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A transplant from New England to Nevada, I have become a SOTA addict since mid-Feb, 2016. Currently a Chaser with 400+ points and growing. On the verge of my Activator debut (April 25, 2016). My summit focus is NE Nevada, 25mi. radius from Reno initially, where there are over 100 summits to choose from. Retired from electronics and technical training career in 2012 with now full time investment in HF CW contesting and rag chewing. Married with 5 grandchildren to dote on. Life is great!
Active SOTA chaser currently, with immediate plans to start activating some of the thousands of summits in NV and CA by May 2016.
First licensed in 1960, I've been active most of the time since then (predominantly CW). Notable lapses occurred during a one-year vacation in Viet Nam and a few shorter stays in other choice locations, all courtesy of our Uncle Sam. Now fully retired after 40 years of DOD service, I am putting down roots in the Pacific Northwest.
Over the years, frequent reassignments forced me to keep my stations fairly basic, but avoiding elaborate setups was also philosophical. I didn't want a large $$ investment making me feel guilty if I gave the hobby a rest for awhile. I don't think that keeping it simple and inexpensive has diminished the fun at all.
I logged a couple of SOTA stations by chance in early 2013, and that got me interested enough to search the internet for info and ask around at a local club meeting.
In October 2013, fellow club member Grover KG7O, invited me to tag along on an expedition with Rich N4EX, Phil NS7P, Etienne K7ATN, and Rachel K7NIT. They were great examples and very tolerant of a beginner. In spite of my inexperience, I made four qualifying contacts. Hooked! I also realized that my tidy QRP-in-the-park setup was way too complex & heavy for SOTA.
After down-sizing & re-equipping, I began some local activations. I may be too dang old for anything challenging, but plenty of nearby summits are little more than an uphill stroll. Although life and family events have interrupted my one-per-month pace, the urge to get into the hills is still alive.
Meanwhile, I'm biding my time by building lighter, simpler antennas, and rising early enough to regularly add SOTA contacts to my chaser log. Although that isn't so exciting as activating, it sure beats sleeping until noon and then wondering where the day went.
Still primarily SSB, especially when summit time is an issue. But CW is coming along . . . QRS S S S S . . .
I love to activate summits. I don't chase much, just when I'm around the shack and have a chance for a QSO with one of my friends on the summit. All of my "chaser" points are from Summit to Summit contacts. So far, all of my summits have been in Utah, and most of the first activations, as most summits in Utah haven't been activated yet! My SOTA rig is an FT-857, powered by a 4.2ah LiFE battery pack. My antenna is a homebrew link dipole, and I use either a 28 foot Jackite pole or a 7m (21 foot) carbon fiber mast. I like to operate both CW and SSB. I'm new to CW as of 2015.
I'm just getting started out with SOTA, so if you hear me on the air or see me on the trail any pointers are welcome!
I got into Ham radio mainly to have a hobby that I can do while doing other activities like hiking, camping, kayaking, and climbing. SOTA was the perfect fit.
TBD
Just getting started in ham radio --- the SOTA way. When not activating a peak I enjoy 'extreme' knitting on the summits.
Summit-to-summit contacts and first time activations are fun!
You can see some info about me on qrz.com. I love to hike and get outdoors generally, and look forward to more SOTA activities.
TBD
Active walker and hiker. Enjoy getting out in all kinds of weather
Just getting into the sport. Currently I'm just running a small HT but I am considering a portable HF to do more challenging summits
Recently got re-energized in Amateur Radio after a 15 year break. I love VHF Weak Signal work, and currently have a pretty minimal (Cheap) homebrew and boat anchor radio collection.
I am a Ten Meter fan (when it's open) and enjoy nets and VHF Simplex FM and SSB
I have heard a few Simplex FM Calls recently and intend to pull the trigger and try it!
First licensed in about 1960 as a novice in South Dakota. Have held ham tickets also in Florida, Georgia, and the Philippines. Am a retired Professor Emeritus in entomology at Montana State University.
Other interests include old cars, Harleys, camping, riding atvs, bearded dragons, and taking care of grandkids.
I have activated five new sites so far. Have done a moderate amount of chasing. Favorite portable rig is a KX3, although I have built several MTR and ATS qrp rigs. Operate mostly 20m cw. Base station is a Hygain tribander. Few prominences in MT have trails, and old trails shown on topo maps usually do not exist. My main objective is to see new country, and SOTA gives me an excuse for wandering about.
I like the thrill of the hike. I use my husband's radio gear. I think it's black :) I usually sit back and relax while he sets it all up.
But seriously, I enjoy hiking and snowshoeing with my husband, Dan (KK7DS) in the Columbia gorge, Oregon coast, central Oregon, etc. We typically set up on 20m using a buddiple versatee vertical and a Yaesu FT-817 or sometimes an Icom IC-7000.
Live in NE Oregon and like to activate SOTA peaks whenever possible. KX-3, Jackite end feed dipole for 20 meters.