The XYL and I have booked a holiday in Northern Italy (Trentino region) and I may have the opportunity to try SOTA while we are there. With only 15kg baggage allowance I’ll be limited to a 2m/70cm FM only hand held, though I might manage a better antenna - I have a j-pole made from twin feeder which rolls up nicely.
My first question is “Am I likely to get any contacts?” We’ll be based at Campitello di Fassa. Many of the summits in the area look like they are yet to be activated. I know there is history concerning SOTA in Italy but I think that’s all been sorted out now.
My second question is “What frequency should I call on?”.
I know HF would be much better but I can’t see any way to get my HF gear there and have any more than the clothes I’m standing up in!
Hello John, to the question 1. I believe that and on question 2. on 145,500 fm are already some QRV.
Announcement in the cluster and then I’ll hear.
When are you in Campitello di Fassa ??
I activated eight summits in the Dolomites in July 2012 using VHF, for the same reason. Only 2m was successful nothing on 70cms. On two of the summits I didn’t manage 4 contacts so nul points, and the successful ones were either only 4 or 5 contacts. I think they have a lunchtime siesta and that was the time that people were more likely to be at home to answer.
I used a 3 element YAGI and the higher you get the more chance of contacts. It is a lovely area and was great fun though.
Thanks, Paolo. We will be there during the week of 11th August to 18th August, but SOTA activities will be arranged on the day, depending on the weather and where we decide to walk.
My 3 ele tape measure 2m Yagi does work quite well, I used the designs for one of the 2m DFing antennas. The only issue is whenever there is more than a gentle breeze, the elements fold up and that is with 1in wide tape measure material.
I’m going to attempt activating Col Rodella (I/TN-089) on Wednesday 15th August at around 11:00am local time (0900 UTC). It would have been nice to have activated one of the so far in-activated summits, but I have to bear in mind my fitness and the fact that this is a holiday first and a SOTA expedition second.
Operation will be on VHF as I/G4YTJ/P initially calling on 145.5MHz. If that is busy I’ll move down in 25kHz steps.
I have also observed how flimsy some tape measure steel is. The only answer is to cut up a good Stanley measure rather than a “dollar store” tape. Hurts to destroy good tools but the outcome is much better, apparently.
Andrew VK1DA/VK2UH
Hey John,
I tried to spread the news as much as I could, I wish you good luck with your activation.
I know in Italy there’s a group of OM really into SOTA activity with FM handhelds, hopefully someone will be on air tomorrow morning.
Tomorrow there is also an Italian VHF contest, but unfortunately in SSB/CW.
Anyway I’ll be on mountains (Near Bolzano) and I’ll try to call on 145.500.
Well, nothing heard. If anyone heard me and replied, I suspect interference from the masts may have been an issue. I did move further from the masts and the s meter calmed down, but still nothing.
Nevertheless, a great day in the hills, so not a loss in all respects.
Sorry for any chasers listening for me.