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Posted by: KC0OFK Posted On: 11/13/02 Subject: New to QRP Message Posted: I am returning to the Ham world after an absence of nearly 35 years. I was active from 1965 to 1969 when I joined the Army. At that time homebrew was my passion. After checking things out for the past year I took the exam in early October and passed the General exam. I wanted to do something that was not simply plugging in and talking to the world so I decided that QRP would be fun. However, I am beginning to get somewhat frustrated at the lack of contacts. I certainly did not expect to top the charts but did anticipate somewhat better than I have achieved. Consequently I wonder if I am off base with my antenna or gear. I am using a G5RV, the 102' length. It is setup at my office which is on top of a warehouse. The roof is flat and about 20 above the ground. However, I was only able to put the antenna about 5' off the roof. Unfortunately I have to run a 60' feed line to my office. I am investigating several vertical antennas for my home but have not decided on any yet. My rig is a FT817 and I have a Z11 tuner. Hearing stations is not a problem. When 10 is open I have logged (receiving) stations from most of Europe, Africa, and Australia. On 40 I have had quite a bit of luck receiving most of the US. However, I have only had 5 contacts all on 10. 4 CW and one SSB. I have tried to respond to many times that. Primarily on CW which is my preference. Do I just need to be more patient? Any comments would be appreciated. |
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