QRP in ham radio Q-code means “Lower Output Power” and commonly denotes an operating mode that implements reduced output power, commonly understood as 5W, although sometimes even lower levels such as 1W can be achieved.
QRP mode is often used by hams operating in portable mode, where alternative power sources that do not allow for higher output power are often used, also in order to ensure a longer period of operation.
On the amateur radio bands, there are dedicated calling frequencies, also named Centers of Activity, for those operating in QRP mode.
Band | CW Frequencies MHz | Phone Frequencies MHz |
160m | 1.810 1.836 (IARU R1) 1.815 (VK) | 1.843 1.910 (LSB) |
80m | 3.560 (IARU R1) 3.530 (VK) 3.710 (Novice) | 3.985 3.690 (IARU R1) |
60m | 5.262 (UK) | 5.346,5 (Ch2) |
40m | 7.030 (IARU R1) 7.040 7.060 7.122 7.028 (VK) 7.110 (Novice) | 7.285 (LSB) 7.090 (IARU R1) 7.060 |
30m | 10.106 10.116 10.140 | |
20m | 14.060 | 14.285 |
17m | 18.096 | 18.130 |
15m | 21.060 21.110 (Novice) | 21.385 21.285 (IARU R1) |
12m | 24.906 | 24.950 |
10m | 28.060 28.110 (Novice) | 28.385 28.360 (IARU R1) 28.885 |
6m | 50.096 50.060 (IARU R1) | 50.185 50.285 (SSB IARU R1) 50.885 |
2m | 144.060 | 144.285 (SSB IARU R1) 14.585 (FM) |
Notes:
The default frequencies refers to all IARU Regiones otherwise exceptions are indicated behind the frequency.
Phone frequencies are by default SSB.
IARU
Region 1 (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Northern Asia)
Region 2 Americas
Region 3 Asia-Pacific
Sources:
About QRP
One of the reasons QRP operation is so popular and attractive is that low power transmission equipment is usually very light and inexpensive.
QRP kits are very popular among hams. Basically QRP Kits are simple transceivers that allow you to go on the air with a very limited power supply. Many QRP Clubs produce and support the development of these kits. Usually the antennas for this type of activity are wire antennas, usually very simple and easily transportable.
QRP activities are obviously much more difficult and unpredictable, making this operating technique a very fascinating and challenging method of communication.
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Good news
The QRP frequency in the UK only is 5262 khz.