QRP: Low-Power Communications
In June, I presented a friendly discussion between Eddie DeYoung, KS4AA (now SK), former CQ Awards Editor, and Doug Zwiebel, KR2Q, CQWW DX Committee member and former CQWW DX Contest Director, on whether a low power signal (5 watts or less) fed into a high-gain antenna system constitutes QRP. In other words, if the output of the transmitter is 5 watts and the calculated effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) of that station is greater than 5 watts (due to high antenna gain), is this really QRP? KS4AA argued that hams who radiate an EIRP of more than 5 watts are not operating in the spirit of QRP and should not claim QRP-related awards. KR2Q, on the other hand, argued that QRP is determined by the power output of the transmitter (5 watts or less) and antenna gain should not be factored into the equation.
After the June issue was published, I received a slew of emails from hams siding with either KS4AA or KR2Q. Below is a taste of the some of the comments (names and call signs withheld) I received.
• “KR2Q’s position is 100% correct! Five watts out of your radio into whatever antenna system you can build is QRP — and bigger
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