Just a short stay in Argyll, so probably only two days assigned to SOTA activations.
Likely targets are:
Tuesday 17th GM/SS-016 and GM/SS-006 with the possible addition of GM/SS-020
Thursday 19th July GM/SS-040 and GM/SS-046
For the three-summit day I’m likely to take a minimal approach to activations or I will run out of time. Hoping to have two chasers in range on VHF, except when they’re off enjoying themselves otherwise!
Dates and summits are subject to revision! Bands will be 2/70 with possible HF 40, 30 or 20m, most likely CW (perhaps using my Mountain Topper).
I shall take Richard’s FT-70D, so if I manage to get into a node perhaps I’ll appear on SOTA Link!
I hope you have a great time in Argyll this week upcoming up and manage to do your planned SOTA activations while there. We will be in Snowdonia the following week just after you get home, so wondering if you will be in Snowdonia then as well and if so, I hope to work you on 2m fm from you summits and maybe meet you also for a joint SOTA activation, meal or drink.
I arrived ahead of schedule and managed 3 QSOs on the FT-70D (FM mode) using the stock antenna. Thanks to @GM7GAX Bobby both for the QSO and the GPX track.
Then I used my 8-m pole on the trig pillar for a 40-m dipole. On SSB chasers from as far distant as EA7 worked me. It was nice hearing some G and GW stations too.
Thanks to Allan @GW4VPX for correcting my spot. Apologies to those stations who read my 026 spot. Please correct your logs to GM/SS-027 - @EA2CKX@PA0INA
My summits were GM/SS-016, GM/SS-006 and GM/SS-020. Again I had difficulty spotting due to little or no phone signal, but was fortunate to have lots of spots from chasers. Thanks very much! The only hiccough was when my own SMS spot came through an hour late when I was half way down Beinn Ime!
Great to see that picture. It is 58 years since I went through to hole and got to the top. The only reason I could do it was that there was an RAF training group there who took pleasure in making it possible for me.
Jim
I “threaded the needle” many years ago before SOTA but not activated since. Local ales include Loch Lomond and Fyne who have a nice bar/visitor center ar Cairdhu open every day except Christmas.
GM/SS-218 was a really nice summit. I took the FT70 but didn’t do too well from here on 2m. With the view down Loch Lomond I’d hoped it might do better. But 40m did fine, with mostly G stations.
Rather than keeping limbs loose this was quite a strain on tired legs with a stiff ascent through the forestry. But the views from the top made it all worthwhile.
I was similarly reminded about 60m by a fellow activator a few months back. I’ve found it to be a fantastic band for early morning activations. I’ve had QSOs with ops closer than 200mi and as far as 600+. It totally replaced 80m for activating purposes for me.