How to SPOT via APRS2SOTA with the Yaesu VX8-DR while activating a summit

[@kelley64]

Hi Jerry, I know this video is a couple of years old but still great information. I'm getting ready for the S2S madness on the 28th and just set up aprs2sota for my VX8. And hey it works without the GPS. No can track me, but the TNC works and it saves on the battery. If you're out on Saturday maybe we can do a Summit to Summit on 40M. 73, kf7zvl/Kelley

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hey Kelley I wish you the best of luck tomorrow for sure and I’ll be tied up at a funeral and won’t be on the air. APRS2SOTA is such a powerful tool for SOTA success.

[@landerosbaudelio6247]

Very interesting video, I plan on watching your other videos and thank you 73

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

+Landeros Baudelio much appreciate 👍🏻

[@tomgarcialmt]

Can you recommend an APRS 4 dummies video that will show me the basics of GPS and APRS use on the Yaesu? I want to track my motorcycle trip across continent and have folks follow and find me. Great SOTA videos. Thanks for all the hard work making them

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

My goal is to redo this video over the weekend if I can. I know the screen is glared out so I'm going to do it in my garage after the sun goes down and I'll dim the lights so it can be seen. APRS is actually pretty easy to use. Have you looked up my tracks on APRS.fi?

[@alvarogaitan2529]

very interesting video Jerry thanks very much 73 fro kb2uew

[@KentWilliams]

Jerry. Can you do a video on using the Ft2D for aprs2sota?

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Sure, I can do that! Maybe this weekend if I can work it into the schedule.

[@KentWilliams]

Looking forward to it

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Soon as I finish editing my Idaho video (which I’m doing now) I’m going to make this video.

[@KentWilliams]

@@KG6HQDJerrySOTA excellent. looking forward to the idaho video. my Ft2dr on backorder anyway sigh. which, of course, is all Josh's fault since he got everyone excited about this little HT.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Haha! Did you get an ETA on when it will be delivered

[@spldrong]

So does this count as 1 contact? So now you just need 3 more for the activation??

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

No, because the “contact” is made via a digipeater it wouldn’t count. Digital modes such as psk31 and the like are ok but it all has to be done without the assistance of a repeater but great question.

[@spldrong]

@@KG6HQDJerrySOTA thank you, you are a great source for SOTA info. I need to study up, the nearest peak for me is about 4 hours, so i don't want to make a dumb mistake!

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Glad to be able to help. Let me know if you have any other questions I can answer. The SOTA community is a very helpful and friendly bunch.

[@nunyabizznas]

What antenna are you using?

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

I have one of the diamond wire whips features in my gear video and once on the summit I’m using a roll up j-pole which works like a champ. I need to update this video for sure but had something come up this weekend bumping that project so hopefully by next weekend it will be revised.

[@qrpradiolistner7232]

Ciao Jerry, what antenna using? Model please. Thank's , Giuseppe.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Good morning from California. The antenna is the Comet NCG SMA 24 and can be found here: www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-001578