QRP - Low Power Operating

QRP --What does it mean? The letter group QRP is derived from the traditional radio telegraph shorthand meaning, "please reduce transmitter power". In current usage, it means operating Amateur Radio transmitters on the HF Ham Bands with Five Watts or less of power output, regardless of mode, to the antenna. It is a fascinating form of Amateur Radio operation and requires the acquisition and honing of operator skills of the highest order. Few achievements in Amateur Radio rank higher than being able to "snatch" that rare DX contact while running QRP mode out of a "pile-up" of dozens of other operators running full legal-limit power.

Follow these links to learn more about this interesting and challenging mode of operation:

QRP Clubs

• American QRP Club (A merger of NorCal and New Jersey QRP Club) - Publication: "Homebrewer"
• NorCal QRP club. They have several nice kits available.
• Internet QRP Club - (Join the QRP-L Mailing List)
• QRP Amateur Radio Club International (ARCI) - Publication: "QRP Quarterly"
• Flying Pigs QRP Club, "No Dues, No Rules, Just Fun".

QRP Equipment Sources

Pre-built

• MFJ - CW or SSB Monobanders.
• TenTec - CW/SSB radios.

Kits and Parts

• Wilderness Radio - lightweight low power drain radios.
• Oak Hills Research - radios and accessories.
• Elecraft - a nice selection of synthesized QRP radios.
• Kanga US - kits and parts.
• Dan's Small Parts.

Last updated April 17, 2017 by KØCF