Equipment
2m QSOs
RIG: Yaesu FT-817ND
ANT: Spectrum Communications Slim-G
PWR: 5w via internal battery
Case: PowerPort WorldPouch for FT-817
HF QSOs
RIG: Yaesu FT-817ND
ANT: SOTABeams Quadband Dipole
MAST: Decathlon 6m travel pole
PWR: 5w via ZIPPY Compact 2100mAh 3S1P 30C LiFePo4 Pack
All power connections standardized using PowerPole connectors.
Other
Logging: Rite in the Rain 4x6 Notebook and STAEDTLER Noris HB Pencil
Rucksack: RUNATURE Molle Shoulder Bag
Camera: Panasonic TZ-70
Water: SAWYER PRODUCTS SP181 All-in-One Squeeze Filter
Footwear: Salomon X Ultra 3 Prime GTX
Safety
Mapping: Memory Map Android App
The squeeze filter is a recent purchase, and in theory means you don’t have to carry water if you know there will be running water on route. As it happens I didn’t use it this time out, but I’m sure it will contribute greatly to reduced rucksack weight on longer trecks!
Introduction
Holme Fell is a great little summit if you are limited on time. Today I was picking up some antenna cable and connectors from an amateur radio operator in Coniston - being a convenient connection to Nick in FARS who looks after the club stock. Brooke had some friends in a cricket match, Alex went for a run. It took longer to get there as our normal detour route via Kirkstone Pass and The Struggle was not possible as The Struggle had be closed for a triathlon event. So our escape from the traffic between Windermere & Ambleside wasn’t possible, and we ended up having to crawl in traffic from Troutbeck Bridge.
As it happens the weather was still pretty terrible whilst travelling, so the delay didn’t affect plans too much.
Garmin Tracking
I got distracted in conversation with a guy at the end of the walk who had strung a tight-rope across the tarn and was practising walking it when I set off. So the GarminTracking is a bit off. He was packing up and by his van when I got back. It reminded me a lot of amateur radio, in some senses, as he said it had taken him to some wonderful places and met some great people. Out in nature, concentrating on an activity.
Holme Fell
| WOTA ID: LDW-213 | Height: 317 m (1040 ft) |
|---|---|
| SOTA ID: G/LD-051 | Grid ref: NY315006 |
| HuMP ID: n/a | QTH Locator: IO84LJ |
| Book: The Southern Fells | Lat: 54.396114 Long: -3.055174 |
If you are cracking on the summit can be had in around 30 minutes from the parking spot next to Yew Tree Tarn. It is 225 metres ascent from the tarn, my heart rate peaked at 164 bpm.
The walk around the tarn is lovely, another summit where the initial ascent is through some lovely woods, and it isn’t very long before the 360 degree vista of the summit opens up around you.
Yew Tree Tarn, with tight rope just visible
Path through the woods
Summit Cairn Stones
Coniston Water
The Langdales
Activation
Setup for HF
Great to get Andrew G0LWU first in the log - he is the trainer at MBARS and was the last to activate Holme Fell, so a complete for both of us! Douggie was on hand for a second contact, then I couldn’t raise anyone else - would be interested if any WOTA chasers tried with no copy?
I was keen to activate for SOTA as well as WOTA, so the HF antenna was quickly erected and spots were easy with good 4G coverage. On 40m I accidently spotted slightly above the band and the FT-817ND wasn’t complaining - I’ve not really investigated whether this particular model, obtained 2nd-hand, has been widebanded, maybe it has?
Some signals were quite weak with me such as DG1NAM and G1NPM but with judicious use of the ample audio volume available I was able to copy callsigns and signal reports. Just one contact on 20 metres but by this time I knew I was pushing my luck and needed to get going.
| Time | Call | Band | Freq | Mode | TX | RX | QTH | Country | Operator Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1405 | G0LWU | 2m | 145.575 | FM | 59 | 59 | Morecambe | England | Andrew Charles Scarr |
| 1407 | G7CDA | 2m | 145.575 | FM | 59 | 59 | Near Preston | England | Douggie G7CDA |
| 1422 | GI0AZA | 80m | 3.721 | SSB | 59 | 55 | Dungiven, Co Londonderry | Northern Ireland | Esther JM Harper |
| 1424 | G4OOE | 80m | 3.721 | SSB | 59 | 55 | SCARBOROUGH, North Yorkshire, | England | A.R.N. (Nick) LANGMEAD |
| 1426 | G1NPM | 80m | 3.721 | SSB | 41 | 44 | KENT CT10 1QF | England | GP BATCHELOR |
| 1427 | M0JLA | 80m | 3.721 | SSB | 58 | 44 | Hereford City | England | Rod M0JLA |
| 1428 | DG1NAM | 80m | 3.721 | SSB | 41 | 44 | Germany | ||
| 1435 | M0AAP | 40m | 7.195 | SSB | 59 | 43 | Thatcham | England | Ian Parker |
| 1437 | EA2DT | 40m | 7.195 | SSB | 41 | 41 | 31080 - Pamplona - Navarra | Spain | Manuel |
| 1438 | G0HIO | 40m | 7.195 | SSB | 58 | 42 | Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire | England | Michael Warrington |
| 1442 | EA1DHB | 20m | 14.315 | SSB | 57 | 55 | Villarcayo - Burgos | Spain | Ricardo Pena |
Having remembered my Panasonic TZ-70 I took the opportunity to zoom in on a few summits that were clearly visible.
Helvellyn Trig Point and Summit Shelter
Fairfield Horseshoe Walkers
Local Flora
Couple Enjoying the Vista
Big Rock!
It was good to be out again!
