Working SOTA stations

I have one of the rigs on S20 most of the time I'm in the shack listening for local FM contacts. Occasionally I hear operators calling CQ SOTA. I try to always reply to them as they have taken the time to climb up to the top of a high point. It must be really disappointing when nobody replies back to them so I encourage everybody who hears a CQ SOTA to please reply.

I was just speaking with Tom M1EYP stood upon SP15 "The Cloud" near Bosley, Macclesfield. He wanted other operators to also try reponding to him on 6m SSB. I of course am fully equipped for most bands and was able to just pick him out of the noise. He gave me a 59 response he was only 41 to 51.
On 2m FM he was 59 end stop.

I also send eQSL cards out too so they have proof of the 2 way contact should they need it for an activation. Tom was no exception and an eQSL is on its way.

Diamond V-2000 triband vertical review - a replacement for an older Diamond X-50 dual bander

My old Diamond X-50

The new Diamond V-2000 in situ
The 6m inverted V is pointing
east to Europe

Diamond X-50

As mentioned in a previous post my dual band colinear had suddenly gone deaf. When taken down it was found to be a Diamond X-50. I had totally forgotten what make or manufacturer it was. It was still in excellent condition when it was brought down from its home for the last 15 years atop an 8 foot long pole.

I investigated it and found that the PL259 had a slight amount of corrosion despite it being wrapped in self amalgamating tape and in turn being inside the lower pipe of the antenna.

Diamond V-2000 triband vertical antenna

I received the new antenna and assembled it. This one now has two set screws holding the support pipe to the base of the antenna so Diamond have listened to the criticism on internet forums about the the previous 1 set screw fixing. Now it is really strong and gives you confidence.