Modify your Quansheng for CW without an adapter cable SOTA+ 2025-07-28 | At the W7O SOTA campout, Brian NR7Y teaches us how to modify a Quansheng to eliminate the need for an adapter cable. Once mod'ed, you can plug a straight key (or external keyer) directly into the 3.5mm jack, and get to CW'ing!Quansheng: amzn.to/3GU3v9PProgramming cable: amzn.to/46zlhcWIJV Firmware (free): domox.org/home.htmlFlashing tool: egzumer.github.io/uvtools __Chapters__0:00 Install the IJV firmware0:43 Open the radio2:16 Make the mod3:36 Proof of life4:00 Closing it up5:14 Final check5:51 Closeups of the modHuge thanks to @BrianDickman for developing this mod AND starring in the how-to video!___Affiliate links to Amazon help make this channel slightly less cost-negative
Custom Batteries, SOTA Campouts, and Marks Car-tastrophe | Sofas on the Air Ep. 5 SOTA+ 2025-08-20 | Umesh KK6TXI visits the Sofa to share his expertise in custom batteries for portable ham radio, including QRO SOTA and a mountaintop Field Day! We catch up (finally) with stories from the W7O and W6 SOTA campouts, and Mark waxes poetic about an activation that went oh-so-wrong.Patreon: Want to help us fly SOTA icons out for in-person interviews, and support our audio upgrades? We believe strongly that in-person chats are more fun!patreon.com/c/SofasOnTheAir__SHOW NOTES__Drink tastings: G4 Tequila Blanco High Proof 108, G4 Tequila ReposadoThe NR7Y Hardware Mod: youtu.be/zi35aTjEppQ N6ARA Electronics - the TinyPaddle, and more! n6ara.comKK6TXI's Battery Field Test - youtube.com/watch?v=uBzJ3BqniDE__Chapters__0:00 Hi Umesh!3:36 Tequila Tasting9:02 Batteries!01:11:28 Mark's W7O Campout01:24:38 Ara's W6 Campout01:30:11 SOTA Car-tastrophe01:52:54 Thanks to our Patreon supporters!__THANKS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS__Umesh KK6TXI - studio space and intro/outro musicDi KO6BTM - audio engineeringNote: Amazon links are affiliate links
Summits on the Air with 2m Morse Code SOTA+ 2025-08-04 | Di KO6BTM contacts her #1 Summits on the Air (SOTA) Chaser... Jon NT6E! She's using a NR7Y mod'ed Quansheng with an external keyer, and a Modern Morse Nameless paddle.
Secrets of Microwave SOTA, and an Antenna Test Quest | Sofas on the Air Ep. 4 SOTA+ 2025-07-24 | Devin W6DVN visits the Sofa to share his expertise in ultralight microwave SOTA activations... including how to build the gear! Mark nerds out a bit over a Quansheng CW mod, and Ara gets into his never-ending quest to better understand the behavior of real-world antennas.Patreon: Want to help us fly SOTA icons out for in-person interviews, and support our audio upgrades? We believe strongly that in-person chats are more fun!patreon.com/c/SofasOnTheAir__SHOW NOTES__Coffee choice: "Process Pairing - Colombia Black Condor" from Backyard Beans Coffee Companybackyardbeans.com/products/process-pairing-colombia-black-condorQuansheng Radio: amzn.to/45f4pXH (mod'able for CW)Quansheng IJV Firmware Mod: domox.org/home.htmlThe NR7Y Hardware Mod: youtu.be/zi35aTjEppQ Correction: feed horn from Rochester not Syracuservhfg.org/wpr/w1ghz-dual-band-dish-feed__Chapters__0:00 Hi Devin!2:01 Coffee tasting5:49 Devin loves microwaves49:15 Mark's new CW radio60:05 Ara's antenna test challenge87:39 New microphones!91:05 Thanks to our Patreon supporter!__THANKS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS__Umesh KK6TXI - audio Elmering, and outro musicDi KO6BTM - audio engineeringNote: Amazon links are affiliate links
NEW Tiny Paddle Adapter for the QMX! SOTA+ 2025-07-22 | Join a toasty SOTA activation with Ara - the legend behind N6ARA Electronics - as he launches a brand-new product!Activation date: July 12, 2025Location: Liebre Mountain (W6/CT-095)__Gear in My Kit__* NEW PRODUCT! N6ARA QMX TinyPaddle Adapter: n6ara.com/product/n6ara-tinypaddle-plug-qmx-adapter* N6ARA TinyPaddle: n6ara.com/product-category/radio/paddles* K6ARK Antennas: k6ark.com/kitsandparts* N7KOM Traps: etsy.com/listing/1595257587/microlight-qrp-hf-trap-kit-v3-for-use* POTA 20: gigaparts.com/explorer-pota20-portable-handheld-20-ft-telescopic-carbon-fiber-mast.html* USB-C to QMX 12v Trigger Cable: amzn.to/4efR03u* Nitecore Powerbank (PD, dual USB-C): amzn.to/3CbGM6U* Earbuds: amzn.to/4dUCKxh* Sony Recorder: amzn.to/4nSkY2V__Chapters__0:00 What are we doing?3:40 Radio station setup7:16 New CW recording system8:00 Mark's CW activation9:52 Ara's CW activation - and product launch!13:56 Mark's FT8 contact15:16 NT6E!!!!!16:19 Walkin' home__Music Attribution__Kevin MacLeod - Easy DayNote - Amazon links are affiliate links; trying this out as an experiment. My guess is it's not worthwhile, but it's an easy way to generate short URLs!
