Denali - KLF/DE-001 - Planned activation

Activation Reports Pre-Planning
1

Hi everyone,

After a successful first activation of Aconcagua, it is time to approach the highest summit of North America. It’s been on the TODO list for over 6 years now, but as it often happens - life got in the way.

I will be traveling to Anchorage next week - May 13, starting our climb around - May 18.

The activation window would start around the last days of May - it’s hard to say when it is going to be.

I will be using Icom IC-705 + AL-705 antenna - many thanks to Icom America for providing the gear for the expedition!

The climb is long and hard, even though activation zone allows for some movement (see below), there’s a real chance that I will not be able to activate the summit - it’s not up to me - Denali will decide :slight_smile:

However - if all goes well - I would love to get in touch with some local hams to request support in the activation. I will be in Anchorage for 2-3 days, happy to meet up to discuss options. You can email me at #mycallsign#@gmail.com :slight_smile:

I would start by attempting a 2m/FM activation, followed by some 40m/20m SSB.

I have also created a customized version of FT8CN ( called FT8Z :wink: - I will release it on github once I’m back) for android, that I can try and use to do some FT8 QSOs too. Tried and tested locally with the IC-705 and it seems to be working great. In case we have some spare time in high camps, I will most likely try to be active there too.

I will be carrying a Garmin InReach Mini - my position will be available here: Tom

My team will also carry Starlink, so I should be able to post updates here - if not, I will ask someone via satellite to post them for me.

As I said - all I can do is make sure I’ve got the right gear, and that I am physically and mentally prepared for this. But the mountain will have the final say and make its own plans… Team safety is always the highest priority.

Fingers crossed all goes well :crossed_fingers:

Icom America
Icom America1280×960 138 KB

Denali Activation Zone
Denali Activation Zone1920×1508 611 KB

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2

Oh wow! The very best of luck! Love the fact it is called KLF as well. :smiling_face_with_sunglasses:

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3

…best of luck Tom with your activation :+1:

Geoff vk3sq

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4

will there be any CW during your activation ?

de W6LEN Jess

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5

KLF gonna rock you

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6

Beep boop, Boop beep!

KLF! Uh Huh Uh Huh!

That absolutely needs playing when at the summit. To not honour a summit named KLF in any other way would be a disgrace and a wasted opportunity! :heart_eyes:

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7

Trzymam za Ciebie kciuki Tomku, życzę powodzenia, udanej aktywacji ale przede wszystkim bezpiecznego powrotu.

73!
Marcin SQ9OZM

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8

Hello Tom,

I am pleased to read this news.

In July 2006, I climbed the Mount Denali with 4 friends, without a Guide,

We were a Spanish expedition that reached the summit on July 11, 2006. Four Spaniards alone in Alaska

I didn’t have a Radio license at that moment to be able to activate it, unfortunately, I’ve posted photos in SOTLAS so that you could see the last stage of the Summit. It won’t be easy. You won’t have much time at the summit—an hour at most. We stayed for about 30 minutes. The temperature up there is very low, and the wind is very strong.

If you need more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

I often travel to to Częstochowa, the next trip will let you know in advance and we will share experiences. You have my contact in QRZ.com

Good luck my friend. Enjoy the experience.

EA2FLJ / Manu

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9

Can you invite a CW op to go with you?

10

Unfortunately it’s hard enough to find a sane person to join me on these trips, it’s even harder to find one that also does CW :smiley:

No CW on this one, apologies. In the best of scenarios I will just butcher this activation with FM/SSB and FT8 :))))

Thanks,

Tom, SQ9FVE

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11

Samuel Morse will be turning in his grave! :sob:

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12

Good luck!

If you struggle to get up Denali try Mt McKinley :upside_down_face:

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13

I am actually doing the same thing. Race you to the top, I guess :slight_smile:

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14

Good luck.

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15

Good luck with the activation, that’s going to be an amazing adventure!

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16

Wishing you the very best on this adventure. You’re an inspiration to all of us!

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17

Great call sign especially for someone in Alaska!!

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