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!