Lets Build a Morserino (with Ormoo the cat) SOTA+ 2025-07-19 | Di peacefully solders with Ormoo the Cat. While she works, the cat snacks, naps, and 'helps' with the soldering. When Di finishes, she has a shiny new Morserino-32... the best way to practice CW at home!Kit is no longer in production, but a new version is coming soon: morserino.info__Soldering Kit__Hakko Soldering Station: amzn.to/3Vf0MuzKester Solder: amzn.to/3Kh6OpLFlux: amzn.to/3UVHtHZSolder Sucker: amzn.to/3XmhD1vSoldering Fan: amzn.to/4nWQXizHelping Hands: amzn.to/4nYlH2K__Recommended Kits for Learning Soldering__Hard - QCX Mini: qrp-labs.com/qcxmini.htmlMedium - 8BitCADE XL: amzn.to/3VAkCSsEasy - QRPGuys Code Trainer: qrpguys.com/qrpguys-code-trainer__Chapters__0:00 Introduction4:40 Di Find Parts10:18 Soldering a bit43:33 Adding the battery51:08 It works!__Music Attribution__The Green Orbs - Snack TimeKevin MacLeod - Local Elevator__Note: I'm trying out Amazon affiliate links as an experiment. My guess is it's not worthwhile, but it's an easy way to generate short URLs!
Field Day, Radio Telescopes, and Learning CW | Sofas on the Air Ep. 3 SOTA+ 2025-07-11 | Mark and Ara share their Field Day experiences, along with an epic trip to the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO) and hot takes on Di's new Morse Code learning video. Patreon: Want to help us fly SOTA icons out for in-person interviews, and support our audio upgrades? We believe strongly that in-person chats are more fun!patreon.com/c/SofasOnTheAir__SHOW NOTES__HRCC Field Day Livestreamyoutube.com/watch?v=ZdLG4CYfAsUHRCC Field Day After-actionyoutube.com/watch?v=M0-toYucOggUmesh's OVRO Tour of the 40m Dishyoutube.com/watch?v=c_y3azvxX6oAngelina's FIRST EVER Morse contact!youtube.com/shorts/HfY9xjqy43EDi's SOTA+ Morse Code Videoyoutu.be/G8shUi7dWikAra's TinyMIDI for Learning CW (and more)n6ara.com/product/n6ara-tinymidiBook recommendation: The CW Way of Life amzn.to/44GleJt__THANKS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS__Umesh KK6TXI - microphone loan, audio Elmering, and outro musicDi KO6BTM - audio engineeringNote: Amazon links are affiliate links
How to Morse Code (in 10 Minutes!) SOTA+ 2025-07-06 | Learn Morse code... and how to use it! This video is to spark your interest in Morse code and the 'amateur radio' subculture that uses it daily.You'll go from a quick overview of Morse code all the way to your first QSO in only 10 minutes! Which, of course, is a wee bit aggressive on schedule. Once you've tried this, we here at SOTA+ recommend these resources: __VIDEOS__* Practice: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgq0XDu8nH9oXfst6ODq6PBQ6XQbiwJAU&si=O7Ezwjv5oMgZlpmE * A step-by-step guide from Mike & Becky: youtube.com/watch?v=z8m7VT7RCE0__CLUBS__* The Long Island CW Club: longislandcwclub.org* CWops: cwops.org__APPS__* Morse-It: pacolabs.com/iOS/MorseIt* Morse Mania: https://dong.digital/morsemania/* MorseWalker (practice QSOs): morsewalker.com__BOOKS__* The CW Way of Life: amzn.to/461r4rv__Chapters__0:00 Why learn Morse code?0:32 Alphabet2:36 Conversation6:30 Get on the air!7:44 Real-life practice8:49 Now what? __Thanks & Attributions__Audio Hertz - World War OuterspaceThanks to Bill for the shack photo - amazing station! Note - Amazon links are affiliate links; trying this out as an experiment. My guess is it's not worthwhile, but it's an easy way to generate short URLs!
YL Angelinas FIRST EVER Morse Code contact! SOTA+ 2025-06-29 | Angelina KN6QAT learned CW in one hour while hiking, and then made a contact with N1CLC "The Ham Ninja" immediately after! No substitute for being brave and getting on the air!
Tim N7KOM: From College Rock Show Host to Climbing Mountains with Radio | Sofas on the Air Ep. 2 SOTA+ 2025-06-26 | In this wide-ranging chat with Oregon SOTA guest, Tim N7KOM covers his unusual introduction to radio, the Oregon SOTA campout, preparedness for 'radio first aid', ARRL Field Day, activation shenanigans while visiting LA... and tastes some delicious local brews from Far Field.
Queens of the Mountains 2025 SOTA+ 2025-06-19 | Five women activate a summits on the air peak - with a cat, 100W, a 10 GHz radio, Morse code... and make a summit-to-summit contact with SOTA Goat Amy AG7GP!
