Given that SOTA was the reason I got into radio last Fall, it is only fitting that my first radio award achieved is the Shack Sloth for having earned 1000 points chasing Summits on the Air. Now to focus on the Mountain Goat…
CW Academy Level 1 Complete
My big goal for 2016 is to learn to copy and send CW at 20 WPM. After months of self study on my own, I completed Level 1 of the CW Academy and that finally did the trick. It brought everything together and gave me the confidence to get on the air using Morse code.
The CW Academy is a great resource for someone who wants to learn Morse code. The Academy is free and taught by instructors who are passionate about helping people learn to operate using CW. Classes were held twice a week online with the instructor and a small group of students. There are three levels in the program with the ultimate goal of 25 wpm head copy. I’m not there yet but I am well on my way. Level 2 starts in the Fall. Thanks to my Instructor Ed K6HP who did a great job!
If you want to get started using CW or improve your skills check out the CW Academy.
Reverse Beacon Network Callsign Spots
If you are new the chasing SOTA using CW like me, then you know there is a lot to learn. Here is a quick tip that I found helpful. In addition to using SOTAwatch, pull up a Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) spot report for the callsign you are chasing. These two tools together will help in making the contact.
SOTA W6/CT-013, Keller Peak
SOTA Summit: W6/CT-013, Keller Peak
Trail: Trail and road.
Hike: ~12 miles round trip.
Elevation gain: 2200 feet
Self Spot: AT&T, SOTA Goat
2-meter FM: Yes (see 2-meter note)
Files: GPX & KML
W6/CT-013, Keller Peak is a very popular drive up SOTA summit for activation. Here are details on how to hike it. [Read more…] about SOTA W6/CT-013, Keller Peak
SOTA W6/CT-246, Mount Lewis
SOTA Summit: W6/CT-246, Mount Lewis
Trail: Short steep use trail.
Hike: 0.9 miles round trip.
Elevation gain: ~500 feet
Self Spot: APRS (AT&T maybe)
2-meter FM: Yes (see 2-meter note)
Files: GPX
W6/CT-246, Mount Lewis is another of the recently added peaks in the W6 region and makes a great add-on when activating peaks along the Angeles Crest Highway. My son and I combined it with W6/CT-012, Waterman Mountain and W6/CT-014, Kratka Ridge for a SOTA Saturday. [Read more…] about SOTA W6/CT-246, Mount Lewis
SOTA W6/SC-405, Sugarloaf
SOTA Summit: W6/SC-405, Sugarloaf
Trail: Traditional single track with short use trail.
Hike: Moderate – 10.4 miles round trip.
Elevation gain: 3150 feet
Self Spot: Yes via AT&T
2-meter FM: Yes
Files: GPX
If it looks easy, you’re looking at the wrong Sugarloaf.