kelly@sri-unix (11/29/82)
It seems that lots of discussion of the code-free license is influenced
by HF concerns and HF crowding. (By the way, I thought the Technician Class
essentially IS our code-free ticket for those interested in experiments
in VHF, etc. 5wpm certainly isn't proficiency and really isnt much of
a barrier!). My argument isn't cw or no cw, but another subject-
lets reduce the 1KW limit on power input to transmitters.
Now realistically, 250 watts should be quite sufficient in todays world
of fine receivers. I think that 100 watts DC input to the finals
would be sufficient, but that would outlaw too many transcievers out there
today. This rule change would lead to more attention to quality of antennas,
and receivers, and make civilization arrive on 20 meter phone (I hope).
Yes, it might mean the end of vaporizing the sparrows standing on your
antenna, and it might mean the end of 25 kc wide channels to outer
ubangi land (with 500 hams calling at once). But to those users of
the HW-8 (I used to have one) and the Argonaut, and other QRP rigs,
it would mean that other hams would discover that power is not the
answer. Patience, operator skill, and quality of antennas are all
parts of the solution. Lets push for power reduction on the air.
Chris Kelly, WD5IBS, Colo State Univ. Vax.Stephany.WBST@PARC-MAXC@sri-unix (11/30/82)
I think it makes sense to cut power to 250 Watts: 1) On 20 meters and above it doesnt help you 2) on 80 and 40 it is used to blast out the other stations. If you cut power, they would still be blasting each other but at a lower level. Remember the DB loss is only 20 log(1000/250) = 10 db or about 2 "S" units.
4432jrm (12/01/82)
QRP is FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Try working dx using low power it can be done, especially on CW. Phone also works. I've been using a converted CB rig on 10m for the past two years (about 25 w input, 5 to 12 out) both mobile and fixed. There are few greater pleasures than dx'ing using a low powered rig into a simple antenna while crossing the George Washington Bridge in rush hour traffic. Try QRP and CW. You might enjoy it. joe kb2jg