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SOTA has provided opportunities to go places I would never think of going. Any station I operate is field "temporary."
Ham'd up in 2022 with a General and looking to explore POTA and SOTA in the PNW. Extra in 2023.
Been active since the start of 2023 with over 450 points invested in summits in Oregon, Washington and California, and growing! I love operating QRP with an Elecraft KX2 and either a 40m EFHW antenna or a Wolf River vertical whip with coil for 40m. It's a very versatile setup. Happy to activate with newcomers or experienced operators!
Licensed 2017. Enjoy portable activations. Just learning cw.
Interested in activating.
I started doing SOTA in March 2019. I have been learning CW and using my MTRB3. I completed CW Academy, level 2 in Jan/Feb 2020, and I am enjoying CW. I also use a 3 element Arrow Yagi with an Anytone 878.
I work as a flight nurse in Port Angeles. I work 24 hours on/24 hours off, so I mostly go for day hikes (some long days, hiking down in the dark).
I prefer off trail, by telemark/backcountry skiing when possible. My wife and daughter activated Mt. Adams, and I have done about 50 peaks in the Northern Olympics. My first activation was up at Hurricaine Hill, and Mark, K7NEW, just happened to be there and saw my antenna, so helped me get started.
See QRZ
VHF FM, also starting to learn CW for HF activations.
Mountaineering objectives near Seattle, interested in first activations.
(last updated 2025 March 09)
Started SOTA when I lived in Bishop, CA, and got spoiled with short trips (but tough hikes) to 8 and 10 point summits. Now retired to Astoria, OR, and am adapting to coastal living and trying to not be concerned about points. Beautiful hiking and summits here! Doing more chasing, too, since given that retired people can spend time sitting at the radio. Field rig is a KX2, usually into a random wire or an EFHW.
Mostly HF CW. Rig is KX2, usually into an EFHW or random wire.
Amateur Radio Operator since March 1995.
Mountain Climber Since 1972.
Activator - Since 2011
Former SOTA Association Manager for W7-Oregon, W7-Utah, W7-Montana, W7-Wyoming, and W7-Nevada. Completed all SOTA docs for W7-Washington and then turned over to Bruce/N7RR for execution. W7W subsequently managed by WW7D. Recently turned over W7-Idaho to Scott/W7IMC. W7O is now managed by K7ATN. Worked for the SOTA MT to incorporate NA into the SOTA family.
Currently retired as a EE and worked 21 yrs for UPS IT in NJ. "Trying" to sell my house in NJ so I can move back to the Pacific NW.
TBD
Father of 2 teenaged sons and very active in Boy Scouts. Avid backpacker, QRP CW OP, restorer of ancient Volkswagens, dirt bike rider, computer nerd, and all around nice guy =) PNWSOTA admin and host.
I went on my first SOTA activation with Rich (AC7MA) and Bill (WA7NCL) in July 2017. I was hooked! I now have a KX2 and have been going on as many activations as my schedule will allow. I mainly do CW and sometimes 2m FM.
Project Manager in Healthcare in Portland Oregon area.
Formerly KJ7EHA.
Currently working towards achieving 200 summits 100% unique.
Formerly KJ7EHA.
I'm an avid mountain biker and backcountry skier and sometimes I go hiking if I'm under duress. I have a YouTube channel dedicated to mountain biking called Voice Over Trail Reviews. I will add SOTA content to the channel as appropriate.
I've activated a few summits now. I like to ski to summits in the Winter and mountain bike to them whenever possible in the Summer. I work SSB and digital modes to activate. Often I can be found with my FT-891 blasting 100 watts from my summits to ensure success. If it's a distant summit, I'll bring my IC-705. If I know there's folks out there listening, I'll even bring my yagi and activate 2 meter SSB.
I have been licensed since 1994 and climbing mountains since 1997. Other hobbies include camping, kayaking, and canyoneering. My wife and daughter both have their license and mostly enjoy accompanying me on my adventures.
My portable equipment includes HF and VHF/UHF radios and antennas- IC-V86, KX2, FT-891, and IC-705. I prefer to find remote peaks that require some fun driving and/or bush whacking. My wife (KE7HUP) usually joins me on my adventures and will provide an extra contact for those in need.
I started re-learning Morse code in November ‘23. Mostly using CW as a chaser, but I plan to try some all CW SOTA activations soon.
My first taste of mountaineering and radio was a VHF contests from Mt Hood and South Sister, but that was before SOTA was started.
My wife Barbara - AE7AQ and myself activate primarily in the Helena area, but we also include activations into backpacking and road trips. I typically use a KX3 for shorter activations (1-3 days), and a KX1 for longer backpacking trips. My preferred antenna is a SOTABeams link dipole that is supported by a 22-foot fiberglass mast.
I've been active in ham radio since I was 1st licensed in 1977 as WB7TDC.... Ham Radio has been a continual interest for me. My 1st rig was a heath kit HW101. If it were not for my faithful "Elmer" W7TVA, I would have never got that rig on the air. After a few years of SSB operation, I became disenchanted with using a microphone. I found the HW101 With a 400 hz CW filter was really effective. I was hooked on CW. In 1980 I took the advanced and extra tests. At that time I applied for a 2x1 call and was issued KR7Q AND NEVER LOOKED BACK!
My preferred mode is CW. I use that mode for 90% of my operating. However, I do enjoy a good rag chew on HF SSB or 2m simplex.
I retired from the fire protection industry in the Seattle Area in November of 2016. We love living in the Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana.
I have enjoyed getting into the POTA & SOTA over the past few years. These programs have been a breath of fresh air for my interest in radio. I enjoy combining outdoor activities and ham radio - especially here in Montana where there is so much to see and enjoy. I have been actively involved in photography for over 50 years and more recently learning about videography. I try to combined video and still images to document my POTA & SOTA activations. - See My QRZ Page if Interested
I have only been active with SOTA since June of 2020. I've really had lots of fun chasing the Activators. I have only done one activation but plan more next year. Lots of summits here in MT. I like to use an EFHW for 40 or 80 with a 49:1 xformer with a fiberglass telescoping pole about 17 feet. There's always a few trees around too. My 1st SOTA activation video is on my website or via QRZ.
New ham as of summer 2024. Started doing SOTA with my family of 4 in September 2024. Net control operator for Lake Washington Ham Club.
We like to activate using a handmade yagi antennae and Icom 2 meter mobile radio. Carne Mountain (W7W/CH-142) was our first 8-pointer and hardest hike yet at 8 miles and 3,600 feet elevation gain. The larches were at peak and it was a stunning summit!