07/04/2006 | KQ5RP Station KQ5RP, representing the Austin QRP club, was on the air from the Weinzierl Ranch near Harper, Texas on the outskirts of Fredricksburg. The site was on top of a small cliff with a spectacular view of the headwaters of the Pedernales River just to our north. Native Americans had occupied this same sight some 5,000 years ago. The workhorse rig was an Elecraft K2 but the KX-1 and Heathkit HW-9 got some air time as well. Antennas consisted of a half size G5RV and a 350 ft. doublet. We were blessed by a short rain shower after setting up our canopy over the operating position. Afterwards, and for the rest of the contest, the noise floor was spectacularly low. QRP operation was no impediment to making contacts. Major bands were 40 & 20m. Over 300 stations were worked by our QRP team, including Hawaii, Alaska, Virgin Islands, using just our battery powered setup. Operators: Milt (W8NUE), Monty (N5ESE) and Gary (N2KTY). -- N5ESE