Tag: SOTA

A Satellite SOTA activation

August 3, 2019 / zs2dh

SOTA has been very scarce in my life of late! Having just started to play with Satellites (HF is a lot of hard work with the current sun spots!) I thought it might be nice to one day do a Satellite SOTA activation.

One day…

An early start sun rise below the freeway bridge!

My mate Glen, ZS2GV said he was going to one of his high-sites in the Hogsback area, so I bummed a lift!

This was great – it got me to and from the Hogsback area (300 odd Km from my QTH each way) and it saved the world from hearing more karaoke from Glen driving alone in his saltmine bakkie.

And so one day became today – Tuesday 30 July 2019. An early start, a return after sunset, but wow, what a day!

After a stop at Nanaga farm stall for the mandatory pies, we made our way to Hogsback going past Grahamstown and then through Fort Beaufort and Alice and finally up the magestic pass into Hogsback village.

Straight through the village and onto the road to Sweat Grass, the farm on which the access road to Elandsberg is located.

Elandsberg access track

A 4×4 track (see left) leads through some farm gates and the zig-zas up to the top of the ridge. After that, you pretty much on your own.

The view from the top of Elandsberg ZS/EL-012 is, well, Hogsback, so by its very definition, awesome. The wind was howling, but the plan was to activate on satellite, so the HF dipole was NOT put up.

I had looked on gPredict and made a “cheat-sheet” of all the workable passes over Elandsberg for the day and simply had to keep and eye on the time and track the satellites!

We were a little late getting away in the morning, but we got up top about 11 am and so I had three passes that could do the trick. The first two passes went without me hearing a thing – well other than wind and noise.

Giakas kop from Elandsberg

Ok, I’ll admit – I was starting to worry about possibly not activating. Remember to activate a SOTA summit you need a minimum of 4 QSOs and I had none, with one pass left.

AO-91 was the satellite on which I was pinning my hopes. The pass started to the North and I shifted gears (frequency) for the pass – everything! Nothing heard!

By now my radio was set to the “LOS” frequency and I was facing South. I sat down on a rock – feeling rather dejected – and randomly pointed the AMSAT yagi in the direction of the LOS coordinates (as if to tell AO-91 where it SHOULD be).

Up came the signals and I heard the world! In a very short time I managed to work ZS1LEM, ZS1OB, ZS2BK, ZS2ACP, ZS4CGR, and ZS4MG. All 5/9 through the satellite! Boy did my mood change!

It amazes me what you can do with a hand-held putting out 5W and a hand-held yagi antenna.

And so it came to pass that ZS2DH, from the top of Elandsberg, managed to get his quota of QSOs and activate the Elandsberg. A lot of firsts…

First activation of Elandsberg, my first activation of 2019 (*blush*), and my first satellite SOTA activation. Thank you GV!

Hennie and I at the Gaikaskop trig beacon

Hogsback 2017 SOTA

June 24, 2017 / zs2dh

The saltmine has kept me from SOTA and playing radio in general, but when I told the XYL in March that the long weekend in June would be a SOTA weekend she agreed. She probably needs the quiet time as much as I do 😉

The months and months between March and June saw me getting more and more excited about getting out of the office and into the mountains. Hennie (ZS2HC) was on standby (since March) and also keen. It was agreed we would meet in Hogsback and stay at the Swallowtail caravan park as our regular (Forresters House) was booked. The Swallowtail caravan park is over priced, unlevel, and offers campers no shelter from the wind. That said, it would be home from Friday midday to Monday morning. Swallowtail charges R140 pppn for a camp site.

Time being the biggest resource constraint, we planned to do 4 summits in 2 days. A tall ask, but we had done them all before and now we knew some shortcuts.

Friday I drove through to Hogsback leaving an hours or so later than I had initially planned – my day off was not a full day off, but the weekend was calling! The drive was long and the stop-go strips (near Fort Beaufort) were tedious.

Friday afternoon was spent with Hennie in the camp and making an early braai. Some Whisky was consumed (for medicinal purposes and to keep warm) and the evening was pleasant. We had set up a 160m dipole across the lawn of the caravan park (it was just about empty and I know why). We called but with no joy it was decided rather an early night for a big day awaited. Neither could sleep, so plan B was implemented. Pub-crawl through Hogsback village. Well I am sure there are places one could have gone that we missed, but the two place we visited proved worlds apart.

