Over the past week or so I have had a bit of a shake-up. I decided to sell some of my stuff so the line-up is changing. Yesterday, I drove to a friend’s house for a visit. While there I traded my FT-710 for an IC-7300. Yes, I now have two IC-7300s. They are a part of my EmComm package so now my primary and backup field radios are the same. One of the problems I had with the 710, is a needed extra stuff to make it work with my field gear. That and the IC-7300 is easier to use.
I think I said it earlier but the TX-500 is gone and the TR-45L should be leaving soon. The TR-45 wasn’t getting much use because of the IC-705. In their places, I have a QRP Labs QMX and an FX-4CR on order. When I don’t have to pack something like on a SOTA Summit I prefer bigger radios because they are easier to use. To that end, I am currently working on a deal for a QRP K3. It’s kind of a dream radio for me. I am looking forward to getting it.
My friend lives in SC so while I was there I did a quick activation at Chester State Park K-2889. I never did a POTA activation in SC so I wanted to check that box. I didn’t have much time as I drove up and back in one day so the activation was short, just 16 contacts on FT8. I stuck to 20 meters, and I made some decent contacts riding the crest of the QSB. here is a map.
The park is small and a little out of the way. My kind of park. It’s a fairly popular park with POTA enthusiasts, and I can see why. I enjoyed the short time I was there and maybe in the future, I can go back and spend more time. Below is an equally short video on the activation.
KK4Z 