I know antenna is key, and i have had what i thought were some decent ones, but rarely can make dx contacts on11 meters ssb with 4-5 watts. I have done it a few times but not often, i do try though. And never on am, 1 time when i was just getting into cbs with a shakespear pogo stick antenna and tried forever. Didnt even know amps existed back then
Well.......here's the thing. MANY folks say...."why use an amp....I never needed an amp.....it's all about the antenna system".....and so on, and so on, and so on. The Real Deal: Of course. QRP is great! Much fun! Minimal amount of power needed to make the communication......awesome!......but see? That's just it. When you're attempting to DX on 11 meters.....how many people AREN'T using an amp? NOT MANY! so.......if you wnt to "make the communication".....you need one. How "big"?....well....500 watts out the antenna will seem like magick compared to "running barefoot". It's a good number that will keep you somewhat in compitition with "the big boys". Realize that MANY guys on 11 are running 1000 watts or MORE! So even using 100 watts out will get you at least heard somewhere that you normally would'nt due to all the folks out there running power. But to really have fun when the DX is rolling on 11 meters...at least 500 watts will give the good time you're looking for.
Now don't get me wrong....I have a Ham ticket.....and I do run "barefoot" most of the time on the HF frequencies! However....I do not run "QRP". So even my "barefoot" is still 100 watts. And for a lot of Ham operators....200 to 400 watts or even more can be their level of "barefoot" depending on their equipment.
But most any omni directional antenna will accept 500 watts. The "Antron 99" and the "Imax 2000" being the two most popular.....and the Antron 99 can be had for under $60.00 most anywhere, and the Imax is usually no more than $110.00. And you can pick up an amp able to deliver 500 watts to your antenna for around $350.00 to $375.00 almost anywhere. Just remember not to overdrive the amp. Tube or solid state amps can easily be destroyed by trying to put too much into them. Read, or look up their drive and/or tuning specifications carefully, and be sure to follow. And MOST importantly.....MAKE SURE your SWR on your antenna system is as good as it gets before you try to run an amp. Reflected power going back into your amp will destroy it just as easily as overdriving it!
The moral of the story: Anywhere on the HF bands.....follow good amateur practice, and use your discretion wisely.......but on 11 meters......FIRE IT UP, AND ENJOY!! Everyone else does!
Don't be "rude", and overpower another staion "just because you can".....wait your turn....call CQ DX, or for a specific station, and answer if recognized.......but HAVE FUN!! You get the picture. 73's!!