The first was a small pub in town next to the hardware store – called the Hog and something (didn’t read it on the way in and couldn’t on the way out). A single Whisky sets you back R15, the bar lady drinks red wine by the glass while she slowly drinks her patrons clever. After that Hennie insisted we go to “Away with the fairies” and have “one for the road”. It was of course almost 500m we had to travel, so a stop over was agreed. Away with the Fairies is a nice place to stay, but it is more of a “hippie” sort of camp where you pass out rather than the traditional (more structured) caravan park we had made our home.

We arrived just in time for the last round and took the drinks to the communal fire outside. Around the fire we chatted to a Scotish lass whos smile and bust negated the need for a name, and we eventually left there (having to wake the groundsman to let us out). A single Whisky here sets you back R37.50.

The wind on Friday night was gale force. The tent took it but flapped and flapped. Although we were warm and out of the wind, the night’s sleep was not as wonderful as it might have been.

Saturday morning after breakfast we headed off to conquer the Hog itself! Now I climbed the Hog last year with my son Graydon (ZU2GH) and it was an all day affair – from pre-dawn to after sunset. This time, however, we did not need to climb from Madonna and Child – we had found a road to the saddle just below the Hogs themselves – and this saved us hours and a LOT of effort. From a full day to a morning (and a bit) and that is what we call progress.

The afternoon saw us across town activating Menziesberg. It was great to “bump into” our old friend Gerald (ZS5GS). We also bumped into ZS6TAN, Mario who was banging out a great signal from ZS6 land – on World QRP day. Menzies is an easy one – really points for nothing compared to some other SOTA climbs around here, but is offers incredible views across the valley and the village.

Saturday evening saw us making a potjie and later again trying 160m. Ok, Hennie did the potjie and I worked 160m. Andrew Gray (ZS2G) heard me on 160m, but since I was using HIS dipole, he could only receive and that meant the scorecard for 160m contacts remained at an all time low of 0.

Sunday morning on Tor Doone is a sight to behold. Breathtaking beauty as you look back across the village toward Menzies where we had been the previous afternoon. Tor Doone holds a big spot in my heart – it was the first time I worked “DX” – I worked Namibia on 5w from a mountain top. An awesome feeling!

After Tor Doone it was “the big one”. Gaikaskop. We have only climbed Giakaskop once before, and that was on a very misty day and navigation was by GPS – step by step. I know you think we crazy, but we had checked where the cliffs and dangerous areas were on Google Earth and maps while still planning the trip, so it was not as dangerous as it might sound. On that occasion the view from the top was limited to say the least – and we had felt robbed of part of the reward. This time, however, there was no mist and the view was amazing. See pics below…(I have not posted the usual tons of pics for the other summits – you can catch them in past articles if you want to.)

Giakaskop climb starts from the abandoned fire lookout tower. From here you climb onto the saddle and then ascend from the back to arrive on top – a flat expanse of land you would never expect when you look at the cliff-face. An amazing view of Tor Doone “down there” tells us the view was awesome. See the pictures below…

Now I’m not one to complain much, but there is something that bugged me while on Gaikaskop. There we are – backs to the wind, lying down next to the base of the trig beacon with a simple wire dipole a few meters above the ground and we pumping out 5W. We calling CQ SOTA and mentioning QRP and there are a few stations who reply wanting to make contact with “the QRP station in Hogsback”. Each time we try call one of these stations, a certain ZS6 QRO station asks the other station if they can copy “the QRP station in Hogsback”.

In spite of the other stations asking him to give us a chance, it takes nearly two and a half hours to get the required 4 contacts. We needed the contacts before we could pack up and get off the mountain. The other factor, of course, is that we do not have an endless supply of battery power either! As a general request, please, if you hear a QRP/SOTA station, please give us a chance and DON’T talk all over us. There is a place for linear amplifiers, big rigs and super yagis, but there is a place for QRP too.

We got off the mountain in time to see the sunset dipping behind the horizon and headed back, tired but relieved, to the campsite where we celebrated with a few beers, a fire, some meat and the rest of the whisky.

Monday morning we packed up in the rain and headed our separate ways without breakfast. Home safe and sound, we start planning the next thing!

Potjie on its way…

Hennie fixing the radio!

SOTA Mast with no guylines! Like magic!

Looking down on Tor Doone from Giakaskop

The top of Giakaskop

Giakaskop trig beacon

Campsite at Swallowtail

A view of Hog 1 over the dam

The view of the final ascent - as seen from the "ridge"

Bloukop must die!

August 12, 2015 / zs2dh

Well friends it has been a while since my last successful SOTA ascent. Been spending a lot of time on a little problem child called Bloukop. Just outside Somerset East, this little gem is about 700m vertical climb, about an 12km round trip and is overgrown. And yes it is a mere 4 points.

