Many due to Lee (M0VKR) who shares the next subject report and video:
by Lee (M0VKR)
It was an overcast and breezy morning when spouse Joanne and myself Lee, M0VKR set out on our newest SOTA (Summits on the Air) activation journey. Our vacation spot was Excessive Willhays, the best level in Devon UK – SOTA G/DC001, Dartmoor is well-known for its rugged magnificence and difficult terrain.
We parked the automotive a brief distance up the street from the military camp, slung our packs over our backs and set off. The gravel tracks resulting in the summit stretched out earlier than us and took a winding path by the moorland.
Just a few sheep and cattle grazed within the tough grass as we made our means upwards on the mild slope. It was a breezy morning and we had had rain a short time earlier. Regardless of the climate our spirits had been excessive, and we had been keen to achieve the highest and get on the air with the Elecraft KH1.
In my pack was my now trusty Elecraft KH1 and an MPAS 2.0 vertical antenna, with the KX3 as backup, a dependable setup for such expeditions. I’m fairly certain I may halve the burden in my pack, however because it’s not an enormous stroll to the summit I don’t thoughts ferrying the additional gear to the highest. The climate, although overcast, was including a contact of drama to the panorama, and the breeze stored us cool as we trekked upward.
Joanne, ever the supportive accomplice, helped carry a few of the cooking tools and victuals and she or he stored the temper gentle along with her cheerful dialog.
After a brisk hike, we reached the summit of Excessive Willhays. The view, even below the Gray sky, was breathtaking. Rolling inexperienced hills and expansive moorland stretched out so far as the attention may see.
I set about making ready the station, utilizing the MPAS 2.0 vertical antenna, which is fast to deploy and best for the variable situations we confronted. Regardless of the less-than-ideal propagation situations, I used to be decided to make the activation successful.
Though the MPAS in vertical type isn’t very environment friendly on 40, I want to benefit from the short setup that it presents, one in every of lately I’ll have a look at including a high part to make 40 extra environment friendly, maybe as a sloping inverted L or one thing related, extra studying of the guide required!
With every little thing arrange, I made the primary name on the 40m band. My Good friend Matt MW0KAX answered, he was basically line of sight from Wales, so his sign was sturdy. That was the primary and final contact on 40m. I modified to twenty meters, the place the MPAS was extra environment friendly for the little KH1 and it was capable of breathe a bit simpler. The tuner within the KH1 is nothing wanting superb, and fairly fortunately tuned 40 meters in a couple of seconds.
The static crackled, and for a second, there was silence. Then, a faint reply got here by. The fun of constructing that first contact was palpable. It nonetheless amazes me each time I make these first few contacts that QRP does work, even with a compromised antenna system. Regardless of the difficult situations, My restricted ability, Loads of luck and the reliability of the tools started to shine. All of the tools I used to be utilizing was off the shelf, I hadn’t made a single factor myself, perhaps someday.
One after the other, contacts began to return in. Every brief QSO contact was a small victory, a testomony to perseverance and the enjoyment of ham radio. It’s essential to persevere as a more moderen CW operator and use QRP energy ranges and poor propagation situations. It’s non-negotiable after driving for two hours, and a 4km hike that we go residence empty handed. I logged every contact meticulously, my pleasure rising with each profitable connection. Joanne watched on barely bemused however very supportive of the passion, sharing within the triumphs that every contact brings and offering much-needed encouragement.
By the top of the activation, We had made a number of QSOs. Whereas the propagation situations had been removed from best, the activation was undeniably successful. We had achieved what we got down to do: join with fellow hams throughout the airwaves from the summit of Excessive Willhays for a SOTA activation.
As we packed up our gear, the breeze picked up, and the clouds started to clear barely, providing a glimpse of blue sky. The trek again down was full of reflections on the day’s achievements and plans for future activations. We each felt a deep sense of accomplishment. We had braved the weather, navigated the difficult RF situations, and emerged victorious.
This activation, like many earlier than it, was a reminder of the fun of ham radio, CW and QRP operation and the journey it could possibly carry. For me and my spouse Joanne, Excessive Willhays would at all times maintain a particular place in our reminiscences, not only for its peak, however for the heights that we reached collectively on the airwaves.
Take care and Communicate quickly, 72,
Lee M0VKR
