I have been away from radio for a few years until restarting SOTA last weekend, as some may know. I’m hoping to have a dabble on hf ssb on my next activation. I should have sorted out an EFHW by then on whatever band I want to cut wire for. I have an FT817.
I have listened on HF a certain amount, but never transmitted. I couldn’t put an hf aerial up where I lived back then. I was wondering, where do the HF SOTA people hang out? Which band, which bit of each band? I’m SSB only for now. Do you call CQ, spot yourself, and keep calling? Any tips are greatly appreciated
Yes exactly that.
I would recommend to start on 20m as there it is usually not as crowded as 40m.
Somewhere around 14.280 or 14.320 USB.
The spot will bring the chasers to you.
Or if you have an endfed multiband it can be fun to look at the spots and try to work S2S contacts. Endfed because you can change from 40 to 20 to 15 and 10m without changing the antenna.
HF can present many propagation challenges and equally many rewards. Try working Australia on 20m long path for a S2S exchange, it will mean a very early start to ascend your favourite peak in all sorts of weather.
Definitely up for trying, once I’ve got everything working as it should.
In terms of qualifying (minimum 4 contacts), I’m finding it a lot easier on HF based on current conditions and what I’ve experienced so far.
Of course, personal bests are very rewarding, but there’s no distinction between a 2000 mile QSO and a 20 mile QSO in terms of qualifying.
In terms of S2S points - so far it’s been way better on HF. 10 pointers are quite far from my local area, so it’s nice to be able to chase a summit that might not have been possible on 2m for example. Same for completes - HF gets you further if you want to chase.
Never would I have thought that I can reach Indonesia on my QRP setup (which needs some work), so I’m rather astonished with how it’s working (working very well). It’s more kit to carry, and may take longer to set up… but at the moment it feels strange to spot myself and get 10-15 QSOs in minutes.
I’m sure there are outings during which I’ll suffer and have to work harder, but I must say I’m very pleased to have embraced HF. I can focus on the hiking and fresh air for the time being.
Yes, BUT - you missed out the important first step. Post an Alert a day or so before the activation so that other people know to expect your activation.
