Operating W1AW/0 on Pikes Peak

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In 2026, the ARRL is running a program to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States (America250). One part of this program is having designated hams activate W1AW (portable) in all 50 states. The operating is spread out over time, with a master schedule determining when each state will operate. W1AW/0 in Colorado Our … Read more

South Monarch Ridge Photo

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In 2024, Joyce/K0JJW and I activated South Monarch Ridge (W0C/SP-058) on the Friday of the Colorado 14er & Mountaintop Event. South Monarch Ridge (also known as Monarch Crest) is a fun summit, easy to access via a trail or via the tram (during the summer). Kevin/KD0VHD and Lynaire/K0LPR joined us on top. Kevin took this … Read more

Across Lake Michigan on 146.52 MHz

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Here’s a post from way back in 2005. It falls into the category of “notable VHF contacts,” so I am reposting it here. Last July, my wife and I were walking along the beach on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Ludington State Park to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse. While we waited for … Read more

Three Types of VHF SOTA Contacts

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When I talk about doing VHF SOTA activations, people often wonder about what kind of contacts to expect. VHF propagation from a mountaintop can be surprisingly good, and the range of possible contacts runs from the routine to the remarkable. Having done a lot of these activations, I’ve noticed that VHF SOTA contacts tend to … Read more