Reply To: Mini-X 2016
Hi Eric
One aspect of Mini-DX you may be interested in is Summits on The Air (SOTA).
Last year, Ed W1EJ and I attempted 2 activations. We successfully activated Chemise Mountain, but were only able to make 3-contacts from North Slide Peak. (Although there is an interesting side story off how we rescued an off-roader.) There are a number of registered peaks in the nearby vicinity, the problem with some of them is that they are on private land. Even accessing the public land ones can be a bit sketchy because of the growing season. (The public 4×4 road to North Slide Peak had a lot of irrigation paraphernalia along it. Then there were the “hunters” we spotted.)
My intent this year is to activate a couple of nearby peaks on Friday. Cooksie Mtn is just over 2-miles from the camp and “appears” to be on public land. Moody Ridge also looks to be on public land and is just over 4 miles from camp. Both have nearby road access. One that I am certain we can get is Mt. Pierce. Just over 12 miles away but it will take a least 90 minutes drive time to get there. So let us know if you (or anyone else) would be interested in operating SOTA and I can provide a bit more information.
BTYW, you are correct on there being no AC power (or RV hookups). As mentioned in the Ops Plan, the preference is to run off of batteries and try to only use generators for re-charging. For Mini-DX-2 we operated with generators a lot. Not only did they interfere with the radios, they disturbed the very quiet environment. We do have a need for one on Saturday night for a after dinner Powerpoint presentation.