Queens of the Mountains - YL SOTA Party! SOTA+ 2025-06-19 | Our SOTA+ crew celebrated the 2nd Annual Queens of the Mountains event weekend in the best way possible - from a summit, with five queens, 100 Watts, and all sorts of unusual modes, bands and radios! (10 GHz! 2m CW! Red Baofeng!) Organized by superhero YL SOTA Goats Amy AG7GP and Paula- 9IR, Queens of the Mountains is one of our favorite weekends. The support shown by folks - both YL and OM, freshly licensed and veteran op - make this a particularly special way to play radio. Location: Cerro Negro Benchmark, W6/CT-226Activation date: June 8, 2025__Essential Gear__N6ARA TinyPaddle: n6ara.com/product-category/radio/paddlesK6ARK Antennas: k6ark.com/kitsandpartsRite in the Rain Notebook: amzn.to/3QyF5UWRite in the Rain Pen: amzn.to/4a9WWbwKitty treats for your SOTA cat: amzn.to/48X9rYg__Chapters__0:00 Who are the Queens?1:10 Activation starts on HF SSB1:55 Queen to Queen with AG7GP4:19 More HF SSB5:29 2m CW with Di8:25 A Wild W6LOR Appears!8:54 Queens on 10 GHz with Bluey9:54 33s all!__Music Attribution__Quincas Moreira - GirasolTopher Mohr and Alex Elena - FestivalCorrection:4:58 Jon should be Ray. Copy/Paste error... sorry Ray!Note: Amazon links are affiliate links; other external links are unaffiliated.
Aras Goat Day | Sofas on the Air Ep. 1 SOTA+ 2025-06-10 | In this first-ever episode of Sofas on the Air, Mark and Ara sit down to discuss Ara's SOTA Goat day (250 QSOs on a livestream!) and Mark's ARRL Field Day plans.
Ara N6ARA - Mountain Goat Activation (LIVE!) SOTA+ 2025-05-31 | Ara N6ARA is ready to join the esteemed ranks of our California SOTA Goat herd!The plan is to activate Mt Pacifico (W6/CT-015) on May 31st, 2025, with a 100W radio and a hex beam on a rotator. Ara will attempt to log as many chasers as possible, and work as many bands and modes as possible - for as long as he is physically able. We'll start early, and run all afternoon.We will attempt to livecast the experience using a Starlink for connectivity. If it works... you'll find out when this stream goes live!
Patrol and POTA: Live from Camp (10,400’) SOTA+ 2025-05-25 | During this livestream we test out a Starlink system for wilderness livestreaming on hard-to-reach mountains. Did it stream? Watch and find out? (spoiler alert: it streamed)__Notes:* Sorry to Kurt K6GG for the miscopy; don't worry - I fixed it in my logs! (Fun fact: trying to talk, doing CW, and running a livestream is confusing! ha)
Welcome to Wilderness Ranger School! SOTA+ 2025-05-19 | The San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (SGWA) runs a phenomenal volunteer program. I've worked with them for a few years now as a volunteer wilderness ranger - this video shows our 2025 training and season kickoff. My favorite part? The refresher on how our radios work with the Forest Service repeaters and command center!If you want to support the SGWA, please consider either donations (free labor makes the dollars have a huge impact!) or volunteering: sgwa.org/join-giveLocation: Camp TulakeDate: May 17, 2025
Summits on the Air (SOTA): Your First Activation SOTA+ 2025-04-29 | Mountains are the tallest 'tower' you'll ever use! This talk provides a step-by-step introduction to how you can go from dreaming of a panoramic shack-in-the-sky to doing it, including planning, safety, gear selection, activation techniques, and logging contacts. If you've previously tried POTA and loved the every-day-is-field-day experience, then SOTA offers a perfect pairing... where every day a passionate chaser community treats you like rare DX! Thanks to @HamRadioCrashCourse for filming my presentation, and the Big Bear HamEscape for the invitation to present! Learn more about the event here: bigbearhamescape.comNo time to watch this video? Check out N7KOM's 'Quick Guide' here: n7kom.com/SOTA.html__Links to SOTA Sites & Tools__SOTA Watch - sotawatch.sota.org.ukSOTA Data - sotadata.org.ukSOTA Maps - https://sotl.as/PoLo Logger - polo.ham2k.com__Mark's 'Typical SOTA Kit'__N6ARA TinyPaddle: n6ara.com/product-category/radio/paddlesK6ARK Antenna: amzn.to/3SdEYyk (intermittently in stock - get one if available!)QMX Radio: shop.qrp-labs.com/qmxQMX Case: amzn.to/4cTfZtCNitecore Battery: amzn.to/4i1L8xv12V USB-C Trigger Cable: amzn.to/3GxK1HnTiny Rite in the Rain Notebook: amzn.to/3B5nfUXRite in the Rain Pen: amzn.to/4a9WWbwRetractable audio cable for CW key: amzn.to/3UL4rkNMasts: POTA20 or SOTAbeams Carbon 6__Chapters__0:00 Introduction to SOTA7:45 Activating 10110:59 Step 1 - Select a Peak12:28 Step 2 - Plan your Trip14:52 Step 3 - Pack for Safety, Activating21:37 Step 4 - P.A.C.E. Plan27:17 Step 5 - Post Alerts31:13 Step 6 - Activate!36:52 Step 7 - Submit Logs37:59 SOTA Gear: Radios, Antennas, Batteries, and Logging54:54 Q&A SessionNote - Amazon links are affiliate links; trying this out as an experiment. My guess is it's not worthwhile, but it's an easy way to generate short URLs.
The SOTA Phone - by N6ARA Electronics SOTA+ 2025-04-01 | Introducing… The SOTA Phone. This is the latest product release from @N6ARAElectronics, providing an incredibly lightweight and ruggedized solution for all your SOTA needs. Unavailable at n6ara.com.