Unlike some of the easier summits (I think longingly of some of the GP summits where 4 points is a walk outside with negligible vertical distance – Suikerbosrandt for example). No I’m not complaining, I am just, well, ok I’m complaining just a little bit 😉

This gem is nearly 300Km away from PE so it calls for a trip, not an afternoon jaunt. After several attempts by myself and various other parties (I climbed once with my son, once with Hennie ZS2HC, and 3 times with Andrew and Mandy – ZS2G and ZS2AV. Andrew and Mandy also made at least 2 other attempts without me!) This beast needs to be tamed!

Mr Oliphant is the warden at the reserve. He showed us several ways, but Mandy’s contact was the one who put us on the right path. Yes, literally.

One can easily be tempted to take a short route, but there is no benefit. No way to the top, but the long way round! You enter the path from the gravel road (between the golf course and town, turning right as you face town). This is a nice, open cycle track. At this point you will think I’m a sissy for complaining. Walk on dude!

Following the cycle track leads you past a water reservoir, a braai/picknic spot and on to an old rusty gate. The path is still open and easy to follow, but after the gate it starts to be a little more taxing to spot the next marker. The number of markers has increased exponentially as the trips made us all more and more desperate to summit.

We followed the path past an old fence and one of the original hike route markers and then south into the valley and through to the clearing on the south-ish side of the mountain. You can see this clearing from the water reservoir, but it is further than it looks. Looking back from the clearing you can see the water reservoir and various other land marks and you begin to realize that you have covered some distance. The legs are still strong – you’ve only climbed about 100m.

Mark this spot! If you get back into the clearing and can’t find this path you will not get back!

Heading out the top of the clearing there is a good path – but it leads you into temptation, damnation and near death! Ok, I exaggerate a little, but it goes off in the wrong direction and you end up in brambles, burned proteas and deep, deep in regret. I know, Andrew and I spent several hours cutting our way through a few kilometers-and that in vain too!

Just after going under the fence (it is quite easy: I am not small and I’ve made it several times) we turned LEFT off the path and onto a secondary path which led us to another sort of clearing. Not grassy like the first one, but no trees and bushes. And most importantly, no brambles! We marked this point as well – for the way back.

It is steep. Don’t kid yourself you are going to make it to the top without a rest or 6! Very little vegetation to hold onto means you are working your legs. At first it is just great to be in the open, but it soon begins to tire – I promise.

Bearing a little to the right (north) we avoid a small cliff and get to the “ridge”. Andrew and I have been on this ridge no less that 3 times each! But it is not the top.

Hennie and I take a long break here. The view is awesome, but we needed the rest anyway 🙂 There is another of the original route markers at this point, but no sign of the route to the top.

Mr Oliphant suggested going around the back and ascending from the west – back towards the town. Andrew and I had cut a long way through the brambles towards the final ascent on a previous trip and I decided this was the way to go. The vegetation is the problem – not the terrain.

I was well worn out by this stage, but we were not at the top yet. I started to have a very strange feeling about cresting the summit. It just did not seem right without Andrew and Mandy – with whom I had blazed most of the path. Had they been with us, it would have been a different story.

I checked my GPS. I could see the top. SOTA rules say within 25m vertical of the summit is the activation zone and so we got ourselves well into this zone (1608m ALT – the stated height is 1623m) so I called it.

I have not yet conquered this beast entirely – but I have activated it. Andrew and Mandy (and I) will return and we shall summit together (the path is almost all the way now). Hennie, however, says he has no need to return to Bloukop.

Peter, ZS2ABF was following us on APRS until he lost us. He could see where we were going on one of our “short cut” missions (yesterday) and it gave us a real understanding of the difference in perspective from the armchair to the ground. We must have been within about 50m of the old gate when we turned around, but we would not have made it up in time. The summit took a lot out of us. We were walking before the sun came up, climbed through the midday sun and arrived back after dark. For 4 points. Yes, we are a little crazy, why do you ask?

Thank you to all who helped with us getting contacts from all over.

Hennie the night before activation – doing some”field work” from the car.

In Camo, we had to keep an eye on where the rock spider went – in case we could not find him when it was time to leave!

The view of the final ascent – as seen from the “ridge”

Our station needs some tidying up!

Part of the track we walked to get here!

Giaka’s kop and Hogsback. Again.

March 18, 2015 / zs2dh

March 8, 2015. The day we finally activated Giaka’s kop near Hogsback. It was becoming a bit of a nemesis!

