One thing is for certain, I will be running QRP on battery power with my KX3. In fact I have just bought a second 1212a Bioenno battery to make sure I don't run out of power. Remember, operating QRP on battery gives you a multiplier of +5 on each contact you make.
Here's a few QRP hints for you...
Timing is everything! If you're operating QRP don't jump in at the very beginning because you will be severely stomped on by hundreds of high power stations, all looking to work the other high power stations. Wait until late evening, perhaps even until early Sunday morning before you start. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, by that time the big guns will have worked all the other big guns and the "easy to work" stations. Secondly, by Sunday morning the big guns are starting to get desperate for contacts and actually start listening, and work harder, to get weak and low powered stations in order to gather more points.
Antennas, Antennas, Antennas. You can never have enough. I'll be using a vertical, and multiple dipoles. A few points for you... If you're using a vertical, double the number radials you already have on the ground. That will give you a gain of 1 or 2 db, and remember when operating QRP every db counts!! Most people will put up a dipole as an inverted V as that is easier. However, a flat-top dipole will gain you 1 or 2 db. Once again, every db matters.
Verticals are good for DX and distance. From my QTH they make it easier to make contacts out on the west coast and down into the Gulf Coast, and more contacts mean a better score. I will be putting up a 40m NVIS antenna this year to make sure I can work into the upper States, Quebec, and Northern Ontario which I always seem to miss.
Know what band to use and when. During the day 20m is normally the work horse, but don't forget to spin the VFO over 15m and 10m, as sometimes they open and get busy as well. 20m can remain open until late evening and you can catch some good stations as the Greyline goes through your location. 40m can also be a good place to hunt during the day, but it's a lot better in the evening and over night as is 80m. Very rarely do I go down to 160m, I find it's just not worth the effort.
Two last things to remember. The MUF begins to fall in the late afternoon or early evening. That's the time to follow the greyline. And, skip normally lengthens in the late afternoon or evening depending on the propagation.
I hope you all have fun during Field Day. Enjoy the time and enjoy experimenting with different antennas.
Field Day Rules can be found HERE.
Stay safe out there!
