Portable QRP

Operating QRP can be challenging enough. Operating portable QRP can be even more of a challenge. But, with the proper equipment, like a good matched resonant antenna,  you would be surprised with the results.

One thing nice about QRP rigs is, they are usually much less expensive than rigs in the 100 watt category. That’s not to say that you can not turn the power down on your top of the line 100 watt rig to be in the QRP category. There are a lot of very reasonably priced, very good quality, rigs that can be purchase brand new for a price that won't break the bank.

The two above pictures focus on table top antennas. They are fun to use but there is nothing like a resonant wire antenna strung in the trees. If trees or other tie points are available so I can erect a wire antenna, I do so. I always take three different coaxial fed antennas with me. One of the antennas is a dual band, "model 2B2040LQ" , that covers 20 and 40 meters. The overall length of that antenna is 44 feet. It can handle up to 150 watts. The next antenna, and usually it is the first choice to erect, is the 40 meter Off Center Fed antenna, "model OCF40Q". This antenna will cover 6, 10, 20 and 40 meters. It is rated at 250 watts. If room permits, I will erect the third choice which is the 80 meter Off Center Fed antenna, "model OCF80Q"  This model will cover 6, 10, 12, 17, 20, 40 and 80 meters. All of the above antennas are made by, "Hy Power Antenna Company." The dual band uses a 1 to 1 current balun and the OCF’s both us a 250 watt 4 to1 Guanella Current Balun.

Starting in the year 2020, I added a 40 meter half wave end fed to the mix.  This is a home brew antenna that uses a 64 to 1 UnUn at the feed point. I feed this antenna with 25 feet of RG 174.  A 50 ohm line isolator is place, on this coax, 25 feet away from the UnUn. Remember, without a counterpoise, the coax becomes the second part of the antenna and will radiate. A line isolator must be installed or you will have RFI issues at the radio.

When operating portable with the FT-897D, I always cut back on the power output to only 50 watts. This saves on current drain on the battery and is only 3 DB down from 100 watts. That means that the receive end of my signal is only 1/2 of an S unit down from when I would transmit at 100 watts. So instead of the receiver seeing an S 9 with my 100 watts, it would see an S 8-1/2 with my 50 watts out of the radio.

MFJ 9020 QRP / 5 Watt CW Radio

Here is an economical little package that can get you on the air with some spare change. This is the MFJ 9020 QRP / CW rig. This one has the optional CW keyer and audio filter built in. You can usually pick these up used for between $85 and $125. You do not have to use CW paddles to key the rig, a straight key will do. The battery is a 7 ah Gel Cell that sells new for around $20. When I take this little rig portable I usually us a 12 foot long 20 meter dipole, model LD2012Q made by Hy Power Antenna Company.. I have since sold my MFJ 9040 and 9020 and I purchased the KX3. I really enjoyed using these little rig.

They do make a SSB version of this rig and you can even install the optional CW board in it. This would give you the best of both worlds, SSB and CW. The model number is MFJ 9420, good for 10 watts out and has a great RF speech processor. This model usually sells used for $150 on up.

Begali Magnetic Traveler Light paddles are shown in this picture. I love these paddles, they are a, "Work of Art !" I now have three sets of these paddles. One set in my car, one set in the shack and the third set I use when I operate portable.