My Low Power Summary

• Unless it is needed in a emergency go bag this would be a fun reward toy after all the work it took to learn Morse code.  I know of no Friends that do CW although some do other data modes that require a PC.  A Mobile radio that does SSB would be more useful.

• I don't know if I will ever learn code good enough to have use for a low power CW radio as I am still learning code and trying to progress. 

•  I have been able to receive characters with spacing at 25 wpm. When it come to QSO's I can receive at 18/6.  I can send best at 16/6 so this has been what I am practicing at.  As of Sept. 25, 2023.

• I have an IC-7300 to use for morse code if I ever get the Isotron array elements working.  I need to use an antenna analyzer on it.  I do not have one.  Still not done as of Sept. 2023.

  • I hope to practice some code on the IC-7300  - Sept 10, 2023

  • To take IC-7300 out I will need a rolling case.

• I assembled a QRPGuys Mini 80m-10m No Tune End Fed Half Wave Antenna transformer during a LICW Antenna "Build A Thon"  that can be used for QRP.  

• I have a XTenna Antenna for low power or emergency use but I also need to use an antenna analyzer on it.  Still not done as of Sept. 2023.

• Core Ply Wire Winder  I found pattern and printed and cut out of 3/16 core plywood then sanded a wire winder and it painted blue.  I have wire for it.

• I have a selection of keys to use including  light mobile paddles.  I have a small generic chinese "stainless steel" dual paddle key that is probably Aluminum for portable use.

• My Portable Radios Comparison  Oh, I need would like portable Radio?, eh, details.  Just a future piece of the kit that I do not own.   I found the Venus SW-3B one of the most cost effective but usable for a beginner on a severe budget.

• I certainly do not need a CW only  radio as IF I could get on the air at home using CW with my IC-7300 I would be.  Who says I would have any better success with another radio.

• Barriers to entry:   

  • Mode: SSB radios are easier to use thus the voice frequencies are more crowded and take more power to get out than CW.  NOTE: There are CW band allocation areas but, CW can be used on any available ham frequency.

  • Cost:  Voice radios are much more expensive than CW radios.  And even CW radios get expensive fast especially as a hobby purchase.  Not likely as needed in an emergency as handhelds.  

  • Skill:  CW takes knowing Morse code, CW Freqs are less crowded, CW uses less power and get out further per watt.  Get past the Morse code barrier and all the band area's open up to you.

  • Other Digital is an option with the correct radio and also taking a computer or phone to connect to, and if you have the skill to get equipment hooked up and talking to each other.

• A history factoid I like: 73 is an old telegraph code that means "best regards".  88 means "hugs and kisses".  72 is the QRP version of 73.  72 has been in use since the late 1980s as a way some operators identify that they're running QRP or low power (generally 5 watts or less).   72 K7VIQ

• CW Abbreviations  PDF from cwops.org