After several failed attempts to summit and activate Gaika’s Kop (ZS/EC-004, 1963m ASL) with reasons mainly related to weather, we were determined to do it this weekend – come what may!

Friday afternoon, 6 March, I travelled through to Hogsback and met up with Hennie (ZS2HC) the rockspider from East London. It was almost like we had never been apart since our New Years trip which included Ben Machdui and of course a stay in Hogsback! I get out of the car to be greeted by sarcasm. I give as good as I get, let me tell you.

We setup the tents and start a braai. A pleasant evening until the wind comes up near gale force! We were not sure where we would wake up, but knew we were both heavy enough to keep the tents in the Swallowtail camping site!

That night we lost 2 Klaus masts. Enough said – they are not for bad weather, but fine masts for fine weather. Hennie’s mast was up and shattered in two places while mine took a knock near the top of the mast whilst it was lying down. With a bit of luck mine can be repaired, but Hennie’s is to become static at his QTH. He has plans to fiberglass it up permanently.

Saturday was the most amazing morning! No wind, no clouds, just absolutely stunning. It got hot at midday, but we were just lazing around anyway! We had plans of cutting dipoles but we managed to supress the urges and just do nothing! We chatted on the radio for a bit and we worked a station in California!

Saturday afternoon we did the scout mission to the foot of Gaika’s kop – the abandon lookout. This was officially closer than I’d ever been! We found our way through the forest roads, carefully marking the turns on the GPS. Next time we do this it will be pre-dawn!

Saturday evening was another memorable evening. We setup my big rig (100W of awesome Yaesu power going out on a dipole for 20m and 40m) We had a wonderful evening ragging Zulu Alpha (Andre) as to who was the “bad boy”. Naturally it was not me 😉

Sunday morning came and we set off to “slay the mighty dragon” only to realise the mist was reducing visibility to a handful of meters. A failed attempt by the dragon to put us off yet again. Never! Up at the look out tower we could not even see Giaka’s kop! We waited as long as we dared (wanting to be on the air as promised at 830-9am), but eventually decided to get a move on.

Navigating by GPS we managed to climb into the mist and soon lost sight of the car, the look out tower, and everything around us. Thankfully the terrain is not dangerous and the GPS could see where we were going. We reached the summit with the mist robbing us of what must be an awesome view.

We set up just below the summit where we found some rather flat ground and got listening on the radio to a bunch of ZS6 stations but could not break in. We switched over to 7.098 and found the familiar voices on the PEARS post bulletin net.

About 9.30 the mist started to lift and I took the opportunity of climbing the last few meters and was rewarded with a (small) view, but a view none the less. A fleeting moment and that was it! The mist closed up again for our descent.

Giaka’s Kop is an easy climb and easily accessed through the forestry office – with a very helpful manager! He gave us maps, advice, and a big thumbs up for doing it!

Of the four peaks at Hogsback, Giaka’s has been the hardest to get up – not physically, but logistically. Well, that said, we still have to activate Hog1, but Menziesberg (ZS/EC-010) and Tor Doone (ZS/EC-012) were easy-peasy! 3 down, 1 to go.

A big thank you to all the chasers and hams out there that make this possible – without the QSOs we can’t get the points!

73, Dave

The Swallowtail camping site

The view from the lookout

Giaka’s Kop

Mazda 4×4 Etude

Gorilla in the mist!

The setup

The new SOTA desk – patent pending 😉

Misty morning

Waterproof and on the desk

SOTA trip report back:December 2014/January 2015

January 6, 2015 / zs2dh

Thankyou to so many of you who stood by listening out for Hennie (ZS2HC) and myself during our recent trip. We emailled out to a bunch of people and it just seemed to go viral with many people listening out for us. In fact we made 21 contacts in a storm at the top of Ben Macdhui – ZS/EC-001, the highest point in the Cape.

I left PE bound for East London (QTH of Hennie) early on Monday 29 December. Very Early. I left my cell phone at home, but managed to contact Hennie who then collected me from the station in East London.

We made a few shopping calls – wire, coax, spade connectors, braai packs and a few snacks. We then headed off to the home of Peter Tottle (ZS2ABF) where we made our multiband diapole. We cut for 10m, 15m, 20m, and 40m. We joined up the cables with spade connectors. The antenna can be seen in some of the photos below. We also put our 2m yagi together – also in some of the photos below.

Tuesday morning we left for Hogsback. While on route our contact in Hogsback contacted us to say “Don’t bother, unless you want to swim”. Swimming was not high on our list of things to do, so we passed on by and headed straight for Rhodes.

