Antennas and other hardware for a simple iGate base station…

[BMDaug]

Hello, as I get closer to operating my manpack, I’m looking at iGate locations near me and wondering if I should just set one up. There aren’t any in the valley here. The closest one is over a mountain. I’d like to provide the valley with solid coverage and I’m looking for a good antenna and suggestions for a simple hardware setup.

Right now, I’m looking at the Microsat WX3in1 Plus 2.0 to use in conjunction with a simple VHF radio tbd. Other hardware recommendations are most welcomed and I definitely need a good antenna!

Thanks everyone,
Brian

 

[mmckenna]

How big is the valley you are in?
If you are in the bottom of a small valley, high gain base antennas usually are not required.

As for VHF radios, there's a lot of good options. I know several people that are running old Motorola GM-300's and similar radios. Dirt cheap, easy to program and if you keep the RF power low, will run forever.

 

[BMDaug]

How big is the valley you are in?
If you are in the bottom of a small valley, high gain base antennas usually are not required.

As for VHF radios, there's a lot of good options. I know several people that are running old Motorola GM-300's and similar radios. Dirt cheap, easy to program and if you keep the RF power low, will run forever.

It’s the Arkansas river valley, Buena Vista, Colorado to be exact. I want people to be able to reach the iGate when hiking in the mountains above as well as throughout the valley. I’d say the valley is about five miles wide, with the mountains sloping up from there. I’m at 7800ft and the peaks to the east are 10500. The peaks to the west are all 14000… The closest iGate is over a 10000 foot ridge and then over a second 10500 foot ridge to the east.

 

[mmckenna]

A basic low gain antenna will probably do everything you need and save you some money.

I passed through that area many years ago. Absolutely stunning. Really enjoyed my time in Colorado.

 

[BMDaug]

A basic low gain antenna will probably do everything you need and save you some money.

I passed through that area many years ago. Absolutely stunning. Really enjoyed my time in Colorado.

Ya it’s great! I just moved up here October 2021 and being up here has really gotten me back into amateur radio. Between monitoring the Colorado DTRS, the awesome sky hub link repeater system, and the amazing terrain, there’s so much to do! I can SOTA, and have the opportunity to help with SAR, ARES, RACES, etc. I want to get back into HF too but I need a place of my own to mess with antennas and stuff… working on that this summer!

-B