G’day, I’ll be out on a summit around 2130 UTC tomorrow, and will give 10m a try around 2200, on or about 28.500-ssb. Given success in the past of various VK activators at reaching NA on 10 or 12m around this time of day, I’d appreciate any NA chasers listening out. I will have to be off the summit by 0930 local (2230 UTC).
If we make it, we make it, if not, so be it. I’ve yet to reach NA from a summit (even when activating in NA!), so I’m keen to keep trying.
Cheers,
Andrew
VK3ARR
Andrew,
In New York the only VK stations I have heard employ serious dx equipment (e.g. big beams, up high, transmitting a KW). Maybe the propagation will be with us, so I’ll give it a try. I’ll configure my Buddipole as a 3-el yagi, and try both direct path and long path.
What’s your antenna and transmit power?
73,
Kevin AC2KL
Hi Kevin,
I will have a vertical and up to 100 watts at my disposal for 10m although I will probably be closer to 50W to save battery.
Everything is worth a try, and hopefully we can make the distance
Cheers,
Andrew
VK3ARR
Success! Thanks to Rich N4EX and Dan NA6MG for the NA contacts, plus NN2X in Texas with 1.5kW. Blog post to follow soon.
Congrats on the NA contacts! I could just barely hear you in the noise, but not well enough to copy. I heard N4EX’s side of a QSO, but no other chasers. The vertical and 50W served you well, let us know the next time you try it.
Cheers and 73,
Kevin AC2KL
And the blog post: VK3/VC-018 Buninyong, Andrews’ Modulation and NA from a summit | VK3ARR's SOTA Blog
I ended up using a linked dipole cut for 12m with an ATU to match it to 10m. There was an Alpha Bravo(?) One(?) station calling low down that I just couldn’t pull out. Did you try calling in Kevin, or was that someone else?
Cheers,
Andrew
VK3ARR
No, it wasn’t me. If I can’t hear the activator well enough to copy, I won’t muddle things up trying to make a call. Pity though, I rushed home and spent a bunch of time setting up the antenna in the yard. We still have snow!