Category Archives: Equipment

Lightweight ZS6BKW doublet for portable operations

Posted on 2021/09/24 by vk3pf

A recurring topic of discussion amongst amateur radio operators who activate at portable field locations is “Which antenna do you use?” or something similar. Each person has their own preference. I started my SOTA operations using a home built Link … Continue reading →

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Repair of a microphone

Posted on 2020/02/16 by vk3pf

Those that have read the blog entry of my New Years Eve trip to The  Horn on Mount Buffalo may recall that the SOTA component was interrupted by static electricity, a relocation to below the peak and then a failed … Continue reading →

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A new paddle with no moving parts

Posted on 2019/12/30 by vk3pf

I have had a KX2 transceiver for some time now and it has become my “go to” SOTA radio. It came with an Elecraft Precision Keyer Paddle KXPD2. I quickly became familiar with the paddle, but occasionally had problems with … Continue reading →

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The old Rover

Posted on 2019/07/17 by vk3pf

GippsTech 2019 happened last weekend. During the weekend, I was discussing some of my previous radio activity with some of those attending, which prompted me to write this post…. For many years I drove a 1997 Subaru Forester. I ordered … Continue reading →

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160 m SOTA activity day 2018

Posted on 2018/04/03 by vk3pf

Several weeks ago, a number of regular SOTA activators started discussing options for what has become an annual event: a SOTA activation event held close to 1 April, with a couple of activities to be considered: AM mode and/or 160 … Continue reading →

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A trip to Bacchus Marsh

Posted on 2018/01/21 by vk3pf

Mid-week I remembered to browse the adverts on vkclassifieds. You never know what might come up. This day, I spotted a microphone – the Icom IC HM-103. This microphone is the one that came standard with the IC-706MkIIG. I have … Continue reading →

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A lightweight Yagi for 2 m

Posted on 2015/02/22 by vk3pf

SOTA: HF or elsewhere? 40 m activity dominated the first 18 months of SOTA in VK (and continues to be the dominant band). But what about other bands? This is a 2-edged sword: The Activator needs Chasers to gain points … Continue reading →

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A lightweight Link Dipole

Posted on 2013/11/16 by vk3pf

My initial portable antenna built for SOTA was a copy of the Link Dipole described by Peter VK3ZPF on his blog. For those first few activations, I carried the link dipole with 80/40/20/15/10 capabilities, plus a 10 m squid pole … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment, SOTA | 7 Comments