Amateur Radio · VHF/UHF · Summits On The Air · Colorado Mountains · Adventure
I recently purchased a 2025 Ford F-150 truck that I am enjoying very much. I traded in my 2013 F-150 using all kinds of justifications but mostly I just wanted a new truck. That could be a story for another day. Of course, that brings up the need to install a ham radio in it. ... Read more The post Ford F-150 Radio Install VGC N7600 appeared first on Above Average Terrain .
Parks On The Air (POTA) has exploded in popularity, with most of the activity on the HF bands. That makes sense — HF gives you the long-distance contacts and the big pileups. But don’t overlook the VHF bands, especially 2m FM. Two meter FM is simple, highly portable, and often an easy way to knock ... Read more The post VHF for Parks On The Air? appeared first on Above Average Terrain .
Once again, I am in the middle of teaching a Technician license class and I notice that some of the exam questions seem off target. I look at the exam through the lens of what does a licensee need to know to get started at the Technician level? My approach is more pragmatic than purist. ... Read more The post How to Fix the Technician License appeared first on Above Average Terrain .
There I was, minding my own business at Field Day, when I ended up in a conversation with The Matts (KF0RIG and KG0AT). They said something about being in the Brass Knuckle Gang, which I knew nothing about. One of the Matts said it is kind of fun and kind of dumb. I thought this ... Read more The post K0NR BKG114 appeared first on Above Average Terrain .
Here is a Press Release concerning the Colorado QSO Party. Like it says below, this is our chance to Activate The State. SOTA and POTA enthusiasts, there is a page specifically for you. Bob K0NR FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Alan Higbie K0AV info@coloradoqsoparty.org Colorado Hams Invited to Activate the State During the 2026 ... Read more The post Colorado QSO Party appeared first on Above…
In 2026, the ARRL is running a program to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States (America250). One part of this program is having designated hams activate W1AW (portable) in all 50 states. The operating is spread out over time, with a master schedule determining when each state will operate. W1AW/0 in Colorado Our ... Read more The post Operating W1AW/0 on Pikes Peak appeared first…
In 2024, Joyce/K0JJW and I activated South Monarch Ridge (W0C/SP-058) on the Friday of the Colorado 14er Mountaintop Event. South Monarch Ridge (also known as Monarch Crest) is a fun summit, easy to access via a trail or via the tram (during the summer). Kevin/KD0VHD and Lynaire/K0LPR joined us on top. Kevin took this ... Read more The post South Monarch Ridge Photo appeared first on Above Average…
During the Colorado 14er Mountaintop Event, amateur radio operators from around Colorado will be activating Summits On The Air (SOTA) peaks and communicating with other radio amateurs across the state and around the world. Join in on the fun during the annual event by activating a summit or contacting (chasing) the mountaintop stations. Be ... Read more The post 2026 Colorado 14er Mountaintop…
Here s a post from way back in 2005. It falls into the category of notable VHF contacts, so I am reposting it here. Last July, my wife and I were walking along the beach on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Ludington State Park to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse. While we waited for ... Read more The post Across Lake Michigan on 146.52 MHz appeared first on Above Average Terrain .
When I talk about doing VHF SOTA activations, people often wonder about what kind of contacts to expect. VHF propagation from a mountaintop can be surprisingly good, and the range of possible contacts runs from the routine to the remarkable. Having done a lot of these activations, I ve noticed that VHF SOTA contacts tend to ... Read more The post Three Types of VHF SOTA Contacts appeared first on…