The QRPer Board

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 ...

I use the B n M Black Widow telescoping poles- 13' and 16'. I use a length of orange driveway marker stake to hold it up. They hold my EFHWs and a very light 40m dipole up with no problems. Keep your dipole coax tight to the pole for the first section and it won't bend over so much. Can't beat the p...

I used to use a little Sony digital recorder. You could put it in line with your earphones and record both sides of the QSO. Its small, easy on batteries and lots of record time. Mine had a wierd file system that I never used, but it could be handy. Mine was an older model and didnt have USB out for...

A quick update to my rig lineup:

I have moved the Heathkit HW-9 to my main operating desk. It's the only rig I own that has the bands above 20m.
I'm having a blast working 17 and 15 meters!

Thanks, Thomas!

My dad always said, "At least a quarter-wave on the lowest band you want to work, but never a half-wave on any band you want to work".

He also said to keep all measurements in metric to make things easy.

How is it that he was always right?!

I know an operator that used a switch in his paddle lead so he could change the setup at will.
That way he could share with others that were with him, or use his paddles on another rig.

It's all about learning and discovering. Sounds like you made a good one!

73 de Rick N8TGQ

I use the SOTA Tuner from QRP Guys. It has an SWR indicator built in. It also has a variable capacitor to fine-tune the antenna for different bands.

I use the original MTR-3b when out in the field, which also only has 40, 30 and 20 meters. I'm even more if a slacker than Skip. Instead of putting a link in my EFHW, I tied a knot at the 30m resonant point, and wind the wire out to that length. The winder is made from an old gift card, and has notc...

The best band to pick depends a lot on your operating times.

20m is where I find most operators during the day, so that's where I start when out at the parks.

40m is my best overall band. I find people there more hours of the day. If I only had one band available, it would be 40m.

I got this one for the rechargeable battery and the integrated cable.

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/14023

It works well and good price,but I prefer using my earphone. I only use the speaker for demos or with a group.

Rick N8TGQ