Will It Microwave? SOTA+ 2025-03-31 | Mark KD7DTS and Devin W6DVN accompany Becky W6BKY on her first-ever SOTA activation! Along the way, Devin demonstrates how a QMX running the experimental SSB firmware can be used - without an external microphone - as the IF radio for a 10 GHz transverter. Mark blasts some QSOs on 100W with the team, and then wraps up with a lightning-round of CW contacts with a new-to-Mark YB122C 500 Hz filter in the Yaesu FT-857D. Thanks to all who joined us live!
Three Peaks with a SOTA Legend - Peter visits LA! SOTA+ 2025-03-23 | Join a lighting-round activation with SOTA Goat and America's repeat-offender for #1 SOTA chaser of the year... Peter WB6POT! Has Peter chased you? Would love to hear Peter stories in the comments!!Locations: - Hoyt Peak (W6/CT-146)- Waterman (W6/CT-012)- Vetter Mountain (W6/CT-021)Activation date: March 7, 2026__Chapters__0:00 Super quick highlights0:08 Hoyt Peak1:39 Lost my radio! Oops...2:15 Waterman Mountain4:52 Vetter Mountain__Music__Quincas Moreira - Sand CastleQuincas Moreira - Boom Bap FlickTopher Mohr and Alex Elena - Trouble
Peter WB6POT enjoying a SoCal vacation... on Mt Waterman in the snow! SOTA+ 2025-03-20 | Peter WB6POT is one of America's top Summits on the Air (SOTA) chasers... and is also himself a SOTA Goat! I was lucky enough to hike with him during a quick visit he made to the Los Angeles area. #hiking #hamradio #summitsontheair #sota #socal #snow
Honey I Shrunk The Batteries SOTA+ 2025-03-14 | Join battery YouTuber Umesh of @HamPower as he teaches Mark how to design an ultra-tiny custom battery for a 100W SOTA activation.Summit: * W6/CT-244 (Workman Hill)Activation date: March 1, 2025-- Do you want to support those suffering from the LA County fires? --There are many worthwhile ways to donate. One option we'd suggest here at SOTA+ is the Santa Monica College Foundation. Our family has benefited from the amazing education that SMC offers, affordably, within our community. The Santa Monica Community College Disaster Support Fund in hopes of raising at least $250,000 to help provide college students, faculty and staff with temporary housing, food, water, clothing, transportation, medical supplies, school materials and emergency funds.WHAT CAN YOU CAN DO? make a donation to the fund here: https://foundation.smc.edu/areas-to-support/smc-disaster-support.php__Gear in My Kit__* Radio & Cat Tent: amzn.to/41hNgcA* N6ARA TinyPaddle: n6ara.com/product-category/radio/paddles* K6ARK Antennas: k6ark.com/kitsandparts* N7KOM Traps: etsy.com/listing/1595257587/microlight-qrp-hf-trap-kit-v3-for-use* POTA 20: gigaparts.com/explorer-pota20-portable-handheld-20-ft-telescopic-carbon-fiber-mast.html* USB-C to QMX 12v Trigger Cable: amzn.to/4efR03u* Nitecore Powerbank (PD, dual USB-C): amzn.to/3CbGM6UEarbuds: amzn.to/4dUCKxh__Chapters__0:00 Super quick intro0:28 First look at the new batteries2:05 How (and why) to roll your own batteries11:02 Activation Logs__Music Attribution__TrackTribe - Walk Through the ParkNote - Amazon links are affiliate links; trying this out as an experiment. My guess is it's not worthwhile, but it's an easy way to generate short URLs!
PNW Simulator! SOTA+ 2025-03-04 | Join freshly-minted YouTuber Ara of @N6ARAElectronics and Mark KD7DTS for a 'smash n grab' style SOTA activation in crazy W7O-style weather. If you haven't subscribed to Ara's channel yet - do it! You'll learn how he builds all the ultraportable gear you see on the SOTA+ channel.Want a radio/cat tent of your own? Support the channel & snag one here: amzn.to/41hNgcASummits: * W6/SC-002 (San Emigdio)* W6/SC-005 (Escapula Peak)Activation date: March 2, 2025-- Do you want to support those suffering from the LA County fires? --There are many worthwhile ways to donate. One option we'd suggest here at SOTA+ is the Santa Monica College Foundation. Our family has benefited from the amazing education that SMC offers, affordably, within our community. The Santa Monica Community College Disaster Support Fund in hopes of raising at least $250,000 to help provide college students, faculty and staff with temporary housing, food, water, clothing, transportation, medical supplies, school materials and emergency funds.WHAT CAN YOU CAN DO? make a donation to the fund here: https://foundation.smc.edu/areas-to-support/smc-disaster-support.php__Gear in My Kit__* Radio & Cat Tent: amzn.to/41hNgcA* N6ARA TinyPaddle: n6ara.com/product-category/radio/paddles* K6ARK Antennas: k6ark.com/kitsandparts* N7KOM Traps: etsy.com/listing/1595257587/microlight-qrp-hf-trap-kit-v3-for-use* POTA 20: gigaparts.com/explorer-pota20-portable-handheld-20-ft-telescopic-carbon-fiber-mast.html* USB-C to QMX 12v Trigger Cable: amzn.to/4efR03u* Nitecore Powerbank (PD, dual USB-C): amzn.to/3CbGM6UEarbuds: amzn.to/4dUCKxh__Chapters__0:00 What are we doing?1:17 Waka-san, in Japan!2:57 Running to Peak 2!5:20 Mountain Shack Walkthrough5:55 France is always 5997:02 Cali Snowstorm, and a sneak preview__Music Attribution__Patrick Patrikios - Good TimesQuincas Moreira - Level UpNiko Staf - Large Smile MoodNote - Amazon links are affiliate links; trying this out as an experiment. My guess is it's not worthwhile, but it's an easy way to generate short URLs!
