Summits on the Air ATNO Granite Mt., rough one, still problems on 40m

 

This is yet another unactivated summit that I have left until now--mostly because I knew it was going to be tough. There's not an easy approach. I have scouted it a couple of times and finally felt ready to tackle it. From my last troubles with the QCX Mini on 40m, I did some testing at home and all was well, but not so much when on the summit. Focus on using the UMPP-1 key (from GM0EUL).

SOTA ATNO W7U/IR-012 "Rocky Tower" testing new QCX and linked dipole

 

I was excited to get out to this new one and test out some new equipment. I don't normally test more than one thing at a time, but decided to just go for it with the new QCX Mini on 40m, a new linked dipole specifically made for the two minis (20/40m) with 30 gauge wire, and I received the UMPP-1 key from GM0EUL in Scotland.

Building a 40m QCX Mini to go with my 20m radio

 

After a couple of SOTA activations using my 20m QCX Mini, I started feeling guilty about completely leaving out the many great 40m chasers I usually have. I decided I needed a second QCX Mini for 40m. It would also be good to have a backup radio in case one fails. I haven't checked to see the weight difference between two QCX Mini radios and the HB-1B, but I'll do that soon. Also, my 20m dipole won't do the trick for 40m, so I'll look into my antenna setup as well.

True test of the QCX Mini on Monument Peak, Iron Co. (ATNO)

 

My last activation I had a backup radio and antenna, this time it was the QCX Mini and the 20m dipole I made for it or bust. This was a far-out summit--two hours before even starting the hike portion and an All-Time-New-One (ATNO) for SOTA, Monument PeakW7U/IR-045 (4 pointer).

Spotting site down while on QCX Mini Maiden Voyage

 

I chose to go to Seegmiller (W7A/AW-035) to field test my newly built QCX Mini since it's close, I could get a summer bonus for it, and it's basically a drive up activation. Testing showed I was only getting 2.5 watts out of the mini, so there's some tweaking needed, but enough to try it out. I got there at the time planned, got setup and then I could not spot myself. I was afraid this was going to be a failed activation.

Building the QCX-Mini (20m) from QRP-Labs

 

Building and homebrewing is a fun aspect of ham radio that I really enjoy. While looking to change up my equipment for SOTA and lighten my pack, I decided to build the QCX-Mini to take on harder hikes and see if I can use it as my main radio. After some delay getting the kit, it arrived the night before a day off. Perfect!

All Time New One SOTA W7U/IR-009 nicknamed "Parowan Perch"

 

I made a list of potential never-before-activated summits I might want to try. If I haven't done them at this point (after 5 years in), it's because they have extra challenges I haven't wanted to tackle. This was one that wasn't overly far and had good potential. I had scouted a route a few years back--that route was not viable, water run-off had altered the ATV route to where it couldn't be taken. I finally looked into again and found a better way.

All Time New One (ATNO) for SOTA, W7U/IR-044, nicknamed "Wild Horse Hill"

 

It's been a while since I've done a never-before-activated summit, but it's one of the more exciting types of SOTA activities. This one I've had noted to do for over a year, and finally did it. It has only a number designation (its elevation) 6890, but due to being in a horse/burro management area with TONS of horse sign everywhere, I dubbed it "Wild Horse Hill," It's also a POTA 2fer.

SOTA at Navajo Point and Brian Head, Iron Co., Utah, two easy 10-pointers next to each other

 

I've been doing these two together for years, Navajo Point first (W7U/IR-002) and then Brian Head (W7U/SU-016), and normally in July when I'm free, hot at home, and need to get out. It was a cool 50 degrees when it's over 100 at home. The hour and a half drive has become very familiar. (Photo is looking at Navajo Point from the edge of Brian Head.

Annual 13 Colonies Event first week of July (1-7)

 

I have participated in this annual event for several years. It's actually one of my favorites since it's so patriotic. The week of the 4th of July and all the QSL cards are very impressive. I don't always request the cards each time--actually almost every year I do there's a colony that doesn't get one back to me.

Field Day 2021~working with W7CXX Collins Aerospace Radio Group

 

I had been thinking I needed a change for Field Day. Besides last year (COVID), I had been the "CW guy" for the local club for several years. I didn't know if I wanted to go on my own and go up to the mountains or what. Just at that time, I was asked to participate with the Hurricane Test Mesa group (W7CXX Collins Aerospace). It was just what I needed to help make the decision.

SSTV images sent from the International Space Station June 22-24

 

Prior to Field Day 2021, the ARRL sent out an announcement about the images being sent from ISS. I had never done a Slow Scan TV image before, but thought it would be cool to get a photo on the radio from space. This was the clearest of the photos I received.

Starvation Point W7A/NM-134, AZ summer bonus round 2

 

This is the one of the closest summits to my home. It's the first exit off of I-15 as you head south and cross into AZ. It has awesome views of the Virgin River and what is called the Gorge. This is also one I do every year normally doing the summer bonus season.

Yellowstone Mesa (W7A/NM-062) SOTA activation AZ Summer Bonus season!

 

The first day of summer bonus in Arizona! Living within 10 mins of Arizona allows me to cross over and activate many of the summits that offer a summer bonus starting in June. Since it gets so hot so quickly, I usually go out the first few days and get as many as I can before even early morning is too hot to go.

Harmony High Point SOTA activation (5th year) W7U/IR-019

 

Two days after getting back in the saddle I decided to go to a favorite of mine, Harmony High Point. It's a ways up, but I'm still not sure why no one else has activated it yet. I go every year in the Spring. I was a little later this year, but I didn't get out early this year. I'm glad I went though, the bands were good and plenty of people on the air.

Big Mountain SOTA activation (W7U/SU-051) after a long dry spell

After a long hiatus of not activating (mostly because of work, lack of motivation), after four months I finally made myself get out and enjoy a bit of nature by heading to Big Mt. in Washington Co., Utah. I decided on one that was easy and in a little cooler area.

Winter Field Day and SOTA on Sand Mt (W7U/SU-061)

 

WFD 2021 Jan. 30th on Sand Mountain

I've done Winter Field Day in a different location each time for new experiences, but I do like to have at least a little snow. There wasn't much and it didn't last all day, but it was a good location without having a bear of a hike and it had just snowed so higher summits were pretty covered. It was a good choice for this year.

SOTA/POTA Hike at Snow Benchmark, Southwestern Utah

 

I've been cooped up too long--work, then COVID, then I just didn't have the "umph" to get out there even when I had the free time in December. So I made myself go, and I picked a close although longer hike. Overall it's 7.2 miles. This is SOTA W7U/WS-109 and POTA K-6088 (Red Mountain Wilderness).