[SCCC] SOTA Experience

[Brandon Clark]

Good morning David,


I can't speak with authority about Nevada, but I've done a number of SOTA activations around here in southern California.

Logistics is usually just a matter of checking out the trail conditions and allowing for time on top to activate. If you're in the Sierras you have to be careful of lightning in the afternoon. I would try to start my activation no later than 11:30 or 12:00, and watch for thunderheads. If you're in the southern desert areas like Death Valley (my favorite) then lightning isn't a problem, but wind and sun can be. Too hot to go there right now.


Recommended bands would be . . . yes. lol. For HF I've only used 40 and 20. I have a full-size linked dipole for 40-20-10 that I use, and signals are usually full scale from the west coast stations, and a few S-units down for everyone else. On 40 you'll get Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and Washington regularly. 20 will give you Kansas, Texas, etc. and sometimes east coast stations. Just be sure to self-spot either via SMS or APRS.


I use a Yaesu 817ND with five watts, and I'm usually getting 57 to 58 signal reports from everyone. You might throw together a dipole or linked dipole and compare side to side with your end fed. A 40 M dipole seems big at home, but on a peak there is always plenty of room to set up, and as a naturally resonant antenna it just works great.


VHF/UHF is also good if you're close to a population center, but be wary of interference. Activating on 2 M in the inland empire area is tricky because when you're up high you will be hearing EVERYONE around you, so it is difficult to keep from stepping on someone's QSO. Self-spot in all cases, and use a frequency other than the national calling, when possible. VHF/UHF is useless in the remote areas. Even APRS beacons usually don't get out.

If there is anything else I can help with just let me know.

73,

Brandon


________________________________
From: David Hodge <davidchodge at hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 13:09
To: sccc at contesting.com
Subject: [SCCC] SOTA Experience

Saludos, All.


I will be climbing a few mountains in California and Nevada in August and wondered who here has

any SOTA experience. I am looking for suggestions on the logistics involved, recommended bands, etc.

I will probably carry a KX3 with end fed type antenna and maybe a VHF/UHF HT.

Mt Baldy and Wheeler peak in Nevada are the two peaks I am considering for activation.


Thanks and 73,

David N6AN

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