First Live SOTA Activation as KD7DTS/AE... with 100W! SOTA+ 2025-03-02 | Testing out Umesh KK6TXI's new custom-built batteries for ultra-portable QRO SOTA. Will it work??
Microwave SOTA Madness - 10 GHz with Bluey SOTA+ 2025-02-11 | Mark discovers the joys of microwave SOTA! Join this trip with Ara N6ARA, Devin KN6PHZ - along with Austin and Tori - for a wild summit-to-summit field test of Bluey... the newest 10 GHz transceiver in SoCal!Location: Strawberry Peak (W6/CT-018) & Lawler Peak (W6/CT-089)Activation date: February 10, 2025__Chapters__0:00 Introductions & hike to summit4:22 Setting up Bluey the Transverter9:02 Ara explains how to do a microwave contact10:50 10 GHz contact with Devin13:11 10 GHz contact with Tony (191 km!)14:33 Ara explains his microwave system15:53 Ara contacts Devin16:32 Santa Monica bounce contact!17:47 Return home & final thoughts__Music Attribution__Corbyn Kites - Lilac SkiesCorbyn Kites - OverdriveCorbyn Kites - Shadowing
The Elecraft KX1: Activating with Aras Classic Car (and some breaking news!) SOTA+ 2025-01-27 | NOTE: Full video subtitled - including CW section! Turn on closed captioning (CC) to see the translation, or practice head copy with translations turned off.Join @N6ARAElectronics and Mark KD7DTS for some relaxed vintage 'radio therapy' after the catastrophic Eaton and Palisades fires, and see some cool old - and new - radio gear in the field. Location: Verdugo Mountains HP (W6/CT-269)Activation date: January 24, 2025-- Do you want to support those suffering from the LA County fires? --There are many worthwhile ways to donate. One option we'd suggest here at SOTA+ is the Santa Monica College Foundation. Our family has benefited from the amazing education that SMC offers, affordably, within our community. The Santa Monica Community College Disaster Support Fund in hopes of raising at least $250,000 to help provide college students, faculty and staff with temporary housing, food, water, clothing, transportation, medical supplies, school materials and emergency funds.WHAT CAN YOU CAN DO? make a donation to the fund here: https://foundation.smc.edu/areas-to-support/smc-disaster-support.php__Gear in My Kit__N6ARA TinyPaddle: n6ara.com/product-category/radio/paddlesK6ARK Antennas: k6ark.com/kitsandpartsN7KOM Traps: etsy.com/listing/1595257587/microlight-qrp-hf-trap-kit-v3-for-useQMX Transceiver kit: qrp-labs.com/qmx.htmlUSB-C to QMX 12v Trigger Cable: amzn.to/4efR03uNitecore Powerbank (PD, dual USB-C): amzn.to/3CbGM6UQMX Case: amzn.to/3MC41sdEarbuds: amzn.to/4dUCKxh__Chapters__0:00 Hike to the Summit1:26 Arrival, Setup, and the Elecraft KX12:22 Ara's CW Activation5:27 Mark's Kit: TR-35 and AME Paddles/Key5:58 Mark's CW Activation9:02 Reflections... and two big announcements!__Music Attribution__Kevin MacLeod - Easy DayNote - Amazon links are affiliate links; trying this out as an experiment. My guess is it's not worthwhile, but it's an easy way to generate short URLs!
I Ping the Moon (ham radio lullaby) SOTA+ 2025-01-19 | "I Ping the Moon"Parody lyrics sung to the tune of “I See the Moon” (lullaby)Parody lyrics, vocals, and piano by Dr. Becky, KN6WDQBackup vocals by Dr. Devin, KN6PHZ and Dr. Mark, KD7DTSInspired by Dr. Helen Mahoney, KI6LDQ and her ham radio journey to the moon and back!This video came out of a lovely talk that Helen gave to the W6TRW Amateur Radio Club about her Earth-Moon-Earth adventures with her loving husband Doug, K6JEY. A huge thank-you to them for sharing their passion!__Music Attribution__None! This is an all-original parody.
One Year SOTA Challenge: The Final Summit (ft. Elecraft KH1 and QRM) SOTA+ 2024-12-31 | NOTE: Full video subtitled - including CW section! Turn on closed captioning (CC) to see translations.Join Di KO6BTM, Ormoo the SOTA Cat, Adam K6ARK, Devin KN6PHZ, Mark KD7DTS, and Johnnie on the 10th and final episode of Di's quest to activate 10 peaks with Ormoo in her first year as a licensed ham!Location: Box Springs Mountain HP (W6/CT-180)Activation date: December 21, 2024If you’re new - welcome! You can see Di’s whole ham radio journey in this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgq0XDu8nH9rcDgHkGCtlchQRx3YAB1eo&si=iKjn3b6AW6WlKMDk#SOTA #YLham #morsecode #elecraft #kh1 __Essential Gear__N6ARA TinyPaddle: n6ara.com/product-category/radio/paddlesK6ARK Antennas: k6ark.com/kitsandpartsNitecore Battery: amzn.to/4i1L8xv12V USB-C Trigger Cable: amzn.to/3OrWD3pTiny Rite in the Rain Notebook: amzn.to/3B5nfUXRite in the Rain Pen: amzn.to/4a9WWbwRetractable audio cable for CW key: amzn.to/3UL4rkNKitty treats for your SOTA cat: amzn.to/48X9rYgQCX Mini Radio: qrp-labs.com/qcxmini.html__Chapters__0:00 Introductions & hike to summit2:54 Di's own radio kit5:02 Calling CQ! 4:51 Di's Activation!22:41 Elf delivering Elecraft KH125:10 First contact on the KH128:30 Reflections on first year as a CW SOTA op__Music Attribution__Sound Effect by freesound_community from PixabayGingerbread House - Panda Beats MusicMarshmallow - Panda Beats MusicLarge Smile Mood - Nico StafNote - Amazon links are affiliate links; trying this out as an experiment. My guess is it's not worthwhile, but it's an easy way to generate short URLs!
