When it comes to QRP operation any experienced QRP enthusiast will tell you that there are a few tips and tricks that can make the operation of your QRP transceiver much more efficient. If you are looking for ways in which you can make your QRP operation more efficient and successful there is no better resource than the mind of someone that has years of experience operation QRP transceivers. Believe it or not there are many different secrets of the trade passed around by QRP aficionados that can make your QRP operation much more enjoyable than ever before.
One of the most popular tips that an experienced QRP operator can give you is advice on how to get the best signal possible. This can range from using a certain type of antenna, setting up your antenna in a certain way or in a certain location, using an amplifier to strengthen the signal or even something as simple as transmitting during a certain time of day. If you intend of competing in some sort of QRP contest, especially one that is time based, taking advantage of all the tips and tricks out there is something that you will probably want to do. If you ask any experienced QRP operator that has participated in contesting before they will likely tell you a multitude of tips that can help improve your operation and performance. One of the most useful tips you will get for contesting is to try to avoid going head to head with stations that are using high power. While this may not be a problem in a QRP only contest many of the contests held allow all sorts of amateur radio operators to participate with the latest and greatest equipment that can easily overcome the relatively weak signal offered up by a QRP station.
When operating QRP it is also a good idea to keep the information you are trying to transmit short and sweet. If you start trying to send out long messages to someone that you just contact you may find out after all of your hard work that half of your message was distorted or wasn’t received at all. Some of the tips that you get may sound like they were meant for amateurs but you will be surprised at home many people fail to completely learn how to effectively QRP. If you are having problem making contact due to a weak signal you should find ways to strengthen it, such as using an amplifier or modifying your antenna. For those with weak QRP signals wishing to contact others one of the most popular tricks is to tail end, or follow up, the QSO’s of others because if you have been listening you already know their call sign and that they are active. Contacting high powered stations with strong signals is often a good idea, even if they are not operating at QRP levels, simply because they have the equipment to pick up weaker signals that are lost to many other private QRP operators.
