I’ve received the 4M transverter board for my KX3 as well as the XG50 board to set the advanced frequency/temperature stability system for the radio as well.
Once I get the time to fit the board, and do the temperature/frequency stability setup, then I’ll be almost ready to do an activation on 70MHz.
I know that there’s interest, but how many people are already set up for 4M activation/chasing? I also have a small 4M FM Hand Held radio, so would be prepared to take that with me as well if anyone wants to use that mode?
Good to hear you are coming on to 4m, it was quite popular for a wee while then it just died away. I used to carry a 4m handheld on every activation connected to a J-pole but then found it an unnecessary weight so stopped taking it. It would be good to give it a go again if there was the chance of getting even one contact. Unfortunately I probably wouldn’t chase from home as my home QTH is a bit of a black spot VHF/UHF- unless you activate Ailsa Craig!
I’ve got 50w on 4m FM from an Anytone AT-588 and a Sirio CX-468 and I can also fire up the Spectrum transverter if I see a 4m SSB spot but there few and far between. I only have the Sirio vertical but I’ve had some good contacts on 4m SSB when the bands open. I’ve never had a 4m SSB SOTA contact as yet and only a handful of FM SOTA QSOs
If you activate any NP or SP summits and I’m in the shack I’ll be listening for you for sure
I look forward to working you once you have the KX3 sorted.
I am awaiting the arival of a shiny new 4m transverter (currently in the post) and plan to try some SOTA activity with it.
I will check what contests / activities the Ready Steady Go Boys have planned & work around those. Perhaps a SOTA 4m activity weekend in the summer could get a few S2S in the log?
Suggestions for a portable aerial most welcome as I have nothing suitable at present.
I have been on 4M from home and mobile in the past, but not regularly as, until the KX3 and 4M board, I had to take a Spectrum transverter with me. I have taken it to Scotland with me in the past.
I tend to prefer CW to SSB, but I did decide to order a microphone for the KX3 when I bought the 4M board just in case there’s no activity on the CW end of the band.
Plans for activation are not yet settled. It’s been a bit too cold for my liking but I have to go to Leicester on Friday so may head for Bardon Hill on the way home, depending on the weather and how long the meeting takes. However, I don’t think I will have installed the 4M board and done the temperature/frequency set up procedure so it maybe that I just have 4M FM with a small hand held and a quarter wave vertical or the W&S centre loaded vertical.
I’ll confirm on Thursday whether I am putting the gear in the car and will use SMS to spot to SOTAwatch when I reach the car park and the ‘infamous’ bench.
Oh, BTW, from home I sometimes put up a 3 element triangular quad for 4M. However, it’s usually on a separate pole from the one on the rotator so turning the beam involves climbing a ladder onto the roof of the garage to turn the beam. Something I have to warn potential QSO stations about as it can take a few moments to get there and back to the shack.
If anyone is intending to activate a hill with 4M when I’m likely to be at home I’ll make sure the antenna is in the air.