Rhodes is a small town miles from anywhere. Well it is closed to some other small towns, but they are miles from anywhere anyway. We got into Rhodes and found the road to Tiffindell ski resort. We were not in a 4×4, but in a normal Audi (as seen in some of the pics below).

We arrived at the ski resort in time to settle in well before sunset – but not without some challenges: We get the tent out of the car and it rains until the tent is pitched. Shortly after the rain stops we decide to start the braai. It rains. Not only does it rain on the fire, it completly wets our matches. The waterproof matches were, well, not dry either. Sigh, we were having fun!

That evening the skies above us had the most spectacular display of lightning you can imagine. We could see for miles and there was lightning for miles around us. It was awesome.

Wednesday, December 31 and our first ascent. It was raining, no, storming. We decided we would leave the cameras in a dry spot and only took what we needed to take to make the activtions. We thought we would go up, get our 4 contacts (as required to activate the peak) and hurry down to where it is dry. Well I guess not! We made 21 QSOs and we were stoked and soaked.

The skies cleared a little toward lunchtime so we went back up the mountain for some photos. The pics of the top of Ben Machdui below were all taken at lunchtime on the 31.

New years eve and we decide to make sure the bar stocks what we need. They do. What they don’t tell us is that they are closed! There must have been some sort of staff party or something, but there I was stone cold sober at the highest point in the Cape. Alone with Hennie the mountain man! Not even a staff member around the empty resort!

Early to bed and early to rise. After another impressive display of thunderbolts and lightning, very very frightning (sorry for the Queen lyrics) we awoke in the new year to the weather from the old year – storming.

We had to leave early today as we had to get down the mountain (back to Rhodes) and then to Hogsback to do Meinziesberg in the afternoon. We snapped up some contacts and headed for the bright lights of the Rhodes metropolis below us. But the trip would not be without some lessons.

One of the smaller bridges had washed away. Well not away, just out of the road. Some 4×4 vehicles climbing up to the top (fishing is popular at the dam) simply turned around. One family stopped to chat to us and I was given some sound advice…

“Ek so nie daar in gaan nie oom” (I would not go in there uncle) from a strapping young man in his mid twenties. I then pointed out that not only were we at the top and needing to go down, but that I also did not sleep with his aunty. We decided to rebuild the road and Hennie drove across where 4x4s feared to tread. Yay! Our very own superhero!

Due to the road building – which was new for me – we arrived much later than expected. We made it through to Hogsback and onto Menziesberg in time to activate by 8pm local time. What was very exciting was that on just 5W we chatted into Namibia. Let me say that again: On 5W we chatted to Namibia!

After activating Menziesberg (ZS/EC-010) we headed off with the fairies at a local camping site. Some welcome beer broke the then year-long dry spell. Some pizza for supper and we slept well. Too well!

Friday morning, 2 January 2015. Time to get up Tor Doone (ZS/EC-012). We slept late and were a little late getting up to the summit. We got there and once again (although this time by sked) we chatted to Namibia. It was also nice to chat to Andrew (ZS2G) my usual activation partner as well.

About lunchtime we left Hogsback and travelled home. Tired, but having really enjoyed ourselves. I learned a lot – from Peter and from Hennie so a big thank you to both of you!

A basic list of the activations:
31 Dec 2014 – Ben Macdhui (ZS/EC-001, 3001m)
01 Jan 2015 – Ben Macdhui (ZS/EC-001, 3001m)
01 Jan 2015 – Menziesberg (ZS/EC-010, 1645m)
02 Jan 2015 – Tor Doone (ZS/EC-012, 1565m)

Guess who? Guess where? Guess why?

Hennie – bigger the Tiffindell itself!

View on the way to Tiffindell

Mountains near Tiffindell

Audi 4×4 legend!

Trust me it was still in Tiffindell

Welcome to Rhodes – the middle of nowhere
Ben Macdhui is 3001m!

A lot of water all over the area

Guess who just spoke to Namibia on 5W?

SOTA Antenna

The view from tor Doone

Theft is rife in hogsback, so everything in the boot!

Hennie talking on his radio

The view from Menziesberg

More bad weather: Menziesberg

Rhodes

4×4 road from Tiffindell

A little challenging, but overcome

The legendary Audi 4×4

A shameless advert for the best skimming service in East London 😉

An early start – sunrise over Tiffindell ski resort

Anyone can camp, but to camp in the rain you need to be nuts!

Tiffindell under water 😉

The 2m Yagi we never got to use!

Our Tiffindell home base

The highest pub in SA and closed for new years eve!

