First licensed in October of 2015, upgraded to general in November of 2015 and finally upgraded to Extra in May of 2016 all through the NARC classes - which are fantastic classes! I don't have any background in radios or electronics, so this is all new to me and I'm learning new things every day. I've recently started using PSK with Fred's (AB1OC) help and am slowly learning CW.
My station:
Icom IC-7100
Vertical Dipole (20 meters)
LDG AT-100ProII Autotuner
DX Lab Suite on Windows 10
73,
Jamey (AC1DC)
I have to admit that I’ve had more opportunities than most to make a satellite contact. I have spent plenty of time at Fred, AB1OC’s QTH with his great satellite system and I’ve been to plenty of events with the satellite system up and running.
I first found an interest in satellites back in 2016 at Field Day when the club’s Portable Satellite Station 1.0 got its first use. I already had an Elk Antenna which I used for fox hunting and SOTA. Abby, AB1BY, Connor, KC1GGX and myself went out a few times and we had great luck in hearing the satellites, but no luck in making a contact. I was determined to make a contact on an HT and my Elk antenna, but satellites became a little bit of an afterthought. Every time I would try to make a contact it was last minute or I wasn’t in an ideal location or it was not a good pass to try.
AC1DC Making his first HT Satellite Contact
Well, this past Saturday I finally had luck in making contact via the satellites… with a little help from Fred, AB1OC, and Anita, AB1QB. We staked out the flight path in their backyard and I used my antenna, but with a headset – which helped as well! I made two contacts on AO-91 on a 42-degree pass!
There’s more to making contacts with the satellites than just pointing your antenna at them and throwing out your callsign. I’m definitely not an expert, but I’ve come to realize that you don’t have to be super precise with the aiming of the antenna, although I think the closer you are to being right on it the better your chances of being heard. Also, I would recommend finding a way to free up your hands as much as possible. A headset helps and a tripod really makes things easier – that antenna gets heavy pretty quickly! And most importantly, use your phone or some type of device to record your QSOs. I have a hard time remembering the callsign, especially when things are going quickly, let alone grid squares and names.
Of course, after accomplishing my goal of making contact with my HT and handheld antenna, we went inside and I made three more contacts on Fred’s satellite station on AO-07. I still plan on chasing the satellites on my HT, but I have a feeling Fred and Anita are going to see more of me on their satellite station!
The ARRL Kids Day event is coming up on Saturday, January 5th from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Fred, AB1OC and Anita, AB1QB will have their station open for any youth – regardless of license class or license for that matter – that would like to participate.
There is a very simple exchange of name, age, location, and favorite color. It’s a relaxed atmosphere and easy way to get on the air if you have your license and haven’t had much of an opportunity. Even if you don’t have a license you can get on the air with the club call sign and one of our licensed youths as the control operator. So, bring your friends!
This is a very special event to me as it is one of the first times my daughter, Abby, AB1BY made an HF contact. After this event, she was absolutely hooked on amateur radio! We’re hoping this happens to all the youth that participate! Abby will be present to help make contacts. We would like to invite any youth, with or without a license, to come and check out what amateur radio has to offer.
Please respond to Jamey, AC1DC at [email protected] if you would like to participate or if you have any questions.
Do you read QST magazine or see articles on FaceBook about DXpeditions and think to yourself, “man, I’d really like to do that.” Don’t have the time, the money or the XYL or OM won’t let you go on a DXpedition. Yeah, me too!
6M Antenna on the Mountain
Well, later this month the Nashua Area Radio Society will be doing its own mini-DXpedition to the top of Mount Washington! On Sunday, August 26th we’ll be activating Mount Washington for Summits on the Air and Parks on the Air.
The top of Mount Washington sits at 6,288 feet above sea level. It is the highest peak east of the Mississippi and north of the Carolinas and is known for some of the “worst weather in the world”. We’re hoping that doesn’t hold true on the 25th. Don’t let the weather or the altitude deter you from taking part in this event! Last year we had a couple of members that climbed up the mountain, some that drove (yes, there is a paved road up… a very steep and narrow road) and we even had some members take the Cog Railway – which is an adventure in itself!
