QRP Contesting

There is a challenge in QRP contesting: getting large gain antennas to compensate for the fact that you are running under five watts.

But most of us don’t have large gain antennas (think of a 3-L full size 40-meter beam up 140 feet…). Instead, we have our verticals, or dipoles or long wires.

Why should we contest QRP with that type of setup?

If you want a challenge to your operating skills, try operating QRP in a contest with your regular antennas. You’ll quickly find the boundaries of who you can work, how many people can be calling until you get through to a station, how long you can hold a frequency, and your level of patience.

It’s a great, albeit frustrating, test of your operating skills and station setup.

Scot, K9JY

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