Tiffindell as seen from Ben Macdhui

The view from Ben Macdhui

Hangklip ZS/EC-003 2014

December 10, 2014 / zs2dh

Hangklip is a 6 pointer outside Queenstown in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. As the highest peak in the area, you can spot Hangklip from many places around Queenstown, but it was only in Queenstown that Mandy (ZS2AV) pointed it out to Hennie and myself.

“Are we mad? ” was the question struck across our faces.

Mandy contacted the farmer on who’s land the little bump existed and we were given directions.

We left Queenstown on a gravel road filled with gates, pot holes, and some splendid scenery. After some time we arrived on the farm. It is conveniently located at the end of the road.

Hospitable is an understatement! We were expecting to camp in tents on the lawn but were invited in to sleep in the house – and supper was on the cards too! A quick trip to the foot of the mountain was injected full of bits of “tour guide” information about forts from the Xhosa wars and lookouts for the Queenstown airport and so much more.

We had a look at the climb and decided it was not only do-able, but that it was going to be easy. Back to the house for a good nights sleep.

The early morning start had us all energized. Getting to the foot of the mountain again was easy – we just followed the tracks and recalled our guided tour from the previous evening. We parked the Jimny in mist and tried to find our way to the foot of the mountain from the tracks. Well the mist had us lost and disorientated for a while, but the start of the climb put us firmly in our place!

What can I tell you about the climb? It is a lot of hard work with several (ok, a lot of) breaks. In fact, climbing like this is a lot like Jazz – its not the notes (or climbs) it is the rests in between that make it truly worth the effort. To stop and catch your breath while looking at breath-taking scenery is hard to comprehend isn’t it?

We climbed following the fence up about two thirds of the way. Here there are some waterholes where English soldiers carved their names. We decided to look at them on the way down – which proved to be a mistake!

At the “three big rocks” we turned left and bolder hopped over the rocks to the top.

Now most summits I’ve been on have a rather small area – the proverbial “top of the mountain” but Hangklip is more like a soccer field on top. We made our way over to the repeater tower and trig beacon which we assumed would have been the highest point.

Here we set up the radio and chatted to a bunch of really nice people!

Just to explain our rather strange behavior while operating on the “nets”, let me point out that we use a single radio and so the operator is always changing. So when ZS2ABZ (the usual task master) gives out an order of xx then hand it to yy and then on to zz, we get lost completely. It’s not that we are ignoring you or not listening to Uncle Bill, we just get confused.

The walk down got us in the sun and we all had a little more “tan” by the time we reached the bottom. Near where we had parked the Jimny were some strange buildings (see pics below) but of course now the mist had lifted, so we had a look.

Mandy and I decided that we had not yet had enough exercise and decided to walk back to the farm house rather than take the ride in the back of the Jimny.

Hardly had we arrived back at the farm house when the farmer wanted to feed us! It was like growing up in my parents home: You look hungry – have some food.

Skillfully we avoided lunch without appearing rude, but we did have to get on the road. This is one we will do again!

Some strange rock building

Hangklip

Still alive and at the top of Hangklip

Compassberg ZS/EC-002 2014

November 13, 2014 / zs2dh

Compassberg SOTA activation: Sunday, 9 November 2014

I was late getting to the Compassberg farm and Mandy had me on death row or at least due for a public flogging had I not arrived. My arrival not only brought me a reprieve, it also brought them instant joy – with the realization that the heavy load would now be split three ways. All was forgiven, thankfully.

Saturday evening in the Compassberg farmhouse was spent packing, checking, repacking and rethinking everything. Failure was not an option! Forgetting something behind would result in a fate worse than death! Carrying something we did not need was almost as bad, but we would rather err that way.

With everything finalised we set the alarms for 3am hoping to get a good night’s sleep and an early start to make the summit in time for the PEARS bulletin.

As you can imagine, 3am arrived far too quickly. How many of you got up that early to make sure you did not miss the bulletin?

We drove for a few kilometers along the 4×4 track to the point at which we were allowed to park, after which it was a 4km walk to the foot of the mountain. Wild horses on the slopes near the foot of the mountain seemed amused by our presence as they watched us walk by, headlamps lighting our way.

Toward 5am the sun started to rise and the headlamps were turned off. (Yes, there is a 5am, why do you ask?)

At this point we still had warm clothing on, but we soon warmed up as we started the climb. We climbed and climbed and climbed. Then we rested for a few minutes and climbed some more. For the sake of brevity, we will leave it at that.

The actual climb was about 600m vertical taking us
to a height of 2503m above sea level. To put that into perspective, Kilimanjaro is 5895m above sea level and is the highest point in Africa. We climbed to a height of 42% of that
of Kilimanjaro – and that in our own back yard!

