Activation Date: 29 November 2017
Transport: Drive-Up	Distance: N/A
Elev. gain: N/A	Time: 5 minutes
Rig(s): LNR Precision MTR-3B	Band(s): 30m CW
Antenna(s): End-fed half-wave
Cell Service: None
Parking: Side of Empire Grade
Trailhead: N/A
Fees/Permits: None
Route: N/A
Dogs: N/A	Toilet: No

I was over in Santa Cruz for work, so decided to make a “quick” detour on the way back over the hill so I could activate this summit. I’ve had my eye on it for a while, so I posted an alert on SOTAWatch and squeezed in some time to do it. The detour isn’t actually very “quick,” but it’s within reason.

Getting There

This is a simple drive to the high area of Empire Grade. I used Google Maps on my phone (I have offline maps downloaded). Having read previous reports, I figured I’d try accessing the CDF training area if it looked like someone was around to grant access. Otherwise, I’d continue on and try the pullout just down the road.  I wanted to try and save as much time as possible.

Not seeing the CDF gate open, and not seeing anyone around, I continued on to the pullout.  There were plenty of trees around, so I decided to stay here and operate.

Operation

I threw my antenna wire over a tree near my car, then walked it out a short distance from there. I think this is about as close as I’ve ever been to my vehicle for an activation. Definitely my lower limit for qualifying as a SOTA activation. I strapped my pole to the fence, to keep the antenna wire a bit higher before coming down to the radio. I set up the radio on the ground, and realized I wouldn’t be able to sit without getting my nice clothes dirty. So I crouched to operate.

My phone tried getting service, and even reported it had basic (voice/text) service once or twice, but it wouldn’t do anything with it.  Knowing this in advance from other’s reports, I had posted an alert and would be relying on RBNHole to spot me.

This was my first time using the new Amazon Basics case and “Zippy” LiPo battery on a summit. They did exceptionally well!

Getting on the air, I decided to start with 30 meters (perhaps only operating this band if enough QSOs). I dialed in the antenna, and immediately noticed a fair amount of noise, perhaps from the telecom lines immediately adjacent to my antenna, or something having to do with the nearby antenna tower.  It was a pulsing noise, approximately 10-15 times a second. Not having a lot of time, I decided to just start calling.

It took a few minutes of calling CQ, and I was in business. The signals were definitely weak for the most part, with the exception of one or two. I think the AGC on the Mountain Topper was adjusted to the local noise.  Nonetheless, I was able to pull stations out.  And everyone did a great job being orderly and patient with my developing CW skills!

I operated for about 20 minutes. Nobody else seemed to be answering on 30 meters, and I needed to get back to work, so I packed it up.

Thanks to all the chasers!

Activation Log

Time	Call	Band	Mode
22:34z	AB6SO	10MHz	CW
22:34z	KR7RK	10MHz	CW
22:36z	W7RV	10MHz	CW
22:37z	W0MNA	10MHz	CW
22:38z	AA7DK	10MHz	CW
22:40z	W0ERI	10MHz	CW
22:41z	W7CNL	10MHz	CW
22:42z	AE9F	10MHz	CW
22:45z	NQ7R	10MHz	CW
22:47z	NU7A	10MHz	CW