The M1HAX Amateur Radio Station

This page describes my amateur radio station and the equipment I use for SOTA activations, portable radio operating, and the occasional session from my home QTH. If you recently worked me operating portable from a hilltop I would have been using some of the equipment described below.

HF Transceivers

Elecraft KX2 — My main portable HF rig. This 10W transceiver covers 80–10 metres with all modes and has a built-in antenna tuner and battery. It has a great receiver, is very lightweight, and well suited for SOTA activations.

QRP Labs QMX — I have several of these excellent 5W multi-mode HF transceivers. They’re incredibly compact and affordable, making them ideal for lightweight activations, overseas travel, or as backup rigs. This is my rig of choice when pack size or weight are the highest priority for portable operating.

Yaesu FT-710 AESS — A 100W SDR transceiver covering HF, 6m and 4m. One of my newest additions to the fleet, this is used as my home station rig and occasionally comes out for portable operations when I have easy access to a summit. At my home location I have a solar powered radio shack based around a SunForge GENASUN charge controller and 12V power system.

VHF/UHF Transceivers

Yaesu FTM-100D — A 50W dual-band (2m/70cm) mobile transceiver. I use this for FM SOTA activations where small antenna systems are preferable or time is at a premium. Historically this was my main rig for Summits on the Air activities, before I bought my Elecraft KX2 radio in 2023.

Yaesu VX-6 — A 5W handheld covering 2m and 70cm. The metal construction makes for a very rugged, compact, and waterproof radio. It’s usually in my bag as my backup radio but is also useful for backpacking where recharging via USB solar panel is desirable.

Antennas

I use a variety of commercial and homebrew antennas depending on the activation:

  • Resonant wire dipoles — Homebrew antennas cut for specific bands, lightweight and effective.
  • SOTABeams linked dipoles — Multi-band dipoles with links to change resonance, great for portable use.
  • Spectrum Communications Slim-G — A compact VHF antenna that rolls up for easy transport.
  • Diamond Antenna HT range — Various handheld antennas for 2m/70cm work.
  • DX Commander — A multi-band vertical system for more serious portable or home station use.
  • UK Antennas EFHW — End-fed half-wave antennas covering multiple bands with a single wire.

Power

For portable operations, I rely on:

  • PD-capable USB power banks — Modern high-capacity banks that can power the KX2 and QMX rigs at 12/15V.
  • 4S LiFePO4 batteries — Ranging up to 8400mAh for longer activations or higher power operating.

Hopefully you have found this page informative, particularly if you have recently worked me in a radio contact!

73,
Richard M1HAX