On Saturday 15 November 2014, I activate three summits in the Kosciuszko National Park, during the activation of Blackfellows Hill VK2/SM-033, I picked up my 500th unique chased summit from a contact with Rob VK3EK/P activating Mt Cann VK3/VG-133. Out of interest I checked the number of SOTA contacts made from other peaks, 43%…
Sunday 5 October 2014. With the promise of a sunny day in Canberra, I dragged out the Magnetic Loop for a spot of SOTA chasing from the deck. In keeping with the spirit of SOTA, I opted for battery power combined with a small solar panel to keep the batteries charged between QSOs. Chaser gear:…
Standard of behaviour towards EU SOTA activators trying to work VK SOTA activators and chasers At my QTH I have severe noise problems which often drown out the reception of distant EU SOTA activators. To overcome the noise problems I have decided to try out my local ‘hill’ known as Oakey Hill in the southern…
The Australia Day public holiday long weekend was an ideal time to spend an hour or two updating the HF Magnetic Loop antenna between many domestic duties. I have changed the small inner loop from wire to copper pipe and purchased a 12 volt 2 rpm DC motor to drive the tuning capacitor. I didn’t…
Chasing SOTA with a HF Magnetic Loop antenna 3 November 2013 Loads of SOTA activity this morning on 40m 7.085, 7.090 and 7.095 MHz. In preparation for today’s activations I moved the magnetic loop to the front garden and set up the FT857D on the out-door table. Stations worked on the loop before and after…
Magnetic Loop Antenna for SOTA chasing 12 October 2013 During the week I made a home-brew HF Magnetic Loop antenna for chasing SOTA activators. Today I get to try it out! The main loop is 3/8 inch copper pipe 1 metre in diameter and mounted 1.5 metres above the ground. The inner loop (temporary) is…
Get out of the Radio Shack and Live Life 