Lets build an antenna with my cat! (K6ARK EFHW) SOTA+ 2024-12-29 | Di builds and tunes a new antenna with the help of Ormoo the Cat... and the antenna designer himself, Adam K6ARK! While Di works, Ormoo explores ways to swat components and hunt the magnet wire. When Di finishes, she's ready to activate her 10th-ever SOTA summit with her new antenna!Build instructions from K6ARK: k6ark.com/ez-match-491-unun-instructions__Soldering Kit__Hakko Soldering Station: amzn.to/3Vf0MuzKester Solder: amzn.to/3Kh6OpLFlux: amzn.to/3UVHtHZSolder Sucker: amzn.to/3XmhD1v__Recommended Kits for Learning Soldering__Hard - QCX Mini: qrp-labs.com/qcxmini.htmlMedium - Antenna: amzn.to/4fAeCQrMedium - 8BitCADE XL: amzn.to/3VAkCSsEasy - QRPGuys Code Trainer: qrpguys.com/qrpguys-code-trainer__Chapters__0:00 Adam K6ARK introduces his EFHW design3:05 Starting the build!5:23 How do matching units work?6:45 Transformer winding8:35 Adam explains: why do we use 49:1?13:18 Adam explains: how to maximize contacts!14:17 Tuning the antenna16:49 Finishing the build17:27 Di's project review & thoughts__Music Attribution__Music by DanielWisdomPublicDomain from PixabayLicense: pixabay.com/service/license-summary__Graphics__Some vector images within this video were modified from graphics provided on freepik.com__Note: I'm trying out Amazon affiliate links as an experiment. My guess is it's not worthwhile, but it's an easy way to generate short URLs!
SOTA Christmas Special with David N6AN and Ara N6ARA SOTA+ 2024-12-26 | Mountaintop fun with friends on Christmas - thanks to everyone who hunted us! Gotta love the reports of 599… on YouTube!
Happy Thanksgiving from KO6BTM and the operators here at SOTA+ #morsecode #ylham #happythanksgiving SOTA+ 2024-11-29 | ...
Hiking and Morse Code Practice with my Cat - Beginner CW for SOTA (ft. Ara N6ARA and Ormoo ) SOTA+ 2024-11-28 | NOTE: Full video subtitled - including CW section! Turn on closed captioning (CC) to see the translation, or practice head copy with translations turned off.Join Di KO6BTM and Ormoo the SOTA Cat on the 9th episode of Di's quest for 10 peaks in her first year as a licensed ham!Location: 1938(W6/SC-311)Activation date: November 24, 2024If you’re new - welcome! You can see Di’s whole ham radio journey in this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgq0XDu8nH9rcDgHkGCtlchQRx3YAB1eo&si=iKjn3b6AW6WlKMDk#SOTA #YLham #morsecode #elecraft #kh1 __Essential Gear__N6ARA TinyPaddle: n6ara.com/product-category/radio/paddlesK6ARK Antennas: k6ark.com/kitsandpartsNitecore Battery: amzn.to/4i1L8xv12V USB-C Trigger Cable: amzn.to/3OrWD3pTiny Rite in the Rain Notebook: amzn.to/3B5nfUXRite in the Rain Pen: amzn.to/4a9WWbwRetractable audio cable for CW key: amzn.to/3UL4rkNKitty treats for your SOTA cat: amzn.to/48X9rYgQCX Mini Radio: qrp-labs.com/qcxmini.htmlUmbrella: gossamergear.com/products/liteflex-hiking-chrome-umbrella__Chapters__0:00 Hiking with Ormoo1:41 Radio Kit Walkthrough2:34 Setting up the Antenna4:51 Di's Activation!14:40 Reflection on Success and Sun__Music Attribution__Quincas Moreira - FantasylandCheel - Sunset DreamNote - Amazon links are affiliate links; trying this out as an experiment. My guess is it's not worthwhile, but it's an easy way to generate short URLs!
