Just wanted to report on my first activation today. It was a success with 10 contacts on W7M/PS-069. All were on 20 meters SSB. I was using my homebrew linked dipole in an inverted vee with the feed point about 20 feet up in a tree. It was a lot of fun and I brought my brother in law and two nephews with to introduce them to ham radio and get in some hiking. It wasn’t a hard hike by any means, but it was a lot of fun for an 8 year old and a 6 year old. We set up a tarp shelter for some shade from the 90 degree heat and their anticipation was almost as much as mine as we were sitting inside calling CQ. I think they were starting to doubt me about ham radio until I made my first contact in North Carolina. The look on their faces when they heard that voice come back was priceless. Needless to say I think there will be three new hams in the area. Thanks for all the advice and encouragement from the SOTA community and I’m already itching to go out again! 73lo
5 Likes
Congratulations on your first activation! I know the feeling of being excited when you get that first call! Hope you have lots more and can wait to work you either way
Congrats on your first Sota and yes it sure is fun and beautiful !
73
Eric
VA2MO.