The Mount Washington Cog Railway:
The Mt. Washington Cog Railway
The unique way up the mountain is from the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Mt. Washington’s cog railway is the world’s first mountain climbing cog railway. Also, it is the second steepest rack railway in the world with an average grade of 25% and a maximum grade of over 37%!
The Mount Washington Cog Railway Access Road is located off Rte. 302 in Bretton Woods and trips begin at 8:00 am and run through 4:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance on their website.
The Mount Washington Auto Road (Drive Yourself):
Mt. Washington Auto Road
The Mount Washington Auto Road is located in Gorham, New Hampshire on the other side of the mountain from the Cog Railway. The auto road is open from 7:30 am until 6:00 pm on August 25th and rates start at $29 for a car and driver and go up from there.
Tony, KC1DXL & Anita, AB1QB take in the views on the auto road
This drive is not for the faint of heart! There are panoramic views and you will travel through four distinct climate zones on your way up the Northeast’s highest peak. If you are not comfortable with heights or narrow winding roads without guard rails you may want to check out the guided tours or the hiker’s shuttle to the top.
Please note that there are some vehicle restrictions that you want to check out if you plan to drive yourself.
Take a Guided Tour:
Tours of Mt. Washington
Guided tours start at the base of the Mount Washington Auto Road beginning at 8:30 am and you have the option of a two hour guided tour or three hour guided tour. The disadvantage of the guided tours is that you are not on your own schedule and time at the top is limited.
The tours do sell out so you will want to book your tickets early if this is the option for you.
Hiker Shuttle:
Connor, KC1GGX descending Tukerman’s Ravine
Another way up/down the mountain is the Hiker Shuttle. The Hiker Shuttle leaves from the Stage Office at the base of the Mount Washington Auto Road beginning at 9:00 am. The shuttle then leaves on an as-needed basis, so waits of an hour or more may be necessary. The one way down option can be a little tricky as rides down are sold on a first come, first served basis.
Hike Up:
The final way up/down the mountain is hiking. Although this may not be for everyone – this is a very strenuous hike – it is the most rewarding.
There are two starting points for getting up Mount Washington – the east face and west face of the mountain. The east face trails begin at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center which has information and basic rooms available for rent. Reservations in advance are a must!
The East Face:
East Face of Mt. Washington
The easiest trail (easiest is probably not the right term for any trail on Mount Washington) on the east face of the mountain is Tuckerman’s Ravine for both the ascent and descent. Lion’s Head is the same distance, but slightly steeper. It is not the best for a descent. Boott Spur is another option, which is not any more difficult than the other trails but is much longer. The benefit of hiking Boott Spur trail is the amazing views and not many crowds!
Abby, AB1BY near Lion’s Head on Mt. Washington
The West Face:
West Face of Mt. Washington
The trails on the west face of Mount Washington begin from Mount Washington Cog Railway and offers two trails, the Jewell Trail and Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. The Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail ascends via Lake of the Cloud Hut where you can stop and get a hot coffee, hot chocolate, water or some snacks… not to mention the fantastic views!
Lake of the Clouds Hut
If you are planning on hiking an early start is an absolute must, especially if you plan to have any time to operate on the summit. Club members that are planning to hike please let me know. It would be fun to have a group to hike with as well as safer for everyone involved.
Accommodations:
The Mt. Washington Hotel
There are many accommodations in the area ranging from beautiful hotels to primitive camping areas. Again, booking in advance is a must! Many of the camping areas in the White Mountain National Forest are booked on a first come, first served basis. They do not take reservations in advance.
Primitive Camping near Mt. Washington
Join in on the Fun!
If you have any questions please let me know. I’d love to see a big group of you at the summit!
