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.