It turns out we had a bit of spare time after installing the APRS digi and reactivating ZL1/HB-130 Threeve. So with Dave ZL2DW on board (who has access to commercial sites) we thought we would give Mt Erin a quick activation. This one is a drive up but requires permission from an authorised technician. As you can see from the photos it was a warm one out so sunshade was essential.
This is the site of FM broadcast and Television for Hawkes Bay so expect a bit of site noise. Luckily for us it wasn’t too bad – especially now the analogue TV transmitters have been switched off. Even so with conditions low contacts were hard going. A VHF contact to Ray ZL2RB then 7 MHz added John,Jackie and Phil. I switched up to 14 MHz but only managed one further contact to VK4TJ. Attempts to contact Gerard who was also on a summit on 14, 18 and 21 MHz were unsuccessful.
After attempts for further contacts seemingly futile and my time running out it was a quick packup and back down we went.
Details
Summit – ZL1/HB-116 – Mount Erin
Height –490 m (some older maps show 489 m)
Access – From 993 Middle Rd, follow the 4wd track to the summit
Nominal time to summit – About 30 – 45 minutes from Hastings
Mobile and internet coverage from the summit – Patchy – ok if you stand in the right place.
Repeater coverage – 670 and 725 are easily accessible from the summit.
Summit Marker – Trig + radio tower.
Land Access Permission – Required from Kordia approved contractor or farmer.
