Editing QRP operation (section)

{{short description|Low-power amateur radio}}
{{use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
[[File:Trevqrp.png|thumb|right|A [[Amateur radio homebrew|homebrew]] QRP low-power transmitter and receiver that fits inside an [[Altoids]] tin.]]
In [[amateur radio]], '''QRP operation''' refers to transmitting at reduced power while attempting to maximize a station's effective range. QRP operation is a specialized pursuit within the hobby that was first popularized in the early 1920s. QRP operators tend to limit their transmitted [[radio frequency|RF]] power to 5&nbsp;W or less, although some also consider [[single-sideband modulation|single-sideband]] (SSB) operations of up to 10&nbsp;W to be QRP.<ref name="QRP">
{{cite web
 |title=Why QRP?
 |website=arrl.org
 |publisher=[[American Radio Relay League]]
 |url=http://www.arrl.org/why-qrp
 |access-date=10 December 2019
}}
</ref>

Reliable two-way communication at such low power levels can be challenging due to changing [[radio propagation]] and the difficulty of receiving the relatively weak transmitted signals. QRP enthusiasts may employ optimized [[antenna (radio)|antenna]] systems, enhanced operating skills, and a variety of special modes, in order to maximize their ability to make and maintain radio contact. Since the late 1960s, commercial [[two-way radio|transceivers]] specially designed for QRP operation have evolved from [[vacuum tube]] to [[Solid state electronics|solid state]] technology.

A number of organizations dedicated to QRP operation exist, and aficionados participate in various [[Ham Radio Contesting|contests]] designed to test their skill in making long-distance contacts at low power levels.