Some of my QRP Rigs (top to bottom) SmallWonder Labs DSW-20 Norcal NC-20 Wilderness Radio Sierra	One of my current interests is low power (QRP) equipment and operation, using power outputs of 5 watts or less. I enjoy experimenting with QRP equipment, which is easier to build than higher power rigs. Although, at home, I normally operate CW at 100 watts output, I often use QRP power of 5watts of CW on the HF bands. I find 5 watts of CW to be ample power for European QSOs on the 20, 30 and 40 meter bands if used with a reasonable outside antenna.  To use QRP with indifferent antennas is usually a source of frustration and is best avoided, especially if it is desired to consistently work DX. There are a few contests and activities organized by the various QRP clubs and most major contests include a QRP section. I usually use my IC735 for contest operation and have adjusted it to run at under the 5 watt level. This only required some internal adjustments. The IC706mkIIG runs comfortably at QRP levels also. Outside contests, I tend to favour using simple home made equipment for QRP instead of my Icom transceivers. The photo on the left shows my 3 current QRP transceivers, click on each one for further details. QRP and home construction are natural partners and this appears to be one of the last refuges for hams interested in the technical aspects of the hobby. Many QRP kits are available on the market and plenty of designs for equipment of varying complexity are available. The Internet has proved to be invaluable in helping to promote QRP in the ham community. QRP clubs are very active and well supported. It's no problem nowadays to be an active member of a QRP club which is in a distant country.
Links to QRP Clubs · Adventure Radio Society · Alaska QRP Club · American QRP Club · Arizona ScQRPions · Australian QRP Club · Benelux QRP Club · Colorado QRP Club · Columbus QRP Club · CW Operators QRP Club Inc · DL QRP Activity Group · Eastern PA QRP Club · EA-QRP Club · Flying Pigs QRP Club · G-QRP Club · Iowa QRP Club · KnightLights QRP Club · Long Island QRP Club · Michigan QRP Club · Minnesota QRP Society · New England QRP Club · New Jersey QRP Club · Norcal QRP Club · North Georgia QRP Club · QRP ARCI · QRP Canada · Southeast Ohio Radio Adventure Team · Virginia QRP Club	QRP Calling Frequencies Band CW SSB Notes 160m   1843   USA CW: 1810   80m   3560   3690 USA SSB: 3985   40m   7030   7090 USA CW: 7040   30m 10116       20m 14060 14285     17m 18096 18130     15m 21060 21285 USA SSB: 21385   12m 24096 24906     10m 28060 28365 USA SSB: 28885