Hi 2W1PJE
here some hints:
- The FT-817/818 does not have a voice compressor. A compressor will increase the signal a bit. There is an almost finished kit available. (Initially from FA/Germany)
- make sure the FT817/818 is set to 5w or 6w output
- make sure your HF antenna is tuned and does not need an ATU. As this might waste some energy.
- use the right bands: for SOTA SSB: 1st choice 40m, 2nd choice 20m
- in a forrest 40m will work better than 20m
- check the SOTA activation frequencies for SSB
- if you are in a WWFF area this might give it a boost too. In that case check the WWFF frequencies as well.
- COTA, GMA, MOTA, IOTA etc. and any other reference will give it a boost as well
- post your intended activity in time as an alert (post frequencies on different bands with the associated mods (SSB, FT8, etc.))
If you have other references post them as well in the corresponding portals. - when calling CQ - now and then mention the SOTA reference and/or other references
- make sure you are putting a good signal out. Ask someone to monitor or use websdrs to check this.
- check the conditions to see when bands are working best for the intended range (check VOACAP)
- most of the activators are active in the morning (8-10 UTC seems to be a good time), avoid the time after 13:00 local time. In the afternoon the bands will be noisier
- find a friend that can post your current frequency and SOTA reference on a cluster and any other reference that might attract people
- erect the antenna in an unobstructed area (if possible),
- dipole as as inverted V should work well
Hope this helps…
Good Luck!
Hope to hear you on the air!
73s
Ingo