Marilyn bagging by radio!!!!!!!

[BIG JIM]

Went for a walk up DUNGAVEL HILL today and met a guy Marilyn bagging by ham radio.While I was there he received a call from NORTH WALES and one from SWITSERLAND.He is a member of a group called SOTA(summits over the air)and talks to other climbers all over the world.Anyone else have any such encounters?

[Paul Webster]

Yes - I met someone from SOTA on Tinto. And somewhere else as well

[HighlandSC]

So what do these guys talk about?

[hillwalker02]

Just a minute till i take my anorak off folks and answer the question.Only joking!
I happen to do a bit of sota myself,we are all licensed radio amateurs and combine the love of the hills with our other hobby-ham radio.
There is more info on the official sota website;[url http://www.sota.org.uk]/These people involved are split into two groups,activators and chasers and work on a points basis for each contact made,generally the higher and more remote hills gain the highest points with extra points for winter activity.
The world is alerted through internet posts when a summit is reached which stir up interest from "chasers" or others on various summits enabling summit to summit contacts.
Sometimes there can be a high level of activity from people wanting to make contact,there is only enough time to exchange signal reports before moving on to the next contact.
I know there are a number of like minded souls like myself who are members on WH
Hope that opens the door to anyone interested.

Regards
Hillwalker02

[bob e skunky]

Another one spotted on Cruach Ardrain yesterday.....

[HighlandSC]

So it's basically a big game?

[BethAtTheHug]

Absolutely, isn't all a big game?... I have a ham-licence but haven't really been active for years. Seems like quite a grand idea, lug a radio, batteries, and an antenna up a hill and catch a few contacts whilst admiring the view.

[Red Peak]

Sounds like great fun ...

[bob e skunky]

Absolutely, isn't all a big game?... I have a ham-licence but haven't really been active for years. Seems like quite a grand idea, lug a radio, batteries, and an antenna up a hill and catch a few contacts whilst admiring the view.

I normally carry 3 VHF lightweight handies plus an extension microphone ( that gives me three frequencies to choose from and three batteries)and if you look at second photo on Cruach Ardrain, the dipole is attached to a walking pole which obviously is tied down.I have other home made lightweight antenna which roll up for storage ( Jpoles)....

no need for excessive weight...plus you would be surprised how far you can get..

Jack in the top photo, has more equipment as he also is working HF but battery technology today means that an average LiPo battery for a few hours work is under a 1lb in weight.

Any one interested ?...feel free to PM

Bobby GM7something