2m multimode activaton Barranisky EI/IE-062

Activation Reports
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After my first MG, VHF FM only activations and 2 month of a SOTA break that was a milestone outing. At last, now I am finally equipped with my new (used) FT-857 and ready for a multimode action!

For a live test I’ve opted for a small and easy Barranisky EI/IE-062 single pointer. I haven’t been there for almost two years and was pleasantly surprised there is now a bench and The Guardian of the Hill standing nearby :slight_smile: The spot is mostly used by mountain bikers for resting, so I’ve placed myself few meters away.

I do have an HF 20m-10m magnetic loop I’ve made years ago, which is well capable to run full 100W and is semi-portable, but still it is made of 15mm copper tube and having one meter diameter is quite cumbersome to carry, so after trying it on myself at home I’ve decided that it would be a VHF only activation :slight_smile:

An issue I’ve faced was 857 doesn’t fit anywhere :slight_smile: It doesn’t fit into my original bag, fits well but bulky in a Pelican 1400 and in any case a battery should go separately. For a time being I’ve put the rig in to a laptop bag, not the best option, but I am working on a better solution and hope to have a workable idea already.

I’ve started from my regular VHF FM CQs. Set the radio to 20W, 3 el Yagi and after 3 contacts I was relieved that the rig is okay on FM. Then I’ve moved to SSB. We had a sked agreed with Don @GW0PLP so that worked well too. A bit later Mark @2W0JMK has called me, so SSB was check marked!

CW was the most I was pretty weary of. First, I’ve never worked CW in the field, secondly I was fairly worried how my straight key sending works sitting on the ground or even standing :slight_smile: Suprisingly, although not ideal, it moreless worked and I found myself cQing away on 144.050 I’ve got sked’ed QSO with GW0PLP, weakly heard @G4DEE and at the end @G1SCT has responded to my CQ giving me pleasant 408km of distance.

Then I’ve browsed through beacons’ range. Heard GB3VHF (480km) on 144.430 and GB3NGI at 144.482MHz in Ballymena.

Overall it was very satisfying activation and as weather was good I’ve also spent sometime listening to HF bands on my VHF beam :slight_smile:

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12 Likes
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I use the MAX004S case, (bought mine from CPC Farnell) to put my 857 into for carriage.

So far it’s had one outing and hasn’t come to any harm in my backpack.

Andy

MM7MOX

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Yeah, that one similar to my Pelican 1400, but I wanted to have something ready to use without taking out of the case/bag. It looks like I found a solution in a industrial JDSU tester bag (I happen to have one), which appeared to be exactly right size, top loaded and can be even used hanging on the neck, but need to be slightly tweaked to use with 857

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HI Alex,

lots of changes there since the last time I biked those trails (maybe 3 or 4 years ago now), that hill has always been know to mountain bikers as The Hush (as the trails were kept semi secret and off Strava) which explains the gesture of the Guardian.

Nice job on the multimode activation

Declan EI6FR

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I reckon getting the VHF beacon tipped him over to the dark side. Another 2m CW recruit snared! :blush:

Great job Alex and nice snaps too.

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Cheers Declan! Do you happen to know what was that ruined cottage at the bottom of the tack uphill ?

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I was always there, but in a shadow :slight_smile:

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Hi Alex,

I don’t , probably an abandoned dwelling house from times past. The new track is a lot easier to cycle up then the old muddy trail :slight_smile:

Dec

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