HF Naive: Kit update.

Equipment
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Update:
So, the replacement radio arrived and I headed straight out of the door to make sure it works as intended. G/SC-004, starting 15:59 UTC:
6 DX QSOs on 20m.
9 UK QSOs on 40.

It started to get dark, so I packed up after my last QSO at 16:33. Loving the EFHW - easy to deploy and take down. I used a tree this time. Looking forward to having a go on the mast next time.

Very pleased with the result, and really appreciate everyone’s input. Looking forward to activating more summits with HF, and new summits in particular.

Image 29-10-2024 at 17.27
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That’s excellent! Glad you got it all sorted out in the end. :+1:

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Hi Fraser,
Do you have recommendations for 2 person Bothy bag features and/or a favourite model/supplier ?
I presently take a small 2 person tent flysheet for activations where I think the weather might be inclement or I might be a while on the summit. It had enough room for myself and Moxie the labrador when she came with me.
I am looking for something a bit lighter for the next iteration of my SOTA kit.
Andy
MM7MOX

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Andy, My one is a Terranova Bothy 2

https://www.summitgear.co.uk/product-tag/terranova-bothy/

I did a video on it a while back, on a roasting hot day.

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Hi Fraser,
Thanks for the video on the bothy bag. I think I will add one to my sota kit in place of the survival bag, it looks like it will be something I will use more often rather than just being carried for emergencies.
Andy
MM7MOX

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Hi @MM7MOX Andy,

Here is picture of Shadow the SOTA spaniel in a 2-man bothy bag during a June blizzard on Maoile Lunndaidh GM/WS-053. Perfect for shadow and myself. A lab should be fine!

Top bit of kit, so quick to deploy when the bad weather hits.

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Tim

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I have a “Lifesystems” Survival Shelter 2. I have to admit, I have only ever used it in the garden to see how it works, but it is small and light and accompanies me on all activations - “just in case” I need protection from the weather.

73 Ed.

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Thank you for your help so help so far. :pray:

After a few activations and some troubleshooting, I’ve narrowed my HF kit down to this lot more or less:

  1. 5m pole.
  2. 4m of BNC to BNC RG58.
  3. EFHW from Radio Stuff (with pole hook).
  4. 3x Guy lines for pole, Need additional guys for walking poles.
  5. 7x Pegs (no need for karabiners).
  6. G106 + fist mic (will replace fist mic with boom mic)
  7. 3Ah battery, fused.
  8. Choke (not in the pic) BNC F / BNC M.

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I cut my 2m flowerpot antenna down and terminated it with a BNC connector. I can connect it to the 4m of RG58 that I’m carrying for HF anyway. Not much extra to carry if I want to play on 2m.

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I think that’s about it. For me, it’s all about the hiking and fresh air. If I can make contacts and qualify a summit, it’s a bonus. :+1:

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I treated myself to my first Elecraft earlier this year as a personal reward for upgrading my license and activating a summit via CW, but prior to that, your setup exactly mirrored mine for many activations. While heavier than what I use now, it was incredibly effective and I had a blast. Like you, it largely rekindled my “first love” of sunrise and cold air in the mountains, and combined it with my much newer interest in amateur radio.

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