QRP Operation

My QRP operation has been a mixure of operating out in the field on camping and fishing trips or in-shack operation during contest. Sometimes its fun just to turn on one of the QRP rigs and see how many QSO's I can manage in an evening. I always have a 'Grab-And-Go' package ready for emergency use at all times. QRP equipment is ideal for emergency use due to minimal power requirements and physical size and weight. My equipment cases contain everything I need to setup and operate phone, CW or PSK31 in an emergency situation. The package is designed to provide emergency operation from any type of location whether it is in the field using battery power or 110 vac power from inside a building or gasoline generator providing emergency AC power.

I have developed portable antennas that can be used in a field operation in place of my regular HF mobile antenna. The portable antennas are considerably longer in length and designed to provide much greater efficiency than possible with a regular HF mobile antenna. They are easily transportable in the trunk of a car or in the back of a pickup truck. Operation on 40, 30, 20, 17 and 10 meters is possible by simply inter-changing various components parts used to comprise an antenna on any of the bands mentioned. For detailed information on the custom coil assembly for the 30 meter portable antenna Click Here.

The mobile mount was designed to be sturdy enough to support large antennas and provide a mounting point for additional radials for field use. Here is a photo of the mount:

On a lighter note, I just recently installed a coax switch and feed line which provides out door operation from my BBQ deck. I am looking forward to spending days and evenings operating QRP outside from my deck weather permitting.

Grab-And-Go Equipment Package

EQUIPMENT CASE:
1 main transceiver such as the K2 or Icom-703
1 spare rig such as the Norcal 40A or DSW-II
1 Hand-mic for main rig
1 CW paddle and straight key
1 AC Power Supply
1 Yellow or white tablet with several pens, pencils and pencil sharpener

Emergency Support Equipment

AUXILIARY CASE:
1 Dipole antenna with 75 feet of feedline
1 Extra antenna wire and egg insulators
1 Battery - fully charged 18 amp/hr with connecting cables for radios
1 Battery operated soldering iron & solder
1 Solar panel and connecting cables
1 Change of clothes
1 Portable - crank-type emergency AM/FM/NOA radio
1 Lantern - crank-type emergency power