The QRPer Board

The weather finally warmed up enough to hit the park with my CW Flea from Zachtek and Kevin WB9RLW. It puts out about 300.mw on 20. 30 and 40 meters. It covers the whole CW portion on all three bands. It's a transmitter only, so you need a separate receiver. The Flea handles all the antenna switchin...

In my opinion, you'll never find another radio that does so much in one package. I don't own one, but have had many chances to use them during field days, etc. It still impresses me these days and I really don't see anyone coming out with something to take it's place-a truly portable radio that does...

Congratulations and welcome to the fun, Andrew! You're right about theory and practice. But, as a guitar teacher once told me, there's also a big difference between practice and actually playing. After 30 years I'm still learning to play. I started with CW and QRP and still have no microphones in th...

Hey Mark I would check ahead to see if the parks you plan to work allow wires in their trees. Many US and state parks don't. I needed a mast while traveling once. I went to Walmart and got a telescoping fishing rod It was only 13 feet high, but better than nothing! I also got a long-shanked screwdri...

I stayed with AA Nimh cells, since I already had them and the charger. They will last me for at least 8 hours of radio time. It gives me the option of buying alkalines at a trail-side store if I need to. I also carry a 9v transistor radio battery for backup.

Congrats on getting the SW-3b! I got to use one on a weekend adventure. It's a great simple, packable radio for the price. The Par antenna was a great idea for a 3 band antenna, but the SMA connector blew it for me. An SMA on any portable antenna where you're connecting and disconnecting the antenna...

Congratulations on your licenses and welcome to the hobby! As you can see, there are many different options. I would like to suggest joining your local club. If you're lucky, there's one nearby and if you're real lucky, there will be some members with an interest in QRP and portable operations. Sinc...

<t>Give your cheap earbuds a try. You may find they work well. I use whatever I find. Then if I lose or break them it's no big deal.<br/> I usually cut one off anyway. That way I still have some awareness of what's going on around me. Then when the first half dies I just solder a plug to the other h...

Maybe check the KD1JV and Mountain Topper groups on groups.io. I didn't see anything in their files section, but maybe someone has experience with them. Steve may even answer you on his group, but I think he might be burnt out on all the radio stuff. Not near as active recently. I have the original ...

My code speed is 15 to 20 WPM, and I have never felt the need to go any faster. With the modern QSO consisting of less than 20 words from each station, what is gained? I only write down the callsign and name and don't bother keeping a log anymore. I mostly use a straight key because I can adjust my ...