US-1788 POTA & W0M/SF-001 SOTA — Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Yesterday was one of those activations that reminds you why QRP is addictive.
I activated US-1788 for Parks on the Air and W0M/SF-001 for Summits on the Air from Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, running my Elecraft KX2 at 10 watts QRP into a very compromised AX2 antenna.
No tower.
No beam.
No perfect ground.
Just wire, watts, and willpower.
The Location
Taum Sauk Mountain is Missouri’s highest elevation, topping out at 1,772 feet. It’s not a massive alpine peak, but don’t let that fool you—this place has a commanding RF presence. The terrain drops away in multiple directions, and when conditions line up, even a modest QRP station can punch well above its weight.
The Setup (a.k.a. “Make It Work”)
Radio: Elecraft KX2
Power: 10 watts QRP
Antenna: AX2 (compromised, portable reality version)
Mode: SSB Phone
Activation: Dual POTA + SOTA
This was not a textbook antenna deployment. It was a real-world portable setup—shortened radiator, limited counterpoise, and whatever nature allowed at the summit. Exactly the kind of situation QRPers live for.
The Magic Moment
Then it happened.
A QSO into France.
From the highest point in Missouri.
At 10 watts.
On a compromised antenna.
That’s the moment you stop worrying about gear limitations and remember that propagation doesn’t read spec sheets.
Why This Matters
This activation was a perfect reminder that:
Location matters more than power
QRP rewards patience, timing, and skill
Portable radio is about doing more with less
You don’t need 100 watts and aluminum in the sky to work DX. You need awareness, discipline, and the willingness to get outside and activate.
Final Thoughts
Taum Sauk delivered.
POTA and SOTA delivered.
QRP delivered—again.
If you’re on the fence about QRP or think your portable antenna setup isn’t “good enough,” stop overthinking it. Get on the air. Let the bands decide.
See you from the next summit or park.
— KD9ZAB
10 watts. One mountain. One transatlantic QSO. That’s a good day on the air.