
If you are new to ham radio, QRP is the operation of equipment that produces a power output of relatively low power. Generally 5 watts or less. Some enthusiasts actually consider 5 watts QRO (high power), but for sake of argument, 5 watts or less output from your transmitter will generally grant you a pass to the QRP catagory. While QRO operators may enjoy firing up the linear amplifiers and pumping 1.5 kilowatts to the 3 element beam at 200 feet to grab some rare DX, QRP operators generally thrill to a different set of criteria. For the QRP operator, the challenge of bagging the rare one while running under 5 watts of power output, freqently to a modest antenna, is the thrill. It is the quest to see how far you signal can go with how little power. With HF frequencies, and a modest antenna, QRP operators have worked the world. More often than not with QRP, it is OPERATOR SKILL – NOT RAW POWER that dictates success. There is another aspect to QRP Operating that is very rewarding and tha
