Hi all,
so, if the pandemic allows, we will be over to the US from mid June to mid November, hiking parts of the Appalachian Trail. We will start in the White Mountains, finish at Mt Katahdin (which my girlfriend needs to be a 2000-miler) and then head south, starting in Damascus, VA, finishing at Springer Mountain, GA (which will make me a 2000-miler).
Since I got my license in June last year, I’d really like to do some SOTA activations, if our “hiking schedule” allows. Right now, I have a lot of questions, trying to find out if my plan would work out.
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I know I’m allowed to operate with my German CEPT Novice license in the US. The FCC website says “Amateur radio operators who will be in the United States for extended periods of time are encouraged to obtain an FCC-issued amateur service license grant.” - Do ~5 months count as an extended period of time? Or shall I start learning for the US-license now?
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Gear wise I will be limited. We’re no ultralight-hikers, but of course weight is an important matter. I was thinking about a HT for 2m + a roll up Slim Jim antenna. Since we won’t be able to charge batteries every day, I would need a HT which has either a good battery or is able to be charged via an USB powerbank - charging via USB would be a huge plus nonetheless, since I don’t want to carry another charger. Any ideas?
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Will I have fun with that setup on 2m? I’m just wondering - 2m simplex is pretty much dead most of the time in Germany. I already watched some videos, read some threads about 2m SOTA and came to the conclusion that this might be worth a try in the US.
Thanks for your help!
73
Lukas