Mandy (ZS2AV) led the way with Andrew (ZS2G) and I (ZS2DH) trying to keep up. The load: radio, antenna tuner, 17Ah battery, 4m mast, antenna, coax, and safety kit was getting heavy. The water was getting lighter, but not nearly fast enough!

We were blessed with the weather – a cool calm morning with the wind only picking up near the summit, which we reached just after 8 am. Weather can really make or break a climb like this and we were lucky to have no wind or rain and a temperature suitable for climbing.

The summit of Compassberg is like many other summits I have seen. You think you are nearly there from about half way up! Compassberg seemed to always be a little further up.
Having reached the top and taken the required photos (just touching the trig beacon, no pole dancing pictures allowed!) we set up the station and caught the familiar voice of Chris ZS2AAW reading the news.

We tried to make some 2m contacts into Queenstown, but to no avail. We had (intentionally) left the 2m antenna at the farm and brought only the rubber duckie antennas.

As soon as the post bulletin net was opened by ZS2ABZ we jumped all over the radio making contacts into Bloemfontein (ZS4N), Hout Bay in Cape Town (ZS1KM) and a bunch of the local crowd including ZS2ABZ, ZS2BO, ZS2VDL, and ZS2ZA. Signal reports were all between 57 and 59 and we were very happy with that!

I don’t think I have ever seen Andrew smile quite as broadly as he did when he had his 4 contacts.

Talking over the radio is always a wonder – a miracle of science, but talking over a radio at the top of a mountain is something very special indeed. A sense of freedom, independence, and awe.

Personally, I was worried about the descent. It was steep – I knew that already, but the wind picking up to about gale force and the temperature dropping slightly was enough motivation to move. Following the cairns is a must. Not only for safety, but for motivation too. While they are small milestones, you realise the progress you are making when you get to one and sight the next.

About half way down, the hills around us seemed to grow and the entire perspective changed.

We reached the bottom of the mountain just in time with a few spots of rain being reported by those with enough energy left to do so.

The relatively short 4km walk we had made before sunrise seemed decidedly longer on the way back. As if to torment us, the wild horses ran to and fro across the fields proving they had more energy than we could possibly muster.

The day was wonderful, tiring, but safe and rewarding – and for that we are all grateful.

Given the scientific definition of work being force times displacement (W=Fs), and the fact the we returned to our starting point making the (final) displacement zero, then from a scientific point of view we did no work all day. I assure you, this was not the case.

To the chasers out there who make it fun for us – Thank you! Please keep an ear out for the simulSOTA on 6/7 December – there will be SOTA activations all over the country. More details on the SARL forums.

Andrew and Mandy just hanging around Compassberg

Mandy and I on the radio

The view from Compassberg

Compassberg awaits

Yes, Andrew: 2503m!

Mandy in her element!

Mandy is determined!

Andrew – on higher ground!

Our mast holding the trig beacon up

Hey! It’s a geocache too!

Everfresh Mandy after the climb

Beware the edge!

The view from Compassberg

SOTA trip report back

November 10, 2014 / zs2dh

Hi all.

Just a note to say I am home safely having had a very mixed trip. Very bad weather was to blame from the start with what must be a record of some sort – at least for me!

Hogsback was rained out completely, I got a lot of static when in Bloem (was I doing something wrong it sounded like I was getting a security firm on 145.500 but could not really make out over the static).

Friday night was going to be Magaliesberg (only 30 odd km from where I was staying) and late afternoon brings in a thunderstorm! It almost killed our braai which we got done in the nick of time:)

Saturday morning was an early start, but I had to work late – got to bed about 12:30 and up and outta there by 5:30 am. I guess the shortest way from Haartbeespoort to Suikerbos is NOT via Pretoria, but I missed a turn somewhere and the GPS was flat – a great way to start the trip home ;( I arrived (along with what must be almost every cyclist in the area) at the gate and chugged through the queue to enter. Got going to GP-001, an easy climb (well, stroll) to the top. I could hear the AWA guys on 40m but that was about it. I heard a little on 2m but not enough to make out any contacts. Same at GP-002 (Suikerbos itself).

So I left Gauteng very down – over 2000km, and a total points collection of 0/22 possible – in fact not a single contact! Not happy at all – and only Compassberg in the Northern Cape left it looked like a doomed trip. Compassberg is huge – 2503m high. I was to meet Andrew (ZS2G) and Mandy (ZS2AV) on the farm and start the climb 3am Sunday morning. And IF we made it up and IF we did not forget anything and IF we got some contacts and IF … with my state of mind at the time I nearly just drove on home! But I did not.

