My first contact!

[xtatik]

It does and even if the 'formal' hams don't consider 100+ miles with a 5W HT to be DX, I think it's fine if you do. One thing to remember is that amateur radio can anything /you/ want it to be, don't get bogged down in definitions and junk. The true criteria for 'DX' only really matter if you are gunning for ARRL awards.

Dave, much of what you say I can agree with, but obviously I have a slightly different "formal" or mainstream view.
DX doesn't have to be a game or competition, but when you're seeking acknowledgment from peers for having done something extraordinary....isn't that also seeking an award of sorts? DX is an achievement whether physical awards are sought or not. I don't think it should be dismissed as something like a childs soccer game where "everyone's a winner, so let's go get pizza". I think it's good to have standards or goals. Without them, there is no reward. If someone chooses to play in the sandlot rather than formally take to the field, it doesn't hurt to still have an understanding of the rules and language of the game. In most cases, commenting to a group of hams about chasing DX with an HT, is going to cause them to look at you kinda' funny. That was my original point.
http://www.arrl.org/chasing-dx

 

[DaveInDenver]

Dave, much of what you say I can agree with, but obviously I have a slightly different "formal" or mainstream view.
DX doesn't have to be a game or competition, but when you're seeking acknowledgment from peers for having done something extraordinary....isn't that also seeking an award of sorts? DX is an achievement whether physical awards are sought or not.

True points. I might point out that the 'mainstream' hams have been turning off newcomers for decades with their attitude.

I don't think it should be dismissed as something like a childs soccer game where "everyone's a winner, so let's go get pizza". I think it's good to have standards or goals. Without them, there is no reward.

This I agree with strongly. Competing for awards should have defined goals. But just keying up and making contacts can be fun in and of itself.

If someone chooses to play in the sandlot rather than formally take to the field, it doesn't hurt to still have an understanding of the rules and language of the game. In most cases, commenting to a group of hams about chasing DX with an HT, is going to cause them to look at you kinda' funny. That was my original point.

I'm not suggesting that the agreed ARRL definitions are without merit (especially now that they recognize QRP DX), but think it's just one aspect of the hobby. You made the important point that DX is defined and that a lot of people compete for them. IOW, if a ham wants recognition for his accomplishments, then chasing ARRL awards is a great thing to do.

I think we as hams do disservice by being aloof and constraining. If a newbie makes a 100 mile contact on an HT I will encourage him, right or wrong. In our modern world ham radio seems so useless to most when compared to cell phones and the Internet. If new guys want to compete for awards, a very important part of the hobby without argument, that's great and there are plenty of great people (like you!) who can Elmer him with that. I just view my roll differently.

 

[DarioCarrera]

Thanks xtatik for the education on the term "DX", I too did not fully understand the meaning. I'll definitely look into the SOTA group, that's really what I was going for. I've always like "peak bagging" so this really combines a couple hobbies into one activity.



I'm interested in finding a smaller/lighter directional antenna which would be reasonable to take on an extended dayhike. The arrow antenna looks a little bit too large/bulky, I haven't really looked at any alternatives yet. Would a yagi (beam?) be smaller for 70cm?

Tyler
KJ6MFI

There sure are some smaller and lighter V/UHF antennas. That one I showed you is for Low orbit satellites. You use amateur satellites as repeaters. Thus on VHF you could be talking to Spain (EA), Canada (VE), or us down here in Venezuela (YV). I'm getting into the Sat portion of HAM radio this year my self. I find it Very interesting.

Remember you can find smaller antennas, but not by much. Antennas are designed and built for specific wavelengths, thus their size. If you want something more portable I suggest to try the UHF/VHF vertical antennas. You wont get as much bulk, but they have a different purpose in mind than directional antennas. Maybe try a V/U Yagi that you can put together on site?

SOTA is something we're also getting into here in YV, we've plenty of hilltops to climb and try out.

 

[DaveInDenver]

SOTA is something we're also getting into here in YV, we've plenty of hilltops to climb and try out.

This has been my area of interest for the past year or so, too! I'm settling on a two option outfit, one is the FT-817 + Elecraft T1 + 44' ribbon cable doublet (e.g. the NorCal Doublet) and the other is a FT-817 + HFPacker (currently still in kit form on my bench...) + Ventenna HFp vertical. I've been using a 20 foot tall fishing pole as a vertical (the so-called St. Louis Vertical), but it's just too darned heavy IMHO. Fun stuff!

 

[ScoutII]

I was able to hit the Mount Laguna 147.150+ (SANDRA), Palomar 147.130+ (PARC) and Keller Peak 146.385+ (OAUSA) but I didn't make any contacts on any of these. I only had about a 1/2 hour on the ridge but I was monitoring both 146.520 and the Mount Laguna repeater during the rest of the hike.



It's a Smiley telescoping dual-band, not sure on the model # exactly, but I got it at HRO. When fully extended it's a 1/4 wave on 2m, then with two segments collapsed it's a 5/8 on 70cm. Fully collapsed it is supposed to be comparable to the stock rubber duck. It also has a spring built in to the base which gives it some flex, so I'm not too worried about leaving it attached to the hip belt of my backpack.

Tyler
KJ6MFI

OK made it here. I see you used 147.150+ do you know the PL

146.520 where is that repeater?

Slow internet here, but will try searching on SANDRA

Edit.. found it

107.2

 

[xtatik]

146.520 where is that repeater?

146.52 is the National Simplex Calling Frequency it won't be coordinated as a repeater frequency anywhere in the U.S.

 

[ScoutII]

146.52 is the National Simplex Calling Frequency it won't be coordinated as a repeater frequency anywhere in the U.S.

Ahh, now would there be anyone else out here in the desert on Super Bowl Sunday?

I heard the 147.150 repeater, so I know I can hit that.

Thanks.