Forest Service Trail Crew - Clearing Logs & Brush SOTA+ 2024-11-22 | Weekend trail crew with the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (SGWA). Clearing buckthorn, and going after some big trees. Trail Boss for this project: Nelva!Location: San Bernardino National ForestDate: November 16-17, 2024___The San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (SGWA) runs a phenomenal volunteer program. I've worked with them for a few years now as both a volunteer backcountry ranger & trail crew. If you want to support the SGWA, please consider either donations (free labor makes the dollars have a huge impact!) or volunteering: sgwa.org/join-give___________AUDIO CREDITSKevin MacLeod - Guts and BourbonSilent Partner - Sleepy JakeYung Logos - Your LoveGuts and Bourbon by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
CW SOTA Activation - 20 WPM (subtitled with CC) | Summits on the Air SOTA+ 2024-11-09 | NOTE: Turn on Closed Captioning (CC) for Morse Code translations! This is a very simple video - I'm just testing out a new splitter cable to reduce audio clipping of 59+ stations: amzn.to/3UJpB2zPeak Activated: W6/CT-156 (4054)Activation date: November 8, 2024__Essential Gear__Audio Splitter with built-in attenuation for mic: amzn.to/3UJpB2zK6ARK EFHW antenna - amzn.to/4bzXA30N6ARA TinyPaddle: n6ara.com/product-category/radio/paddlesRite in the Rain Notebook: amzn.to/3QyF5UWRite in the Rain Pen: amzn.to/4a9WWbwKitty treats for the SOTA cat: amzn.to/48X9rYg__Chapters__0:00 Explanation of the new audio recording system1:41 CW QSOs6:22 Final thoughts__Music Attribution__"Geographer" - Sky Scraper"Topher Mohr and Alex Elena" - Where I am From
Beginner CW Full Activation - Perfect for Copy Practice (ft. Ormoo the SOTA Cat) SOTA+ 2024-10-29 | NOTE: Full video subtitled - including CW section! Turn on closed captioning (CC) to see the translation, or practice head copy with translations turned off.Join Di KO6BTM and Ormoo the SOTA Cat on the 8th episode of Di's quest for 10 peaks in her first year as a licensed ham!Location: Ladyface (W6/SC-285)Activation date: October 26, 2024#SOTA #YLham #morsecode #elecraft #kh1 __Essential Gear__N6ARA TinyPaddle: n6ara.com/product-category/radio/paddlesK6ARK Antennas: k6ark.com/kitsandpartsTalentCell Battery: amzn.to/3y6QHrSPower cable for TalentCell to QCX: amzn.to/4bms5K0Rite in the Rain Notebook: amzn.to/3QyF5UWRite in the Rain Pen: amzn.to/4a9WWbwRetractable audio cable for CW key: amzn.to/3UL4rkNKitty treats for your SOTA cat: amzn.to/48X9rYgQCX Mini Radio: qrp-labs.com/qcxmini.htmlUmbrella: gossamergear.com/products/liteflex-hiking-chrome-umbrella__Chapters__0:00 Introduction!0:25 Ormoo the Cat goes hiking2:20 Di sets up the station4:36 Complete SOTA activation (all contacts!)22:09 Reflections and Log__Music Attribution__Harris Heller - HeadspaceHarris Heller - SkyfishingHarris Heller - RewindHarris Heller - CarouselHarris Heller - The Color of HappinessWayne Jones - Mr. Sunny FaceNote - Amazon links are affiliate links; trying this out as an experiment. My guess is it's not worthwhile, but it's an easy way to generate short URLs!
Meet Americas #1 SOTA Chaser - WB6POT! SOTA+ 2024-10-26 | Summit chat with Peter WB6POT, the #1 SOTA chaser in America in 2024... and a SOTA GOAT himself! I wanted to know - how's he doing it? Location: Frazier Mountain (W6/CC-003)Conversation date: October 15, 2024#SOTA #morsecode #elecraft #tinymidi__Chapters__0:00 Introduction to WB6POT0:48 Peter's Chasing Shack2:37 N6ARA TinyMIDI for Remote CW 3:23 How Peter Learned CW5:44 SOTA Activation Kit!
N6ARA TinyMIDI - Summit Talk #morsecode #tinymidi SOTA+ 2024-10-16 | Peter WB6POT learns about the the brand-new N6ARA TinyMIDI - and a whole new way of sending Morse Code! Want a key of your own? n6ara.com/product/n6ara-tinymidi
N6ARA TinyMIDI - SOTA Cat Endorsed #morsecode SOTA+ 2024-10-13 | Ormoo the SOTA Cat meets the brand-new N6ARA TinyMIDI - and a whole new way of sending Morse Code! Want a key of your own? n6ara.com/product/n6ara-tinymidi
SOTA Activation with Lorene’s newly-built Rockmite transceiver SOTA+ 2024-10-13 | Hiking and ham'ing with local SoCal legends Mike K6STR, Lorene W6LOR, and David N6AN. Lorene earns a complete on Antimony Peak using her newly-built Rockmite 10m rig! NOTE: Full video is subtitled, including the Morse Code!Locations: W6/SC-008 (Antimony Peak)W6/SC-005 (Escapula Peak)W6/CC-003 (Frazier Mountain)Activation date: October 11, 2024#SOTA #morsecode #rockmite #hamradio #activation __Essential Gear__Rockmite (Radio in this video!): qrpme.com/?p=product&id=RM10N6ARA MiniSWR & TinyPaddle: n6ara.comK6ARK Antennas: k6ark.com/kitsandparts__Chapters__0:00 To the summit!1:41 Mike K6STR introduces the Rockmite3:12 Lorene W6LOR shows off what 100 mW can do!5:13 Transition from Antimony to Escapula6:30 Mark KD7DTS sets up & a couple QSOs7:54 Transition to Frazier, Night Arrives__Music Attribution__Walk In The Park by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mewon - Ormoos big sister - is learning Morse Code! Good kitty. SOTA+ 2024-09-28 | Mewon loves buttons. Maybe too much. But she's finally putting that skill to use... by learning to use 'Manual FT8" #kitty #morsecode #sota #hamradio
The New CFT-1 Field Radio: SOTA Activation and Hands-on Impressions SOTA+ 2024-09-24 | NOTE: Full video closed captioned - including CW section! Enjoy a few hiking shots while hiking a SOTA summit to test Ara's new CFT-1 5-band field radio! The CFT-1 covers 40-30-20-17-15M; learn more here hamgadgets.com/cft1-by-km4cft.html Location: Yerba Buena Ridge (W6/CT-163)Activation date: September 22, 2024#SOTA #morsecode #elecraft #cft1 #hamradio #activation __Essential Gear__CFT-1 (Radio in this video!): hamgadgets.com/cft1-by-km4cft.htmlN6ARA MiniSWR & TinyPaddle: n6ara.comK6ARK Antennas: k6ark.com/kitsandpartsKitty treats for your SOTA cat: amzn.to/48X9rYg__Chapters__0:00 To the summit!1:34 Ara's New Radio Kit! 2:16 N6ARA's CFT-1 activation4:24 KD7DTS Works France5:04 Review of the new CFT-1 Radio6:38 QSO Log__Music Attribution__"Parisian Cafe", by Aaron KennyMountain Sun by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Note - Amazon links are affiliate links; trying this out as an experiment. My guess is it's not worthwhile, but it's an easy way to generate short URLs!
