QRP operation

QRP operation means transmitting at reduced power levels. Most Amateur Radio operators broadcast their signals with roughly 50 to 100 watts of power. However, in many cases, it is commonly found that this isn't necessary, and thus, not only wastes power, but is in fact a violation of FCC Part 97 rules which states, paraphrased, "One must use the minimum power which is required to establish and maintain a contact." Of course, this regulation is dreadfully hard to enforce, and indeed, for the most part, it really isn't that big of a problem.

Nonetheless, there are those who like to take advantage of low-power communications abilities to span the globe. Many QRP rigs emit less than 5W of power, with the overwhelming majority of them emitting less than one watt! Working people around the world with such low powers isn't always an easy task, but it's quite satisfying to be able to make a contact with a radio emitting less power than your average household flashlight. Some of the factors which would interfere with your ability to establish a communication with someone distant include, but are not limited to, local weather, solar conditions, antenna placement, proximity of people or other objects to your antenna and/or rig, and more. Thus, you can see why large numbers people consider QRP operation a challenge, almost like a game. Relatively few have mastered QRP operation to the point where they can reliably establish a contact with someone else far away, but the ranks of those who can continue to grow. All it takes is practice.

Typical power "limits" for QRP depend on the mode with which you choose to work. For morse code (CW) operation, that limit is 5W. Now, if your rig puts out 6W or something reasonably close to 5W, I'm sure it'll still be considered a QRP rig by many. For single-sideband communications (SSB), that limit is 10W. Since so many other "modes" of operation ultimately are glorified SSB emissions (e.g., PSK31, AX.25 packet radio, etc.), it follows that these modes also share the 10W limitation.