Saturday night we packed out equipment, sorted out the best from what we had – and packed accordingly. Sunday morning came FAR too quickly.

We climbed and climbed and climbed and then climbed some more. Then we had a break and climbed some more!

Well, I’ll cut out a few hours (it was about 3 hours climbing up) and we summited just after 8 am and setup. We listened to the Pears bulletin and joined the post bulletin net and made contacts from Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, and the Western Cape. Signal reports varied between 57 and 59.

I made 6 contacts – for the TRIP and all from the top of “that silly little hill”.

If I was able to make contacts in Suikerbos I’d have had 8 points for VERY little work. Instead I worked @#$%@#$% hard for my 8 points on Compassberg. Just saying 😉

I think I may have something wrong with the mic on my X1M – but for a QRP rig I think there was just too much rain and static. Better luck next time! I have made contacts from PE into northern KZN, so I know the rig can do it!

What I did learn from my trip is that SOTA has it’s ups and downs (no climbing pun intended). The SOTA downs are measured by how long it is before you attempt the summit again. SOTA ups, however, are measured in meters above sea level! Compassberg was a high UP!

Thank you all for trying and putting up with me and my dodgy schedule. I will make another trip up North again as I still have scores to settle with some of those peaks!

For those not yet aware of it – check out on the sarl forums for simulSOTA – a collaboration country wide for SOTA summits on a combined weekend. The next one is scheduled for 6/7 December.

73,

Dave ZS2DH

Herewith some pics:–

The weather Saturday evening over Northern Cape!

The view from the top of Compassberg

A short walk to the hill

Tiny little hill!

Compassberg – So small but far away!

Compassberg – “that silly little hill”!

Getting close to the top now…

Mandy made me touch the trig beacon!

Hill for ever!

Mast – as straight as the trig beacon!

Its a GEOCACHE too!

CQCQCQ SOTA

Careful of the edge!

Quite a view

Quite a climb

Clouds with a chance of Hogsback!

Hello Hogsback!

Tor Doone: Still not clear!

Tor Doone: Is it clear yet?

Tor Doone

Tor Doone: Does size count?

The view at Haartbeespoort

SOTA Activation – Strydomsberg

October 21, 2014 / zs2dh

For a two pointer, this was a lot of work!

Strydomsberg is in the Groendal nature reservation near Port Elizabeth. There are two options really – a three day strenuous hike, or a one day strenuous hike. We chose the latter.

Strydomsberg on google maps.

On 11 October 2014, way before the birds started to sing Andrew Gray and myself made our way down to Scott Rollo’s home in Central from where we would leave for our adventure. We parked our vehicles and left in Scott’s 4×4 a big-ass Toyota which I subsequently named Cody. Long live Cody!

We traveled to Klein Rivier on the Cockscomb road and began our 10Km 4×4 trail up the hill to Stone Lodge. You can stay at Stone Lodge if you like, but we felt it was a bit pricy. We parked near the lodge and started our walk to the summit. It is not even a 5km walk, but it has it’s ups and downs!

Yes we made it!

What do you do on a SOTA activation if you don’t need points?

Upon arrival at the summit we started setting up the inverted-v antenna with the hope of some 40m QSOs. We made two and then switched to 2m and made some more. Working initially with Andrew’s radio as my little handheld for some reason did not seem to get out. I could hear ZS2TED from Jeffery’s bay, but no one could hear me. Then Andrew noted that not even HE could hear me and we figured out the rookie mistake: My radio was not transmitting on the frequency I was listening on. *Blush* We fixed the problem and then went on to chat to ZS2U quite nicely for a while (using the hand held).

The trip back to the car seemed a lot longer even though it took less time. We stopped and had a lovely refreshing drink from a water hole on the way – amazing what you can find if you know where to look! Thank you Scott.

Being the adventurous lads we are, we decided to take “the other road” out and that presented some challenges (not the least of which was the setting sun) but we made it out alive and in reasonable time.

Scott put the entire trip together and the most expensive part was the 4×4 petrol. R150 per vehicle for access to the road and R25pp to walk over the land from Stone Lodge to the summit and back.

Tag: SOTA

A Satellite SOTA activation

Hogsback 2017 SOTA

Bloukop must die!

Giaka’s kop and Hogsback. Again.

SOTA trip report back:December 2014/January 2015

Hangklip ZS/EC-003 2014

Compassberg ZS/EC-002 2014

SOTA trip report back

SOTA Activation – Strydomsberg

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