Ormoo Tries to Escape! SOTA+ 2024-09-17 | NOTE: Full video subtitled - including CW section! Location: Simi Peak (W6/CT-207)Activation date: September 15, 2024#adventurecat #SOTA #morsecode __Gear in my sub-500gm Kit__N6ARA TinyPaddle: n6ara.com/product-category/radio/paddlesK6ARK Antennas: k6ark.com/kitsandpartsN7KOM Traps: etsy.com/listing/1595257587/microlight-qrp-hf-trap-kit-v3-for-useQMX Transceiver kit: qrp-labs.com/qmx.htmlUSB-C to QMX 12v Trigger Cable: amzn.to/4efR03uNitecore Powerbank: amzn.to/47hrsAqRetractable audio cable for CW key: amzn.to/3UL4rkNQMX Case: amzn.to/3MC41sdEarbuds: amzn.to/4dUCKxhRite in the Rain Notebook: amzn.to/3QyF5UWRite in the Rain Pen: amzn.to/4a9WWbwKitty treats for your SOTA cat: amzn.to/48X9rYgQCX Mini Radio - qrp-labs.com/qcxmini.html__Chapters__0:00 Relaxed Hike & Intro2:13 Kitty Meets Art2:53 Heading to the Peak5:32 Explaining Radio Kit to Friends6:39 Activation - 20m12:23 Activation - 10m13:28 Kitty Hikes Home15:26 Thanks & Contact Log__Music Attribution__"Eternal Garden" by Dan Henig"Helium" by TrackTribe"Seventh Heaven" by E's Jammy Jams"Icelandic Arpeggios" by DivKid"Rising Sun" by DivKid"Spring Field" by Godmode"Chords of Harmony" by Aakash GandhiNote - Amazon links are affiliate links; trying this out as an experiment. My guess is it's not worthwhile, but it's an easy way to generate short URLs!
QLF SOTA - Should I send with my LEFT foot now? SOTA+ 2024-09-08 | NOTE: Full video subtitled - including CW section! Turn on closed captioning (CC) to see the translation, or practice head copy with translations turned off.Join Adam @K6ARK , Brooks N6KM and Tom for a hike up Mount San Jacinto! Location: San Jacinto (W6/CT-002)Activation date: September 1, 2024#SOTA #morsecode #QMX __Gear in my sub-500gm Kit__N6ARA TinyPaddle: n6ara.com/product-category/radio/paddlesK6ARK Antennas: k6ark.com/kitsandpartsN7KOM Traps: etsy.com/listing/1595257587/microlight-qrp-hf-trap-kit-v3-for-useQMX Transceiver kit: qrp-labs.com/qmx.htmlUSB-C to QMX 12v Trigger Cable: amzn.to/4efR03uNitecore Powerbank: amzn.to/47hrsAqRetractable audio cable for CW key: amzn.to/3UL4rkNQMX Case: amzn.to/3MC41sdEarbuds: amzn.to/4dUCKxh__Chapters__0:00 Introductions & Hike0:54 New Antenna!1:19 Activation - CW on 15m2:35 Activation - CW on 10m5:08 Peak Bagging!9:12 Thanks to Hunters & QSO Log__Music Attribution__"Bravado" - Rondo Brothers"The Big Beat 80s" - Kevin MacLeod, Syrinx Starr"Prelude No. 1" - Chris Zabriskie"Sunny Side" - Text Me RecordsNote - Amazon links are affiliate links; trying this out as an experiment. My guess is it's not worthwhile, but it's an easy way to generate short URLs!
Lets Make QSL Cards! #diy #sota #qsl #KO6BTM #linocut #hamradio SOTA+ 2024-08-18 | Di KO6BTM hand-crafts her first QSL cards using linocut printing. A QSL card is a written confirmation of an amateur (ham) radio contact. The term “QSL” comes from the international Q code and means “I confirm receipt of your transmission”. Sending and receiving QSL cards is a traditional part of the amateur radio hobby!
Helens First SOTA Activation! SOTA+ 2024-08-11 | Congratulations to Helen KO6FLW on both a brand-new Technician license... and immediately putting it to use on a SOTA summit! Welcome to the community!Location: Mount Pinos (W6/CC-002)Activation date: August 3, 2024#SOTA #YLham #FirstActivation__Music Attribution__"Rainy Sundays", by The 126ers
