Introduction
by Matt (W6CSN)
In early August, my household and I had event to take a highway journey totaling almost 2800 miles (4500 km) throughout six completely different U.S. states.
The title of this posting would possibly lead you to suppose that this journey was devoted to doing Parks On The Air activations, however that was not the case. As a substitute, we had been within the technique of delivering a child to their subsequent journey in larger training.
Since I’ve already gone into some element of those POTA activations on my weblog at w6csn.weblog, this put up can be only a abstract of the novice radio elements of the journey, plus among the photos taken alongside the best way.
There was restricted area within the tightly packed automobile and a few powerful selections needed to be made about what radio gear to deliver. I settled on the Elecraft KH1, probably the most compact HF CW station you’ll be able to carry. I additionally introduced the Yaesu FT-818 and microphone. The all-band, all-mode functionality of the ‘818 offers me some peace of thoughts when touring by means of darkish territory. In fact, I additionally carried a Garmin InReach on my radio bag.
Working Notes
The primary POTA activation occurred at Bud Phelps WMA within the Cache Valley close to Logan, Utah. Surrounded by farm fields and livestock, the FT-818 and MFJ-1979 telescoping whip introduced in 10 QSOs for an entire activation.
Later the identical day we detoured up into Idaho to bag Pioneer Historic Nationwide Scenic Byway. With a day temperature of 95°F, I used to be blissful that the KH1 and Gabil GRA-7350T antenna received the job achieved in brief order.
On the best way over the mountains from Utah to Wyoming we stopped briefly to stretch our legs on the Bear Lake Overlook. I believed this is able to be an ideal place to whip out the KH1 with built-in whip and see if I may make a contact or two as a hunter. Alas, the bands had been really “useless” and I couldn’t hear any indicators, not to mention make contact within the quick time spent at this relaxation space.
A number of days later, we dodged thunderstorms to sneak in an activation at Colorado’s Lory State Park. Once more, the KH1 and 7350T paired up for a fast 12 QSOs earlier than threatening climate known as an finish to the operation.
Now on the return leg of our journey, we stopped in Laramie, Wyoming for gas, some snacks, and to activate Wyoming Territorial Jail State Historic Web site. This time the 7350T antenna perched atop the Gabil GRA-GNT Tiny Tripod with floor spike, a compromise for positive, nevertheless it works properly sufficient for POTA.
Again in Utah, a POTA of alternative offered itself with a short go to to Nice Salt Lake State Park. With no place to setup a extra intensive antenna system, I deployed the Tufteln right-angle adapter to make use of the KH1 on a picnic desk with the 4 foot whip. This setup actually attracts some curious appears to be like from passersby.
Later, at dwelling, I spotted that after we had stopped to marvel on the Bonneville Salt Flats that there was a “2-fer” proper below my nostril. The salt flats themselves are non-public property, however the adjoining relaxation space counts for the California Nationwide Historic Path and the Pony Categorical Nationwide Historic Path.
The ultimate POTA activation of journey got here at Rye Patch State Recreation Space, a couple of half hour west of Winnemucca, Nevada on Interstate 80. Right here it was time to make use of the FT-818 as soon as once more to attempt to get the activation achieved within the morning earlier than the desert warmth actually received cooking. After an hour on the air, 10 QSOs had been within the log and we had been as soon as once more on the highway for our remaining day of driving on this tour of The West.
Gear Used
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72 and POTA ON!
de W6CSN
