The Lowest Possible Power

In many CW contest QSO's and other QSO's, I use the lowest possible power.
When a received signal is S9, I answer with 500 mW.
And when the signal is S9 + 10 dB, I use 50 mW.
I get 50 mW with the FT-817 on 500 mW and an attenuator of 10 dB.
When I change band, while the propagation is very good, I first look for very strong stations.

Using the Lowest Possible Power

Using low power is not difficult, if you keep your eyes on the S-meter. (1)
Before I answer a CQ, I first adjust the FT-817 to the power, that I want to use. (2)
Then I send my call just once or twice and then I listen. (*)
With many other stations answering, I have to be patient.(3)
If the station still calls CQ, without answering other stations, after I have sent my call (*), then I know that my signal is not heard.
When I am sure that my signal is not heard (4), I double the power (5) and try again. (*)
Don't loose your cool in (6), because the frequency has to be absolutely clear, for this weak, but readable, signal to be heard.
If my 50 mW signal is also not heard, I will have to increase to 100 mW. But...
Suddenly my 50 mW signal is heard (7) and I hear my call and receive a report. Then I only have to send my report and log the QSO. (8)

Increasing the power
Doubling the power is the optimal step to increase the power.
This is a step of 3 dB. A step of 1 dB is too small and 10 dB is too large.
Using the lowest possible power is actually QRO-ing with low power.
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