Hello,

Was licensed as a novice in 1978 and operated QRP and QRPp for the first few months exclusively on CW with the HW-8 I built as a kit. Did quite well with 1-3 watts on CW and was thrilled to work Europe as a novice. When I upgraded to general class five months later, I continued to enjoy operating QRP and often took my HW-8 on journeys, throwing up a dipole wherever I could.

I even operated QRP while serving in the Navy, enjoying 6 meter QRP ops from the flight deck of the USS John F. Kennedy, my ship.

I just returned to QRP this week with the purchase of a Yaesu FT-817 and LDG Z11 auto-tuner. I plan to set up a portable QRP station in a Pelican waterproof case and take the package with me on my canoeing adventures in
Canada and elsewhere. I am also planning to incorporate a solar panel and gel battery system for portable ops in the backcountry.

From the outset, I have found QRP operation to be the most challenging and most satisfying aspect of this marvelous hobby. I look forward to enjoying the camaraderie and wisdom of the many members of this organization.

72,

Bob Wilson, KA3BIG