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Is the QRP community close knit, or what?
23 January 2015 | by QRP is fun. That's why I do it. But one of the side benefits of QRP (and there are MANY), is the people, the QRP community. Since becoming a dedicated QRPer, I have made friends with so many really fine people. I can't begin to tell you of how many friends I have that I have never met face to face. And I maintain closer friendships with some of these people than with other folks I actually "see" on a regular basis.
To emphasize this point, here's a story that one of those friends, Jim W1PID, posted on QRP-L today:
An hour ago I got a call on my cell phone. The caller ID said New Jersey. Must be a telemarketer I think, so I don't answer. A few minutes ago another ring from the same number. It's Guy N7UN.
"HI Jim... this is Guy N7UN... did you call me?"
I explain that I got a call from him that I didn't answer. Well... turns out he's doing a SOTA activation on the highest mountain in Maui!
"You gotta rig?" I ask.
"Ya", he says." I'm on 14.062."
"OK, I'm going to the shack."
So I just had a QSO with Guy in Maui. Wow and Mahalo!
Larry Makoski, W2LJ, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from New Jersey, USA. Contact him at [email protected].To emphasize this point, here's a story that one of those friends, Jim W1PID, posted on QRP-L today:
An hour ago I got a call on my cell phone. The caller ID said New Jersey. Must be a telemarketer I think, so I don't answer. A few minutes ago another ring from the same number. It's Guy N7UN.
"HI Jim... this is Guy N7UN... did you call me?"
I explain that I got a call from him that I didn't answer. Well... turns out he's doing a SOTA activation on the highest mountain in Maui!
"You gotta rig?" I ask.
"Ya", he says." I'm on 14.062."
"OK, I'm going to the shack."
So I just had a QSO with Guy in Maui. Wow and Mahalo!
Haleakala Crater, Maui's highest peak, it rises over 10,000 feet above sea level. KH6/MA-001
I am sure there are other hobbies which provide tight knit friendships, but I've never experienced that until I joined the QRP community. You folks are the best!
72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to send the very least!
4 Responses to “Is the QRP community close knit, or what?”
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I enjoy low power! I use 10 watts on 10 meter SSB & FM, and 3.5 watts on 10 AM. I would like to know if there is a organization for hams interesated in QRP. 73
Yes Frank there is. The NAQCC . Its cw but very big. There are a lot of members over the world.
GL 73 Rien
There are a few QRP Groups.. Yes, NAQCC is large.. also F.I.S.T.S, SKCC, etc. ! Its amazing who you can work with 5W or less ! 73
VE6CPP
NAQCC #5697
SKCC #13358
Also take a look at the QRP ARCI group. It’s international and is focused on QRP operation not just CW operation. They have a high quality quarterly Magazine with Tech and Group information. Seems like a nicely rounded group…….check them out.
Cheers,
Chris W7AMD