Due to the upcoming the 2 m/70 cm SOTA Challenge 2026, I carried out my first experiments on 2 m SSB as early as the end of December 2025. The goal was to get SOTA chasers tuned in for January 1, 2026, at an early stage and to spark interest in activations on the VHF bands.
The first tests on 2 m SSB were still done using a 4-element log-periodic antenna, which had generally proven itself well for portable use. However, after an interesting conversation with Joe OE5JFE, I decided to take a different approach. The choice fell on a lightweight 6-element DK7ZB Yagi, which offers very good characteristics especially for portable operation.
Based on the well-known DK7ZB design, I slightly modified the layout and incorporated my selfdesigned 3D-printed parts. This resulted in my own version made from two 25 mm electrical installation tubes, which can be fully disassembled into 1 meter segments. Practical usability for SOTA was particularly important to me. The boom can be used for both a 2 m and a 70 cm Yagi using different element lenght and positions for maximum gain.
6-element DK7ZB Yagi, folded for transport
The result is an extremely lightweight and compact antenna with a total weight of under 1 kg and a packed length of only 103 cm – ideal for a backpack and also for longer, more demanding tours. In practice, this antenna solution has proven to be very robust and high-performing.
My radio of choice was the IC-705 operating with external battery for 10 watts of HF power.
Activity Day on January 18, 2026 on OE/OO-135
The start of the new year was therefore extremely pleasing. In the whole month of January 2026 I was able to complete a total of 32 SOTA activations, most of them on 2 m SSB. Altogether, nearly 500 challenge-relevant QSOs were made, covering over total of more then 40,000 km. The activations were not only great fun for me – the motivation and activity of the chasers were clearly noticeable as well. Many of my usual chasers as well as new callsigns (from the contesting scene) found their way into the log.
A special highlight was the 521 km QRB with 9A0V on January 18, 2026, achieved during the January VHF/UHF/SHF activity day. Contacts like this impressively demonstrate the potential of the 2-meter band – especially in combination with portable SOTA activations and SSB operation even from low summits.
The activations took me to numerous low hills, but also to some quite demanding tours that were physically challenging in addition to the radio operation itself. This mix of easier and more demanding summits was exactly what made the month so appealing and ensured plenty of variety.
Looking back, I can say that operating 2 m SSB within the SOTA environment has absolutely been worthwhile. I sincerely hope that through these activities I was able — and will continue — to motivate other radio amateurs to become active themselves, whether as activators or chasers.
VHF-SSB in particular offers exciting opportunities that are often underestimated in everyday operation.
In any case, I’m already looking forward to the next activations — and to many more QSOs on the mountains and on the bands!
Vy 73 de Michael OE5HKT