I think Yaesu has been mass marketing a great qrp portable rig. But with
all the hype they are attracting folks that assume 5 watts and under will
perform like 100 watts. It just ain't so..... don't get me wrong. I find
myself operating qrp in the field while camping all summer long the past few
years and the old Omni V doesn't get warmed up too often still my favorite
radio). I love qrp.... find it very challenging. And yes, I do have a
FT-817 and really like it for what it is.... a portable low power rig. I
think that the new Ten-Tec rig will be great as well... but aimed more
towards the table top operator like the Elecraft K2.
IMHO I think all the marketing attracts folks that think it would be "cute"
to own such a small rig... but they find out after getting one that qrp
isn't their cup of tea.
Mike, W9WIS
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