Ham Radio Portable Insights: POTA QRP Fun

Let’s talk about QRP operating.

Strictly speaking, QRP is defined as low-power operating. It comes from the CW Prosign QRP that means either “Shall I reduce power” or “Please reduce power,” depending on the punctuation that follows it.

QRP today usually refers to operating with power levels of 5W or less on CW/Digital, and 10W or less on SSB. Some advantages of low-power operating, are:

• The equipment (rig, antenna, batteries) can be smaller and lighter, making it much easier to carry a complete station with you.
• Even the smaller batteries can last longer between charges.
• A QRP station is generally less expensive to set up.

Operating QRP can be more of a challenge during rough band conditions, but it’s a breeze during good conditions. The easiest way to get started in QRP is to use the equipment you already own and just reduce the power level. Most HF transceivers produced in the last 50 years have the means to reduce the power to QRP levels.

There are dedicated QRP rigs out there. A quick internet search will find lots of models to choose from. Thanks to Software Defined Radio (SDR), there are more QRP radios on the market than ever before. Try not to overlook the older QRP rigs either. Some of them are still popular after many years. QRP is almost a hobby unto itself, so you will not find a shortage of choices for equipment.

Antennas for QRP can be simple affairs. Since they are designed for lower power, smaller gauge wire and components can be used. One of the simplest antennas for the activator is the dipole antenna. It is easy to build, doesn’t need great heights to be effective, and stows nicely. Another easy antenna for portable activations is the End Fed Half Wave (EFHW). It works well on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. Some hams attach longer wires on their EFHW to allow them to add 80 meters.

If your style is to roll into a park, set up quickly, and operate from inside (or close to) your vehicle, look into using a mobile whip. Sometimes referred to as hamsticks, these work well mobile or portable. Editor’s note: You’ll find some models available from DX Engineering here.

A portable mount can be fashioned so you can use the antenna away from the vehicle. When using it in this configuration, you will probably need some radial ground wires, or “magic carpet” to replace the vehicle ground plane. The magic carpet resembles a piece of window screen that you can spread out underneath your antenna. It seems to be well thought of and is available from multiple sources, including your local home center.

A mini dipole mount can be used to create a hamstick dipole on a tripod where a pair of whips are attached horizontally.

For more money, you can also look at “screwdriver antennas” like the Yaesu ATAS-120A. They’re motorized for easy remote tuning from inside or close to your vehicle.

At QRP power levels, you can use almost any feedline you want. There are lots of opinions online about which feedline to use, but I believe the best feedline for your activation is the one you remembered to bring with you.

We’ve all been there—you travel to a park only to discover that some crucial part of your station (like your feedline) has been left behind. One fellow on Facebook recently improvised a feedline from a length of electric cord. He deserves bonus points for improvisation.

Your feedline can be as short as 10 feet or up to 30 feet or more. Below 30 MHz, most hams will agree that the attenuation on a short piece of feedline isn’t a big deal. RG-8X or RG-174 cable will be a useful addition to your Go-Box. But again, use what you have and take care of it. Under field conditions you’ll find that your gear, especially feedline, needs regular repair and maintenance.

To power your QRP station, a small 5Ah battery should be sufficient. But as with antennas, use what you have. Having a 20Ah backup battery available is never a bad idea.

A solar panel can be a good investment, especially if you like to camp. You can use it to charge your battery or even run the rig while the battery is charging. The choice of solar panel for your situation can be an article in itself.

Lastly, QRP can be a lot of fun. Making long-distance contacts using only a few watts can be exhilarating. I hope that you try it.

Till next time, get out there and activate something. But remember to leave nothing but footprints in your parks and wildlife areas!

73 DE WG8X

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