What do you think of the 1.25m band? Last night, I had a 13-mile FM simplex QSO on 223.500MHz. I was testing out a new-to-me monoband HT. I like to use 1.25m for POTA & SOTA during the VHF contests when there’s activity. I wish it were more active and there were more options for radios though.

We lost power briefly so I figured it was an opportunity to check into #WinlinkWednesday and show Ben (W2BMK) and Jake how it works—without power and internet. Power was restored as we got started but the kids though it was cool. Jake even sent his mom an email.

Happy Thanksgiving! W2BMK & I did a #POTA activation (K-6532). We did it last year, so I guess this is becoming a tradition. I’m thankful for the amature radio hobby and being able to enjoy it with my son.

Happy 2-year Hamiversary to me! I celebrated with a hike-in #POTA activation at Harriet Hollister Spencer State Park (K-8623) in WNY, almost 2,000 feet up. 10w SSB on 40m with a new-to-me ICOM 705 and AlexLoop antenna. Only a dozen in the log but this view👌💯

I just got Winlink running on my friend’s ICOM 705. I’m borrowing it and having fun seeing all this radio can do. I sent & received my first VHF packet emails, as well as checked into #WinlinkWednesday.

More QRP #POTA in the snow after work. This time at Rush Oak Openings (K-5283) in WNY. I paired the ICOM 705 with the WRC 213” whip on a triple mag mount. Running 10w, I got 17 contacts on 20m SSB in 20 minutes. I’m happy with that performance. I didn’t have much time, but it was a fun test. So far the radio is working well with all the antennas I keep trying with it.

QRP and snow! I did a #POTA activation at K-6532 in WNY with a friend’s ICOM 705. I started with my homemade 17m speaker wire dipole and then the KM4ACK EFHW for more SSB contacts on 40m, 20m and 10m. I’m having fun trying different antennas and modes with this rig.

Trying out the air band on my buddy’s ICOM 705 while having a bevvy & watching a game