NM US-2701 Hyde Memorial State Park

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First activation of the new year, and it took two attempts to get NM US-2701 Hyde Memorial State Park activation in the books.  No internet or cell service, and valleys and deep canyons make this park a challenge to activate QRP.   I chose 17M for both attempts.  I could hear many stations on 17M and 20M but 17 was less crowded on both days.

During the first outing, I used a ground mounted vertical  (MP1c Super antenna) and only got 1 QSO (from KS) over the course of an hour.   I checked RBN when I got back to our lodging and confirmed my KX3 was definitely getting out.  However most of my RBN spots were < 20db and many were less than 10db SNR.

Not accepting defeat, today I went back for a second try the next day and set up in the same location, at the same time of day.   But time I scheduled the activation on the POTA spotting page before I headed out,  and switched to to an EFHW up about 15th in an inverted V configuration.    

Both activations were via CW using 15W from my KX3.  I think the NVIS properties of the EFHW antenna helped, but definitely spotting myself head of time made all the difference.   The RBN footprint from both antennas was similar, but the SNR was much higher on the EFHW.   

If the hunters can’t hear you they can’t work you!  Thank you hunters!

73,  Chris de WX7V


















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