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Big Gun
15 May 2012 | by It’s not often I hit some DX but WSPR helps me out quite a lot. Here’s a screenshot from my latest 1w big gun escapade
1w into Hustler 6-BTV
Whilst some might say that lifes too short for QRP. Newly licenced hams take note. 1w into a lossy vertical in a bad location doesn’t mean you’re stuck with QSO’s as far as the end of the street.
All this was achieved with a modest transceiver (IC-7000) and a modest antenna (Hustler 6-BTV with a few radials). The lesson here is that DX isn’t just for those with limitless pockets of cash, elevated QTH’s and antenna systems that can rival your nearest broadcaster. You just might not be talking to the other station!
3 Responses to “Big Gun”
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The best I’ve done with 1 watt was on 30 meters from Cleveland, OH to Australia with wsprnet. Gives your fancy equipment something to do in its spare time. Antenna was a Miracle Antenna on my FT-817ND from my daughter’s dining room table.
/paul W3FIS
Good morning Alex, very good results on WSPR and yes it’s very cool the way such little power can go such a distance. For myself it’s an attic dipole along with 5 watts max but most of the time a lot less power.
It’s a great little programme that helps remind me that you can really get round the world with QRP rig. I’m sure there’s some records about with some excellent watt per mile figures but an ft817 and Miracle antenna has to be the least likely way to do it. The dining room table part has to be the winner!