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Friday, May 30, 2014

Why Do I Like Operating QRP From Summits?

I have given this question a lot of thought. I've been licensed since 1989, that's 25  years of very active operating. I'm #1 on the Honor Roll, over 1,030 IOTA's confirmed, 5BWAZ, 9 Band DXCC, etc... So, as you can tell, I love the hobby. Given all my ham radio acheivements and activities I can't recall being so enthused about any part of the hobby as I am about the Summits on the Air program. So why is that? I came up with a few thoughts.

I enjoy QRP because it fits my minimalist philosophy of life. What is it that I really need to exist? Operating QRP is like catching a 10 lb. bass on 3 lb test line, it's like sleeping under a lean-to rather than a tent, using an EFHW instead of a beam, it's like David versus Goliath. In short, its a challenge to begin with and thrill when you succeed.

I like managing the gear. I'm always looking for better ways to manage a summit activation from logging to power supplies to antennas to radios. I 'm always looking for the lightest, most efficient approach.  I like that no two activations are exactly alike. Deciding where to set-up, which tree has the best antenna support characteristics, where is best protection from the elements. The shack at home changes very little over time. It's almost boring.

I like the planning, topographic maps, coordinates, routes. I like the exercise, the incentive to stay fit so that I can enjoy what nature has to offer regardless of the altitude. I love the views. It makes me feel alive.

I like the points, the sense of achievement, although it's not always the achievement, it's the chase. The pursuit of the goal is what is motivating. I enjoy the chase.

I enjoy the comradarie of like minded indivduals and the SOTA program is very strong in that regard, it's full of people who love the outdoors, who enjoy QRP and like the challenges of both.

I just had to write it down.

13 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks Frank, I think most of us have similar feelings about SOTA.

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  2. Mike, I've been enjoying reading a lot of your blog posts over the last few days. Very good info and fun to read. I'm at www.aa5d.wordpress.com.

    Mitch
    AA5D

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    Replies
    1. Mitch, Thanks for the comments and for stopping by. Interesting that we have the same letters in our call. I notice you live in the East Texas, the Ouachita Mountains aren't far up the road. Lots of relatively easy summits up there.

      73,
      Mike AD5A

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  3. You know I was just looking at the SOTA maps for SE Oklahoma yesterday. I need to plan my first trip. Sounds like a whole lot of fun.

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  4. If you like getting outdoors, it's addicting. Let me know if I can answer any questions, ad5a@gvtc.com

    Mike AD5A

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  5. Will do Mike. First step is blocking out a Saturday a month or two from now. And then finding the right summit for my first activation. I'm very familiar with Beavers Bend State Park but it looks like qualifying summits are east and north from there.

    Mitch
    AA5D

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  6. Check out W5O/OU-005 and 006. Hwy 1 goes over both summits. Winding Stair Mountain OU-002 is just up the road and is a nice 3 mile round trip hike. You could do all three in a day.... See my Blog story on Mountains and Music......Mike AD5A

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  7. Mike,
    I recon you have summarised the issue pretty well.
    Combining the magic of QRP and the outdoors is pretty special.
    IMHO Adventure Radio the blending amateur radio (especially QRP) with some outdoors physical activity is exciting and most likely very beneficial to our health.

    73, Pierre ZS6A

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  8. Thanks Pierre for the comments. Yes, it is very beneficial for your health and is one of the few activities in amateur radio that helps keep you fit. Otherwise we are sitting down turning knobs:-)

    73,

    Mike AD5A

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  9. Mike you sum it up quite nicely. The minimalistic approach certainly gives the most sense of achievement. SOTA and similiar groups are well known, here's one with a twist you may find interesting.

    http://zs6bne.wordpress.com/2014/04/24/radar-moving-amateur-radio-stations/

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  10. Hello Mike, I very much enjoy this blog entry. It's a very nice summary. We don't have any mountains in our flat country, but I enjoy your writing on your SOTA expeditions. FB.
    Good luck in QRP. 73, Bert PA1B

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  11. Bert,
    Thanks for the comments and thanks for reading the Blog. Ham radio is a fantastic hobby.

    73,

    Mike AD5A

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