3 Watts, 12 Minutes, and No QRN: A Perfect QRP Session
The Setup
For this activation, I used the QRP Labs QMX. This tiny rig is a marvel of engineering. Running just 3 Watts of output power when connected to my small 12V battery, it offers incredible performance in a pocket-sized package. This rig is a real globe-trotter that’s proven to be a solid performer.
The Antenna System
I used a home-brew loaded vertical. The secret to its efficiency is the high-Q loading coil (made by DL6FH), which allows the physically short radiator to resonate perfectly on 30m without significant losses.
Above: The heart of the system — the remote tunable loading coil.
The Highlight: HB9BGL
The conditions on the 30m band were fascinating. The noise floor was low, typical for battery-powered portable operations away from the city QRN.
The highlight of the session was a fantastic QSO with HB9BGL (Switzerland). Despite my low power (3W), the report I got was a solid 439. This nice and stable 12 min contact was a great reminder of why QRP is so addictive. Spanning that distance with power equivalent to a small flashlight bulb never gets old.