1.2GHz POTA in June VHF Contest

On June 9, 2024, I did a Parks on the Air (POA) activation at Carlton Hill (US-8622) in WNY during the June VHF Contest. Thank you to Dave N2OA for letting me borrow the HTs and antenna for 23cm and 33cm. And thank you to Ken K2ET for the video clip of our contact.

[@W1RMD]

Well done! Thanks for sharing and 73.

[@MikeN2MAK]

I’m glad you liked it. I had a lot of fun in the contest.

[@kendebusk2540]

I bought a 4-band HT over 20 yrs ago which includes 6m FM and 1296FM, neither of which I've ever used. I think I just forgot about those bands and used the 2m and 70cm bands. I may have to charge the battery and try them again. Thanks, Mike, for the inspiration :) de KA8VLW, Ken, Michigan

[@MikeN2MAK]

Give it a shot! Maybe you can make some contacts with it in the September VHF Contest. Thanks for watching!

[@hamradioonthego]

I've been in search of that elusive 23cm simplex contact so great work! 73

[@MikeN2MAK]

Thanks! There’s an active VHF group in WNY and Southern Ontario, which helps a lot. I wish there were more options easily available for 23cm, since I’d like to get an HT or mobile of my own for contests.

[@hamradioonthego]

@@MikeN2MAK I searched the used gear listings for quite some time before I came across that ic-1201 so it takes patience and persistence. 73

[@MikeN2MAK]

@@hamradioonthego I hadn't know about that radio until your video, but I'll keep an eye out for it now.

[@punkrockhamradio]

Great video!

[@MikeN2MAK]

Thanks, I’ve been mixing POTA with the VHF contest the last 2 years and it’s a lot of fun and a great opportunity to try new and different things.

[@WhiteLantern]

I use sandbags on the ends of the tripod legs.

[@MikeN2MAK]

Thanks! That sounds like a good suggestion.

[@HamRadioDX]

Fantastic to see you getting on 6m and the higher bands! Nice work Mike! Alinco made some real cool random HT's back in the day.

[@MikeN2MAK]

Thanks! Yeah, it seems like Alinco had some wild stuff and it was fun using the HTs. Now I'm going to keep an eye out for some 23cm and 33cm gear at hamfests this summer.

[@jmac217x]

that log periodic seems great

[@MikeN2MAK]

The Elk log periodic is great! It can be used hand-held (for satellites) or installed up in a fixed position. It packs ups nice too.

[@neillewis181]

For my tripod, I either slide an Olympic weight over the mast and it rests on top of the 3 legs. I have hung weights under other tripods. Olympic weights have a larger hole in them. I usually use 10 to 15 lbs.

[@MikeN2MAK]

That's a good idea! I already have weights.

[@rodgermckeon]

👍🏻 I'm looking for an antenna switch myself, Mike. I have an ATAS-120a, and the Yaesu FT991a. I'll be interested to hear what you're looking for in a switch.
Congratulations on the 6 Pack Award!! 73 de KJ7LLX

[@MikeN2MAK]

Thanks, Rodger! I'm not sure yet what to look for in a switch yet, but I'll definitely want to be able to hook 2-3 antennas up to it. I've got the summer to see what I find at hamfests.

[@ThinGrayLine]

What Yagi did you use for 23cm? I have 3 23cm radios and am looking for one for POTA and home. Thanks

[@MikeN2MAK]

I just used the rubber duck for 23 cm. The Yagi was for 33cm. I looked at a photo I took and it says DMS Wireless model YA90014, frequency 890-960MHz, gain 14dBi. I hope that helps!

[@ThinGrayLine]

Thanks Mike.

[@dawsonplays8945]

I’m looking to get on 1.2 when I get my license what would you say is the cheapest way to get into 23cm

[@MikeN2MAK]

That's awesome! The cheapest way to do it would be the way I did and have a ham loan you the HT, LOL. There aren't a lot of tranceivers in production that do 23cm. The ICOM 9700 and 905 are the 2 I'm aware of. You might want to keep an eye out for a used Alinco DJ-G7 HT or an older 23cm radio at a hamfest or online.

[@N1JUR]

But why don’t you drive instead?

[@MikeN2MAK]

LOL, thanks for tuning in!