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On the nights when it's cloudy or raining and I can't use my telescope, I
can sit down at my station, turn on the equipment and talk to people hundreds or even
thousands of miles away. In many cases, it's similar to fishing when you toss out your
line (call CQ), you never know what (or whom) your going to get on the other end. Even
with the advent of instant communication via the internet, I still find a place for this
hobby. My primary mode of operation is CW (Morse Code), though on occasion I will work
SSB (Voice). I enjoy low power operating (QRP), making contacts with power output levels
of 5 watts or less. This is less power then in a night light and with it I can communicate
with people on the other side of the world (when conditions permit).
I use a
K2 QRP transceiver (SN : 247) which has proven to be a dynamite
little radio for operating QRP and to take with me to star parties and
for camping.
If you're interested in QRP
operation and would like to know more about this terrific radio, check out their web site
at EleCraft K2 160-10M CW/SSB HF Kit.
I can also operate high power
(QRO), using a 600 watt amplifier. This is used when conditions are marginal or when
"chasing DX". This is when you (and a few thousand other hams) are all trying to
work some guy on a rock out in the ocean that gets submerged at high tide! For the one's
who have never experienced the thrill and fear of a "pile-up", it's something to
behold (and perhaps avoid!). Of course, when you manage to be one of the lucky ones to get
that contact, you get a real sense of accomplishment.
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