Like a pendulum, my interest in HF QRP is coming back. (No, none of my UHF/Microwave projects will get deferred!) I've been a long-time Soldersmoke Podcast listener, especially on my drives down to northern San Diego County to visit my parents.
I've always been inspired by Bill's QRP DSB rigs, so I'm starting building one for 17 Meters. CARBON MICS FOREVER!!! ;)
I've also been feeling guilty about letting my CW slip, probably for the better part of a year.
But then an absolutely absurd post came up on the QRP Tech yahoo group. (I subscribe to this as I can't stand either of the qrp-l's.) The idea is nuts. ;) My chances of making any QSO's are minimal. But I'm gonna learn things and it'll still be fun!
Here's the details: Rock Hunt QRP Contest Home Page
Last night I dug up a Hendricks DC-40 (non-A) that I didn't even build, modded it to tolerate swappable crystals, and called CQ for a bit. No takers, and absolutely NOTHING showed up on the Reverse Beacon Network. I used to be able to reliably put my call sign in there with 5 watts with my old antenna, but the present one is just too much of an inefficient calamity. I have some reading and planning to do, and once I get a bit more financially caught up, I'm going to be ordering a few little kits.
Next step is to re-configure the antenna to a 40m EFHW.
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